Description
Classic holiday tree cake combines festive layers of green-tinted sponge with peppermint buttercream. Decorative pine-shaped design and white chocolate garnish make this dessert a cheerful centerpiece for winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Frosting and Decorations:
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) salted butter (3 sticks), room temperature
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) powdered sugar (6 cups)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Forest green gel food coloring
- Blue gel food coloring (optional)
- 5 brown mini candy-coated chocolates
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
- 30 yellow mini candy-coated chocolates
- 40 red mini candy-coated chocolates
- 1 (6-inch) piece red sour candy belt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface by coating an 18×13-inch half-sheet pan with non-stick spray at 350°F oven temperature.
- Combine dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Create a smooth batter by whisking sugar and eggs until foamy, then incorporate oil and vanilla extract. Gradually blend flour mixture and buttermilk, gently folding in colorful sprinkles for festive texture.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan, baking for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown. Allow cake to cool completely for at least one hour at room temperature.
- Craft frosting by whipping butter until light and airy, then gradually integrating powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Apply base frosting evenly across cake surface. Utilize green frosting to construct a detailed tree design, strategically placing candy decorations to enhance the holiday-themed aesthetic.
Notes
- Customize the cake’s flavor by swapping vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cake texture.
- Fold sprinkles gently into the batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain their vibrant appearance.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for equally delicious results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 61 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg