Red Velvet Tree Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.
2. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Remove a portion of the frosting and tint it green with food coloring for the tree decoration. Leave the rest white for layering.

Step 6: Assemble the Tree Cake

1. Shape the Cake:
   • Using a sharp knife, cut each round cake into a triangle (tree shape). Save the scraps for a snack or crumble them for decoration.
   • Place one triangle on a serving platter as the base layer.
2. Frost the Layers:
   • Spread an even layer of white cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer.
   • Add the second triangle on top and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs). Chill the cake for 30 minutes.
3. Decorate the Tree:
   • Frost the entire cake with the green-tinted frosting, smoothing it to resemble a tree.
   • Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to add texture and branches.

Step 7: Add Festive Decorations

1. Sprinkle star-shaped decorations and edible glitter across the tree.
2. Attach sugar pearls or mini candy canes to mimic ornaments.
3. Add a golden star or edible topper to the tip of the tree.

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy holiday dessert experience.

Tips for Succes

• Cake Crumbs: Use leftover cake scraps to make red velvet cake pops or sprinkle them over ice cream.
• Stability: Chill the cake between frosting layers to make decorating easier.
• Tree Variation: Create multiple smaller trees by using a stencil and cutting smaller triangles from the baked cakes.

Conclusion

The Red Velvet Tree Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a holiday masterpiece. Perfect for family gatherings or festive parties, this cake combines delicious flavor with stunning visuals. Take your time with the decorations, and you’ll create a centerpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Let the holiday baking magic begin!