Get ready to wow your guests with the stunning Red Velvet Tree Cake! This creative dessert is perfect for any celebration, especially during the holidays. Its vibrant red color and layered tree shape make it a showstopper on any table. Plus, the creamy frosting adds a delicious touch that everyone will love.

Why Make This Recipe

Making the Red Velvet Tree Cake is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s an excellent way to impress friends and family with your baking skills. The rich flavor of red velvet combined with the creamy frosting is truly delightful. Plus, it allows you to add your personal touch with decorations, making it a fun project for kids and adults alike.

How to Make Red Velvet Tree Cake

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green-tinted shredded coconut or sprinkles (for decoration)
Star-shaped candy or cookie (for decoration)
Edible glitter or powdered sugar (for decoration)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line multiple round cake pans in graduated sizes (6-inch, 5-inch, 4-inch, etc.) to create the tree effect.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully combined and smooth.
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans.
Bake each layer for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the layers completely on wire racks.
To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Trim the tops of the cake layers to level them.
Stack the layers from largest to smallest, using frosting between each layer. Carve slightly if needed to create a tapered tree shape.
Frost the outside of the cake, then decorate with green coconut, sprinkles, a star topper, or any festive touches you like!
Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Red Velvet Tree Cake

Serve the Red Velvet Tree Cake chilled or at room temperature. You can place it on a decorative cake stand to make it look even more festive. Slice it carefully to keep the tree shape intact and watch everyone enjoy this delightful treat!

How to Store Red Velvet Tree Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. They can be enjoyed later, just thaw them out before serving.

Tips to Make Red Velvet Tree Cake

Make sure your ingredients, especially the buttermilk and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing.
If you’re new to baking, use a kitchen scale to measure the flour for accuracy.
Feel free to use food coloring gel for a richer color.
Don’t rush the cooling process; ensure each layer is completely cool before frosting.

Variation

You can experiment with different frosting flavors, like vanilla or chocolate. For a fun twist, try adding some crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips between the layers for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes, you can use red velvet cake mix if you want a quicker option. Just follow the instructions on the package.

2. How do I make the cake layers even?
Use a kitchen scale to measure each layer’s batter, or use the same scoop to divide the batter evenly among the pans.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped in the fridge before frosting. Just assemble and frost the day you plan to serve it!