By This Red Velvet Tree Cake balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Red Velvet Tree Cake captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Red Velvet Tree Cake becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 ½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Decoration:
2 cups heavy whipping cream (for piped swirls)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Red and silver edible ornaments (or decorative candies)
1 edible or glittering star topper
Optional: edible glitter or shimmer dust
PREPARATION STEPS
Make the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your tree-shaped cake pans (or two round pans) and set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract and beat the frosting until smooth and fluffy. If it’s too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes have completely cooled, trim the tops to level them (if needed).
Stack the cake layers, spreading a generous amount of cream cheese frosting between each layer.
If you have a tree-shaped pan, assemble the layers in the shape of a tree. Otherwise, you can use a cookie cutter or freehand a tree shape from the stacked layers.
Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, covering the sides and top completely.
Decorate the Cake:
Whip the heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag with a star tip or decorative tip.
Pipe swirls or rosettes of whipped cream along the edges or top of the tree, creating a snowy effect.
Decorate with red and silver edible ornaments or any decorative candies you like.
Place the edible or glittering star topper at the top of the cake.
Optionally, dust the cake with edible glitter or shimmer dust for a magical effect.
Tips:
For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can substitute part of the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different taste and texture.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
