Red Velvet Tree Cake Recipe

Looking for a showstopper dessert that will impress at any celebration? Meet the Red Velvet Tree Cake! Imagine layers of rich, vibrant red velvet cake stacked high into a beautiful tree shape, topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting, and decorated with festive touches. It’s the perfect mix of elegance and sweetness, with a touch of holiday magic. Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, or just because you want to add some wow factor to your dessert spread, this cake will steal the show every time. Trust me, once you cut into it, everyone will be in awe of this delightful creation!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Tree Cake

There’s something about the striking red color and the soft, velvety texture that makes this cake extra special. Here’s why this cake will become your new favorite:

Stunning Presentation

This cake is not just delicious; it’s a work of art! With its towering layers shaped into a tree, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any holiday spread or special occasion. The contrast between the deep red cake and the white cream cheese frosting is a visual delight.

Perfectly Moist and Flavorful

The red velvet cake is a moist, soft, and slightly tangy treat that pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly sweet frosting. It’s a flavor combination that’s both comforting and decadent.

Versatile Decoration

The beauty of this cake lies in how customizable it is. You can decorate it with edible glitter, sprinkles, or even little edible ornaments to match the occasion. The options are endless, and you can really get creative with it!

Fun to Make

While this cake might look fancy, it’s actually surprisingly easy to put together. You’ll have fun building the layers, spreading the frosting, and adding all the fun finishing touches.

A Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re serving it at a party or a family dinner, everyone loves a slice of red velvet cake. It’s one of those desserts that pleases both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s so pretty that no one will be able to resist!

Ingredients

This Red Velvet Tree Cake is made from a simple yet decadent combination of ingredients that work together to create a rich, fluffy cake with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Let’s break it down:

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the cake, giving it structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the slight tang of the buttermilk.
• Cocoa Powder: Just a hint of cocoa gives the red velvet its characteristic flavor and color.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These will help your cake rise to perfection.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Buttermilk: The secret to the soft, moist crumb and that signature tangy taste.
• Vegetable Oil: For moisture and a tender texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cake its vibrant red color. Make sure to use gel food coloring for the best effect.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy base of the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: For flavor balance.
• Heavy Cream: For that perfect, smooth texture that holds the frosting together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Making this Red Velvet Tree Cake is easier than it looks! Follow these steps to create your masterpiece:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. For a fun twist, you can also line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little bit of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Tree Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, carefully level the tops with a serrated knife if needed. Stack the cakes, spreading a generous amount of cream cheese frosting between each layer. Once all the layers are stacked, spread the frosting generously over the top and sides of the entire cake.

Step 6: Shape the Cake into a Tree

To create the tree shape, gently carve the edges of the stacked cake into a cone shape. You can use a sharp knife to trim the edges, making it narrower at the top and wider at the bottom.

Step 7: Decorate the Cake

Now for the fun part—decorating! You can cover the tree with more frosting for a snowy look, or use a piping bag to create decorative swirls. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or small edible decorations to make your tree come to life.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your cake is decorated, slice it up and enjoy the delicious layers of red velvet and cream cheese frosting. It’s sure to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 280mg
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 41g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooling time)

How to Serve Red Velvet Tree Cake

This cake is perfect for any occasion, especially around the holidays. Here are a few ideas for serving:

Holiday Parties

This cake is guaranteed to be the star of any party, especially if you’re hosting a Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebration. Serve it on a decorative platter with some extra festive touches like cinnamon sticks or holly sprigs for a truly festive vibe.

Family Gatherings

Bring this cake to your next family dinner or gathering. It’s not only delicious but will also make a memorable impression on everyone around the table. Everyone will appreciate the effort and love you put into making it.

Special Occasions

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a special “just because” treat, this Red Velvet Tree Cake is perfect for any special occasion. It adds a personal, homemade touch to celebrations and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

If you’re short on time, you can bake the cakes a day or two ahead. Just store the layers in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost and decorate the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

Customize Your Frosting

For an extra twist, you can add a splash of almond extract or a dash of cinnamon to the frosting. You could even fold in some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Create a Mini Version

If you don’t need a giant cake, consider making a smaller version using two smaller cake pans. You can still shape it into a tree and decorate it for a fun twist on the original.

Freeze the Cake

This cake freezes well! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze the layers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different frosting for this cake?

A1: Yes! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use buttercream or whipped cream frosting if you prefer. Just make sure to use a frosting that holds up well when decorating.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works as a 1:1 replacement.

Q3: Can I make this cake dairy-free?

A3: Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for the frosting.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will still be delicious, though it may dry out slightly after a day or two.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?

A5: Yes! You can freeze the baked cake layers (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Allow the layers to cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw them in the fridge before frosting.

Q6: How can I make this cake more festive?

A6: Add edible glitter, sprinkles, or even small edible ornaments to make it extra fun for the holidays. You can also pipe frosting into fun shapes or designs.

Q7: Can I make a mini Red Velvet Tree Cake?

A7: Yes! You can make a smaller version using smaller cake pans. It’s a fun way to create individual cakes for parties or as a cute gift.

Q8: How do I get the perfect red color?

A8: Use gel food coloring for the best red hue. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach the vibrant color you want.

Q9: How do I make sure the cake doesn’t dry out?

A9: Be sure not to overbake the cake. Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean, but the cake should still be moist.

Q10: Can I make this cake in advance?

A10: Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days before frosting and decorating.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Tree Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself! With its rich, velvety cake, creamy frosting, and festive presentation, it’s sure to be the highlight of any occasion. Whether it’s for a holiday party, a birthday, or just a sweet treat, this cake will wow your guests and leave everyone coming back for more. So go ahead—bring the holiday cheer to your table with this stunning, delicious tree cake!

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