Description
A stunning red velvet cake shaped like a Christmas tree, layered with tangy cream cheese frosting and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temp)
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- 2 tbsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar; mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into three 8-inch round pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely and level the domes of each cake layer.
- Spread a thin crumb coat of cream cheese frosting on each layer and chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Pipe or spread the remaining frosting to mimic tree branches and decorate as desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for better blending. Chill the frosting between steps for improved stability.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg