Red Velvet Tree Cake
Red Velvet Tree Cake: A Festive Twist on the Classic Dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tbsp (30ml) red food coloring
1 tsp white vinegar
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
Edible silver and red baubles
Small edible glitter stars
White chocolate shavings
A star-shaped topper
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line multiple round cake pans of decreasing sizes (e.g., 9-inch, 7-inch, 5-inch, and 3-inch pans).
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and well combined.
Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
Bake each layer for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake:
Place the largest cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
Stack the next largest cake layer on top and repeat with the frosting. Continue until all the layers are stacked.
Trim the edges if necessary to create a conical tree shape.
Decorate:
Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe swirls of frosting around the cake.
Decorate with edible baubles and glitter stars.
Sprinkle white chocolate shavings for a snowy effect.
Top with the star-shaped topper.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and enjoy the festive layers of red velvet and cream cheese frosting!