Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate holiday baking project! This Ultimate Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake is a stunning centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make. Layers of moist red velvet cake are stacked and carved into a festive tree shape, then covered in a smooth cream cheese frosting. For more decadent dessert ideas, try this Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe or this classic German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a stunning red velvet tree cake that promises a moist, tender crumb and a classic tangy cream cheese flavor.

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup canola or avocado oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional)
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar

For Cream Cheese Frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4-5 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Timing

Prep Time	45 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 20 minutes

Context: This Red Velvet Tree Cake recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to streamlined steps for the iconic layers and frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your Red Velvet Tree Cake layers release cleanly and bake evenly.

Step 2 — Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sifting the cocoa and flour helps create a super fine, tender crumb for your cake.

Step 3 — Combine Wet Ingredients and Color

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar with ½ cup of unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. Finally, add 1-2 ounces of red food coloring until the batter is a deep, vibrant red.

Step 4 — Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Bake

With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5 — Cool and Level the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops of each layer so they stack neatly for your tree shape.

Step 6 — Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and spreadable. Chill for 15 minutes if it seems too soft.

Step 7 — Assemble and Carve the Tree Shape

Place the largest cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then stack the next largest layer, repeating until all three are stacked. Use a sharp knife to carve the stacked cake into a tapered Christmas tree shape. A simple template can help guide your cuts.

Step 8 — Crumb Coat and Final Frost

Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire carved cake to seal in crumbs. Chill for 20 minutes to set. Then, apply a thick, final layer of cream cheese frosting, using a spatula or bench scraper to create smooth sides and textured “bark” on your Red Velvet Tree Cake.

Step 9 — Decorate and Serve

Decorate your festive cake with edible ornaments like sprinkles, candy pearls, or a dusting of powdered sugar “snow.” For the tree trunk, you can add a pirouette cookie or a piece of chocolate bark. Slice and serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Red Velvet Tree Cake Nutrition

Calories	~380 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~55 g
Fat	~17 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~280 mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Red Velvet Tree Cake are estimates per serving based on typical ingredients and portion size. Actual values may vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This stunning Red Velvet Tree Cake can be adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing its signature taste and texture. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to consider.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace a quarter of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of unflavored whey or pea protein isolate. This adds a nutty depth and boosts the cake’s protein content, making it more satisfying.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap granulated sugar for a monk fruit-erythritol blend. This alternative bakes similarly to sugar and provides the necessary sweetness for your Red Velvet Tree Cake while significantly reducing the net carbs.
• Dairy-Free Buttermilk — Combine unsweetened almond or oat milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Let it curdle for 5 minutes to create a perfect plant-based buttermilk for that classic tangy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular flour. For best results with this Red Velvet Tree Cake, choose a blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the structure of gluten.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit added salt in the batter and use unsalted butter or a salt-free margarine. The cream cheese frosting will still provide plenty of flavor, making this a great choice for sodium-conscious diets.
• Oil Substitute — Replace vegetable oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe avocado. This reduces fat content and adds moisture, though the avocado will create a denser, richer crumb.
• Natural Food Coloring — Instead of artificial red dye, use beetroot powder or pureed cooked beets. This gives a vibrant, natural hue to your Red Velvet Tree Cake and adds a subtle earthy note.
• Lighter Frosting — For the cream cheese frosting, blend low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese with Greek yogurt (or a coconut yogurt alternative) and a sugar substitute. It creates a tangy, protein-rich frosting that’s less heavy.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair slices with a dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the rich cocoa flavor.
• For a festive touch, decorate the Red Velvet Tree Cake with edible gold leaf, silver dragees, or a light dusting of powdered sugar “snow.”
• Serve as a stunning centerpiece for holiday dinners, Christmas parties, or winter birthday celebrations.
• Complement the cake with a hot beverage like coffee, hot chocolate, or a chai latte to enhance the warm, spiced notes.
• For a beautiful presentation, plate each slice on a simple white or dark ceramic plate to make the vibrant red color pop.
• Offer a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to add a tart contrast to the sweet cream cheese frosting.

This Red Velvet Tree Cake is versatile enough for both casual gatherings and elegant affairs. Its dramatic shape and iconic color make it a conversation starter, ensuring your dessert table is unforgettable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using too much cocoa powder, which muddles the signature flavor and color. Fix: Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of Dutch-processed cocoa for a balanced, vibrant red.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter after adding flour, leading to a tough, dense cake. Fix: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; a few small lumps are fine.
• Mistake: Adding food coloring at the wrong time, causing uneven streaks. Fix: Blend the gel food coloring with the wet ingredients thoroughly before combining with dry.
• Mistake: Baking layers that are too thick, making the stacked tree cake unstable. Fix: Use 6-inch pans and fill only halfway; trim cooled layers to a uniform 1-inch height.
• Mistake: Applying cream cheese frosting to warm cake layers, causing a runny, messy slide. Fix: Ensure cakes are completely cool, and chill the frosted crumb coat for 15 minutes before the final layer.
• Mistake: Skimping on the support dowel, risking a leaning or collapsing structure. Fix: Insert a central wooden dowel through all stacked tiers before the final decorative frosting.
• Mistake: Using a frosting that’s too soft, which won’t hold the tree’s sharp edges. Fix: Beat your cream cheese frosting just to stiff peaks and keep it chilled while piping.
• Mistake: Rushing the assembly, leading to misaligned layers and a lopsided shape. Fix: Use a cake turntable and a long serrated knife to level and center each tier carefully.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Red Velvet Tree Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before covering to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: For a warm slice, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds. For the whole cake, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached for food safety.

Proper storage keeps your Red Velvet Tree Cake moist and delicious, preserving its vibrant color and rich flavor for every occasion.

Conclusion

This stunning Red Velvet Tree Cake is the ultimate festive centerpiece, combining classic flavor with a show-stopping design. We hope you enjoy making it as much as you will sharing it. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment or review. For more decadent desserts, check out our Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this Red Velvet Tree Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once completely cool and store at room temperature. Frost and assemble your Red Velvet Tree Cake the day you plan to serve it for the freshest presentation.

What is the best way to achieve the vibrant red color?

Use a good quality liquid or gel red food coloring for the most intense and stable color in your Red Velvet Tree Cake. Gel colors are highly concentrated, so you’ll need less to achieve a deep red hue without thinning the batter.

What type of frosting works best for stacking the tree layers?

A sturdy frosting like cream cheese or a stabilized whipped cream is ideal. It must be thick enough to hold the weight of the stacked cake layers to maintain the tree shape. Ensure your Red Velvet Tree Cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.