Homemade Giant Christmas Tree Cake Recipe in 2024

Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

A Christmas Tree Cake recipe is a delightful and festive dessert inspired by the beloved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. It typically consists of a moist and fluffy vanilla or orange-flavored cake, cut into the shape of Christmas trees.

The cake layers are filled with luscious vanilla or cream cheese frosting, creating a delicious combination of flavors. The cakes are then coated with white chocolate, giving them a sweet and irresistible outer layer.

Little Debbie Christmas tree cake recipe

To enhance the holiday spirit, the cakes are often decorated with green sprinkles and a drizzle of red icing, resembling a winter wonderland. The homemade version of these cakes allows for creative variations, such as using different flavors and shapes, making it a perfect treat to share during the holiday season.

“Enjoyed by both kids and grown-ups, the Christmas Tree Cake recipe brings the festive joy of baking to your home.”

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons orange (or almond or more vanilla) extract
1 cup milk of choice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pats
1/3 cup oil

For the Buttercream:

5 lb confectioners’ sugar
1 lb unsalted butter
1-2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
5 drops of green food coloring

For Decoration:

Green sanding sprinkles
Red decorating icing
12 ice cream cones

Instructions For Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Christmas tree cake recipe instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a larger bowl, beat 4 large eggs, 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange (or almond or more vanilla) extract. Beat until the mixture is thick and pale.
In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of orange zest until small bubbles appear. Remove it from heat, stir in 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1/3 cup of oil until melted. Slowly add this mixture to the egg mixture.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Transfer the batter to the pan that has been prepared.
Bake for 38-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool thoroughly on a wire rack.
For the buttercream, cream together 1 lb of unsalted butter, 1.5 lb of confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency with 1-2 tbsp of heavy whipping cream if needed. Divide the buttercream, adding green food coloring to one batch.
Cut out a large triangle from the cake and arrange the cut-offs into a second triangle. Frost the assembled cake with chocolate fudge frosting.
Frost the sides and top with the green buttercream and sprinkle with green sanding sprinkles.
Cut a star from the bottom and attach it to the top with an ice cream cone frosted in brown as the tree trunk.
Decorate the cake with red lines using decorating icing. Your festive Christmas Tree Cake is ready to be enjoyed.

Tips for Making Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Best Christmas tree cake recipe

Making Christmas tree cake recipe can be a fun and festive activity. Here are some tips to help you create delicious and visually appealing Christmas tree cake recipe:

Prepare Your Pans: Ensure that your cake pans are properly greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help you easily remove the cakes from the pans without any damage.
Cool Cakes Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before attempting to assemble or decorate them. Warm cakes can be fragile and may not hold up well during the decorating process.
Level the Cakes: Level your cakes before stacking them to create a stable base. A flat surface makes it easier to assemble and decorate the cake.
Layer and Fill: If you’re making a layered cake, spread a thin layer of frosting between each layer to add flavor and moisture. Consider adding festive fillings like fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting.
Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting, known as a crumb coat, over the entire cake to seal in any loose crumbs. This will give you a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting.
Chill before Decorating: After applying the crumb coat, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the frosting set and makes it easier to add the final layer of decorations.
Use a Piping Bag: Invest in a piping bag and various tips to create different textures and patterns for your Christmas tree cake. This is especially useful for creating the branches of the tree and other decorative elements.
Get Creative with Decorations: Use a variety of edible decorations to bring your Christmas tree cake to life. Consider using colored frosting, edible glitter, fondant, or even small candies as ornaments.
Consider a Fondant Topper: If you’re comfortable working with fondant, consider making a fondant Christmas tree topper. This can be a creative and visually striking element for your cake.
Plan Ahead: Before you start decorating, have a plan in mind for the design of your Christmas tree cake. This will help you organize your decorations and ensure a cohesive and attractive final result.

Decorating Your Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Decorating Christmas tree cakes

Apply a crumb coat over the entire cake before the final layer of buttercream. This thin layer helps smooth the surface and secure crumbs.
Use a cake scraper and an offset spatula for even application. Work methodically around the cake for a thin and uniform layer.
Chill the crumb-coated cake in the fridge for at least one hour before applying the final layer. This ensures a clean and polished finish.
After chilling, generously spread buttercream over the entire cake for a smooth finish. Dipping the offset spatula in water can aid in achieving a polished look.

Storage Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Storage tips Christmas tree cakes

Proper storage ensures your Homemade Christmas Tree Cake recipe stays fresh and delightful. Here are some helpful tips:

Refrigeration: Store the cakes covered in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Duration: These cakes can stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Beyond this period, the texture and taste may start to change.
Freezing Option: For longer storage, freeze the cakes. Place them in a single layer in the freezer until they are firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them securely with plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to two months.
Avoid Moisture: To prevent the cakes from absorbing unwanted odors and flavors, store them away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator or freezer.
Room Temperature: If you prefer serving the cakes at room temperature, allow them to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving, especially if they have been refrigerated or frozen.

FAQs about for Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Q: Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a sheet pan with tall sides?

If you lack a sheet pan with tall sides, consider dividing the batter between two jelly roll pans to prevent overflow.

Q: How long should I freeze the mini cakes before dipping them in white chocolate?

For optimal results, freeze the mini cakes overnight. This ensures they won’t break apart during the dipping process.

Q: What is the best type of chocolate for coating the cakes?

Choose good quality white chocolate for a delicious coating. Investing in quality chocolate enhances the overall taste.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting for the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake recipe?

While homemade is recommended, you can use store-bought frosting. However, adjusting the consistency may be needed for optimal results.

Q: How can I avoid bleeding of colors in the buttercream during storage?

To minimize color bleeding, add sprinkles and decorations just before serving. Extended storage may lead to the colors bleeding into the white buttercream.

Q: Can I make the yellow sheet cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free alternatives like King Arthur Flour Gluten-free Measure for Measure Flour for an equally delicious gluten-free cake.

Q: Is Christmas cake made of egg?

Christmas cake can be made with eggs, but it depends on the specific recipe. Traditional fruitcakes often include eggs, but there are also eggless variations available for those with dietary preferences or restrictions. Always check the recipe details for specific information on the inclusion of eggs.

If you’ve tried making this Christmas tree cake recipe, please share your thoughts by rating the recipe and leaving a comment below. Your feedback helps others decide if they want to try making it too. Feel free to show off your baking success on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter by tagging me with the username “acrispycookies”. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.

Happy Baking! 🍰😊