Description
A festive and charming Christmas Tree Cake featuring a moist vanilla cake layered and decorated with creamy vanilla buttercream. The cake is adorned with delicate green frosting piped into Christmas tree shapes, using ice cream cones as the base to create a magical winter wonderland centerpiece perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour (213g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (1g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (3g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1g, heaping, optional)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (176g, room temperature)
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120g)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15mL)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120mL)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, optional (2.5mL)
For the Buttercream Frosting and Decoration:
- 1.5 lb confectioners sugar (680g)
- 1 lb unsalted butter (454g)
- 1-2 tbsp heavy whipping cream (If needed for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
- 5 drops green food coloring (for the trees)
- 12 ice cream cones (used as base for Christmas trees)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Separately, cream the room temperature unsalted butter until fluffy, then gradually add egg whites, sour cream, vanilla extract, whole milk, and peppermint extract (if using), mixing until smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed to form a smooth batter without over-mixing to maintain cake tenderness.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the baking pan or pans appropriately. Pour the batter evenly into pans and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually sift in the confectioners sugar while mixing on low speed. Add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Color the Frosting: Divide a portion of the buttercream into a separate bowl and add 5 drops of green food coloring. Mix thoroughly to create vibrant green frosting for the Christmas tree decorations.
- Assemble and Decorate: Cut the cooled cake into layers and spread a layer of vanilla buttercream between each. Ice the assembled cake with the remaining white buttercream. Use the green frosting to pipe Christmas tree shapes around the cake perched on the 12 ice cream cones, creating the appearance of decorated trees surrounding the cake. Pipe creatively to mimic tree branches and texture.
- Final Touches: Chill the decorated cake slightly to set the frosting before serving. Slice into 8 generous portions and enjoy this festive holiday treat!
Notes
- This cake uses ice cream cones as stands for frosting piped Christmas trees, adding a fun visual twist to your holiday dessert table.
- The peppermint extract is optional but gives a subtle festive flavor complementing the vanilla.
- If the buttercream is too stiff, add heavy whipping cream incrementally to loosen it up for easier piping.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
