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–+ servings

Red Velvet 3D Christmas Tree

A stunning and festive Red Velvet 3D Christmas Tree cake that's a visual delight and a rich, delicious treat for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 12 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup canola or avocado oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional)
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk Make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tbsp of vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
  • 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar

For the Whipped Vanilla Buttercream

  • 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
  • 5 to 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons milk Adjust based on the desired thickness.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk until well mixed.
  • In another bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
  • Add the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring (if using) into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
  • In a separate measuring cup, mix the buttermilk with the vinegar. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar blend, alternating with the flour mixture.

Baking

  • Divide the batter into greased cake pans or use a 3D Christmas tree mold.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Making the Whipped Vanilla Buttercream

  • Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar.
  • Add the vanilla extract and milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Assembling the Tree

  • Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops if necessary and stack the cakes starting with the largest base.
  • Spread a layer of buttercream between each cake, then cover the entire tree with the remaining buttercream.
  • Decorate with festive sprinkles or fondant decorations.

Notes

For a spiced version, add 1 tsp of cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of nutmeg to the batter. This cake can also be adapted for cupcakes; just reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30g
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