There’s something magical about baking during the holidays—the warmth of the oven, the sweet smells filling the kitchen, and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones. My Christmas tree cakes have become a must-have at our family gatherings, and I can’t wait to show you how easy they are to make! These adorable little cakes started as a fun experiment with my kids, but now they’re our favorite holiday tradition. With just a box of cake mix and a few simple ingredients, you can create festive desserts that’ll make everyone smile. Trust me, once you see how simple and delightful these are, you’ll want to make them every year!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cakes Holiday Desserts Recipe
These little Christmas tree cakes have stolen our family’s heart for so many reasons – let me tell you why they’ll become your new holiday favorite too!
Quick and Easy to Make
Honestly, the simplicity still surprises me every year. One bowl, a few pantry staples, and boom – you’ve got festive magic ready for the oven. Even my husband (who burns toast) can handle this recipe!
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
That moment when you walk in with a platter of these green beauties? Total showstopper. They always disappear first at our cookie exchanges and Christmas parties.
Fun for Kids and Adults Alike
From my toddler decorating with sprinkles to Grandma sneaking seconds, these cakes bridge generations. The decorating part turns into such a joyful mess – flour fingerprints and all!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cakes Holiday Desserts
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward Christmas magic! Here’s what you’ll need to create these adorable tree-shaped treats:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix – Don’t judge me for using a box mix! When you’re juggling holiday chaos, this shortcut is a lifesaver. I prefer Betty Crocker’s super moist version, but any brand works.
- 3 large eggs – Room temperature is ideal (I just set them on the counter while preheating the oven). Cold eggs can make your batter lumpy.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Or melted butter if you’re feeling fancy. The oil keeps these cakes extra moist for days.
- 1 cup water – Straight from the tap is fine, no need for fancy filtered stuff here.
- Green food coloring – I use about 1/2 teaspoon of gel coloring for vibrant trees, but start with 1/4 teaspoon and add until you get your perfect holiday green.
For the simple glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sift it if you’re patient (I usually skip this step and just deal with tiny lumps).
- 2 tablespoons milk – Any kind works, even almond milk in a pinch.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – The good stuff makes a difference! My friend swears by using peppermint extract instead for a festive twist.
For decorating:
- Assorted sprinkles – The more colorful, the better! I raid the baking aisle every December for new shapes – stars, snowflakes, even tiny edible ornaments.
See? Nothing too crazy – just simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Now let’s get mixing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you probably have most of this stuff already in your kitchen! Here’s what I grab when making our Christmas tree cakes:
- Christmas tree-shaped cake mold – The star of the show! I found mine at a holiday clearance sale years ago. Silicone works best – those little trees pop right out.
- Large mixing bowl – My trusty yellow Pyrex bowl has seen countless batches of these cakes.
- Whisk or electric mixer – I usually go old-school with a whisk (great arm workout!), but my stand mixer makes quick work of the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For all those holiday baking projects piling up!
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed – just simple tools for simple holiday magic.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cakes Holiday Desserts
Okay friends, let’s dive into the fun part – turning those simple ingredients into edible Christmas magic! I’ve made these little trees so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every step to ensure yours turn out perfectly.
Preparing the Batter
First, crank that oven to 350°F (175°C) – we want it nice and toasty before our tree cakes go in! Now grab your big mixing bowl and dump in the vanilla cake mix (no need to sift – we’re keeping this easy). Crack in those three eggs – I like to do them one at a time while mixing – then pour in the oil and water. Here’s where the magic happens: add your green food coloring a little at a time until you get that perfect pine tree shade. The batter should be smooth and vibrant – no lumps!
Baking the Cakes
Now for the most important step – spraying your tree mold with non-stick spray. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this! Scoop the bright green batter into each cavity, filling them about 2/3 full. These babies rise beautifully! Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops spring back at your touch and a toothpick comes out clean (maybe with a few moist crumbs – that’s perfect!).
Decorating Your Christmas Tree Cakes
Here comes the really fun part – but be patient! Let those trees cool completely in the pan first (about 10 minutes), then gently transfer them to a wire rack. While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla to make a simple glaze. When your trees are ready, drizzle the glaze over them – I like to let it drip down the “branches” for that snowy effect. Immediately shower them with sprinkles before the glaze sets. Pro tip: put a baking sheet underneath to catch the mess – my kitchen always looks like a glitter bomb exploded after this step!
And voila! You’ve just created edible Christmas cheer that’ll make everyone’s holiday brighter. Now try not to eat them all before your guests arrive – I won’t judge if you “taste test” one (or three) though!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Cakes Holiday Desserts
After making these cute little trees more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee Christmas cake success:
- Grease every nook! Get that non-stick spray into every tiny branch crevice – I learned this the hard way after losing half my first batch to stubborn sticking.
- Go slow with food coloring. Start with less green than you think – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! I aim for the color of fresh pine needles.
- Let them cool properly. I know it’s tempting, but rushing this step leads to crumbly disasters. Those 10 minutes make all the difference!
- Glaze while warm, not hot. Too hot and it melts right off; too cold and it won’t stick. Find that sweet spot where the cakes are just warm to the touch.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have picture-perfect Christmas trees every time!
Variations for Christmas Tree Cakes Holiday Desserts
Oh, the fun we’ve had playing with this recipe over the years! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when we want something different:
- Peppermint twist – Swap the vanilla extract for peppermint in both the batter and glaze. Crushed candy canes on top make them extra festive!
- Chocolate lovers – Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla, and you’ve got “evergreen” brownie trees. My kids go wild for these!
- Citrus sparkle – Add orange or lemon zest to the batter and glaze for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through all the holiday richness.
- Gingerbread trees – Use a spice cake mix and reduce the green food coloring for a woodsy, spiced version that smells like Christmas.
The possibilities are endless – make them your own! If you are interested in other fun holiday baking ideas, check out this blue velvet cake recipe for a different kind of festive color.
Serving and Storing Christmas Tree Cakes Holiday Desserts
These little trees are best served the same day you make them – that glaze stays so pretty when fresh! I arrange them on my grandmother’s vintage cake stand for maximum holiday cheer. If you must store them (who has leftovers?!), pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze might lose its shine, but the flavor stays delicious. Pro tip: layer them between parchment paper so the sprinkles don’t rub off. And no need to refrigerate – cold makes them dry out faster. Not that they’ll last long enough to worry about it!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist – just a home baker who loves holiday treats – but I know some folks like to keep track of these things. Here’s the scoop on what’s in each adorable Christmas tree cake (give or take, depending on your exact ingredients and how generous you are with those sprinkles!):
- Serving size: 1 tree cake
- Calories: About 250
- Sugar: 20g (But come on, it’s Christmas!)
- Fat: 10g (Worth every delicious bite)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these numbers are estimates – your actual counts might vary slightly based on the specific brand of cake mix you use or how much glaze you drizzle (I won’t tell if you’re heavy-handed!). The important thing is enjoying these festive treats with people you love. After all, holiday memories have zero calories! For general information on understanding food labels, you might find resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake flavor for these Christmas tree cakes?
Absolutely! We love vanilla for that classic look, but chocolate, lemon, or even funfetti work beautifully. Just keep in mind that darker batters might need more green food coloring to show up as vibrant trees.
How long do these Christmas tree cakes stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze might lose its shine after day one, but they’ll still taste delicious (if they last that long in your house!).
My cakes stuck to the pan – what went wrong?
Oh no! This happened to me the first time too. Make sure to spray every nook of your mold thoroughly with non-stick spray – those little tree branches can be sneaky! Let them cool for 10 minutes before removing also helps prevent sticking disasters. If you are looking for tips on proper baking techniques, checking out a general baking guide can be useful.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
You bet! Bake them the day before, then add the glaze and sprinkles a few hours before serving. This keeps the decorations looking fresh while making holiday prep so much easier.
Are there any allergy-friendly versions of this recipe?
Yes! For egg allergies, you can use a flax egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). Gluten-free cake mixes work just fine too – I’ve had great results with King Arthur’s GF mix.
Share Your Holiday Creations
I’d love to see your Christmas tree cake masterpieces! Snap a photo of your festive creations and tag me on social media – nothing makes me happier than seeing families enjoying this recipe together. Leave a comment below with your decorating tips or favorite variations. Happy baking, friends!
Print
5 Magical Christmas Tree Cakes That Will Steal the Show
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make festive Christmas tree cakes for your holiday celebrations. These fun and delicious desserts are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup green food coloring
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Assorted sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and green food coloring in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a Christmas tree-shaped cake mold.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake and add sprinkles.
Notes
- Use a non-stick spray on the mold for easy removal.
- Adjust the green food coloring to your preferred shade.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas tree cakes, holiday desserts, festive baking