Description
Festive christmas tree cupcakes bring holiday cheer to dessert tables with whimsical charm. Green buttercream frosting and sprinkle decorations create a delightful treat that will delight guests at seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
Frosting and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Green gel food coloring
Decorative Ingredients:
- Red cupcake liners
- Yellow sugar stars
- Candy balls
- Box mix required ingredients
Instructions
- Bake cupcakes according to box instructions, ensuring even golden-brown tops and consistent texture.
- Using an electric mixer, blend shortening and butter until smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base.
- Slowly incorporate powdered sugar into the mixture, mixing thoroughly to prevent lumps.
- Enhance flavor by adding vanilla extract and milk, stirring until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Transform the white frosting into a festive green by gradually adding green food coloring, mixing until achieving a uniform forest green shade.
- Fit a piping bag with a triangular tip and carefully pipe frosting in an upward spiral motion, mimicking a Christmas tree shape on each cupcake.
- Create texture by gently pressing the piping tip to form branches and layers, giving depth to the tree design.
- Decorate the “tree” with small round candy balls in various colors, strategically placing them to resemble ornaments.
- Optional: Dust lightly with edible sparkle dust or white powdered sugar to simulate a snow-covered effect.
Notes
- Swap box mix for homemade vanilla cupcakes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant green without thinning frosting consistency.
- Experiment with different piping tips to create unique tree shapes and textures.
- Consider gluten-free or vegan alternatives for flour and butter to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg