Description
This stunning Red Velvet Tree Cake is perfect for holidays or special celebrations. With its vibrant red color, rich flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s an eye-catching dessert that tastes as good as it looks. Ideal for a festive occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for thinner consistency)
For Decoration (optional):
- Green food coloring (for tree color)
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or small ornaments (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tree-shaped cake pan, or if you don’t have one, use a round pan and cut the cake into a tree shape later.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. If using a tree-shaped pan, be sure to divide the batter evenly into the individual tree sections if necessary.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and add heavy cream if desired for a lighter frosting texture.
- Once the cake has cooled, frost the layers with the cream cheese frosting. If using a round cake, cut it into a tree shape and frost accordingly.
- Decorate the cake with green food coloring to give it a tree-like appearance. Add sprinkles or ornaments as desired to make it festive.
- Serve and enjoy your beautiful Red Velvet Tree Cake!
Notes
- If you want a more intense red color, you can add a bit more food coloring.
- For an extra touch, you can make the cake layers in advance and frost them the next day.
- This cake can be made into cupcakes as well if you prefer individual servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg