Imagine a dessert that's not just a cake, but a festive masterpiece that will leave your guests speechless! This Elegant Christmas Tree Cake is more than just a sweet treat – it's a culinary work of art that captures the enchantment of the holiday season. With its vibrant green hue, intricate royal icing decorations, and a moist, delectable interior, this cake is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your holiday gathering. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a festive food lover, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland of deliciousness!
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Royal icing for decoration
- Edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tree-shaped cake pan or a bundt pan with intricate design.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture to ensure a smooth batter.
- Stir in vanilla extract and add green food coloring until you achieve a vibrant Christmas tree green color.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, prepare royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, egg whites, and a touch of vanilla extract.
- Carefully decorate the cake to resemble a Christmas tree, using the royal icing to create intricate patterns and details.
- Optional: Sprinkle edible glitter over the icing for a festive, sparkling effect.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the icing before serving. Slice and serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Food Coloring Technique: Add green food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect Christmas tree shade. Start with a small amount and increase until you reach the desired intensity.
- Icing Consistency: For the royal icing, aim for a thick but pipeable consistency. If it's too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a few drops of water.
- Decorating Hack: Use different piping tips to create texture that mimics tree branches and ornaments.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be prepared a day in advance, which actually helps the flavors meld and makes decorating easier.
- Glitter Tip: If using edible glitter, apply it sparingly for a subtle, magical shimmer that doesn't overwhelm the cake's design.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 135mg
