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Red Velvet Tree Cake

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This Red Velvet Tree Cake is a stunning holiday dessert, combining rich red velvet cake layers with creamy frosting and festive decorations. It’s perfect for your Christmas or New Year’s celebration!

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Cake:

    • 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake.
    • 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
    • 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
    • 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
    • 1 tsp cocoa powder – Adds depth to the flavor.
    • 1½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
    • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature – Adds tang and moisture.
    • 2 large eggs, at room temperature – Bind the ingredients together.
    • 2 tbsp (30ml) red food coloring – Gives the cake its signature vibrant red color.
    • 1 tsp white vinegar – Enhances the color and texture.
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a rich vanilla flavor.

    For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened – The creamy base for the frosting.
    • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and smoothness.
    • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the frosting’s flavor.

    For Decoration:

    • Edible silver and red baubles – For a festive, elegant touch.
    • Small edible glitter stars – To add sparkle and glamour.
    • White chocolate shavings – Creates a snowy, wintery look.
    • A star-shaped topper – To crown the tree cake.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

  1. 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).
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Cakes:

  1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  2. Bake each layer for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. 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:

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place the largest cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
  2. Stack the next largest cake layer on top and repeat with the frosting. Continue until all the layers are stacked.
  3. Trim the edges if necessary to create a conical tree shape.

Decorate:

  1. Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe swirls of frosting around the cake.
  2. Decorate with edible baubles and glitter stars.
  3. Sprinkle white chocolate shavings for a snowy effect.
  4. Top with the star-shaped topper.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Slice the cake and enjoy the festive layers of red velvet and cream cheese frosting!

Notes

  • The cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped to keep them fresh.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar to taste.
  • Decorate the cake just before serving for the best presentation.

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