Red Velvet Christmas Tree Layer Cake

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Red Velvet Christmas Tree Layer Cake 🎄❤️✨
Moist, velvety, and beautifully festive, this Red Velvet Christmas Tree Layer Cake brings holiday magic to every slice. With rich red velvet layers, luxurious cream cheese filling, and a gorgeous Christmas-tree–swirled frosting, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

⭐ INGREDIENTS

A. Red Velvet Cake Layers

(Makes two thick round or square layers)

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ⅓ cups (320ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • Red gel food coloring (enough for rich color)

B. Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

C. Christmas Tree Frosting

  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Optional: green sanding sugar
  • Piping bags + star or leaf tips

D. Decorations (Optional but Recommended)

  • Edible pearls
  • Gold sprinkles
  • Red sugar balls
  • Mini fondant stars

⭐ INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the Red Velvet Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch pans or one large sheet pan.
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red gel coloring.
Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing gently until smooth — do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly into pans and bake 28–33 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla.
Mix in powdered sugar gradually until creamy and fluffy.
Chill for 10 minutes so it firms up for layering.

3. Make the Christmas Tree Frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Tint with green gel coloring until you reach a vibrant Christmas-tree shade.
Scoop into piping bags fitted with a star or leaf tip for tree textures.

4. Assemble the Cake

Place the first red velvet layer on a platter.
Spread a thick, even layer of cream cheese filling.
Top with the second red velvet layer.
Frost lightly around the sides if you want a semi-naked look, or fully frost for a traditional cake.

5. Decorate with Christmas Trees

Pipe small tree swirls, zig-zags, or vertical “branches” all over the top layer and edges.
Sprinkle with edible pearls, gold sprinkles, and red sugar balls.
Add mini fondant or sugar stars to complete the festive look.

Tips for Success

  • Use gel food coloring for the brightest red.
  • Chill layers briefly before stacking to avoid crumbling.
  • For perfectly sharp slices, refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Serving Ideas

Serve with hot cocoa, peppermint coffee, or sparkling holiday punch.
Perfect for Christmas dinners, December birthdays, or giftable mini cakes!

Conclusion

The Red Velvet Christmas Tree Layer Cake is the ultimate festive dessert — moist, luxurious, and decorated with magical holiday flair. Each slice brings a beautiful contrast of red cake, creamy filling, and green piped trees, making it the centerpiece your holiday table deserves.

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