Desserts
Holiday Tree Cake
What You Need
Your biggest sheet pan gets the job done. An offset spatula makes frosting so much easier. Plastic bags work fine for piping if you dont have fancy tools. A ruler helps get that tree shape just right and scissors make quick work of that candy bow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, the unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once frosted, it keeps at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- How do I ensure the tree is centered?
- Measure 2.5 inches up from bottom and in from sides for the base, and 2 inches from top for the tip. Use a ruler and offset spatula to trace before decorating.
- Why use room temperature ingredients?
- Room temperature eggs and buttermilk blend better and create a more even cake texture. This ensures proper mixing and better results.
- Can I use different decorations?
- Yes, you can substitute the candies with similar sized decorations. Just maintain the color scheme for the Christmas tree effect.
- How do I get the tree branch effect?
- Pipe dots of green frosting and drag each downward with an offset spatula, overlapping rows to create a textured tree effect.
Christmas Sheet Cake
A festive sheet cake decorated to look like a Christmas tree, using buttercream frosting piping techniques and candy decorations.
Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
Difficulty: Difficult
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 Servings (1 sheet cake)
Dietary: Vegetarian
Ingredients
01 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 2 teaspoons baking powder.
03 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
04 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 2 cups granulated sugar.
06 3 large eggs, room temperature.
07 1 cup vegetable oil.
08 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature.
10 1/2 cup red, green, and white holiday sprinkles.
11 1 1/2 cups salted butter (3 sticks), room temperature.
12 1 1/2 pounds powdered sugar (6 cups).
13 1/4 cup milk.
14 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
15 Forest green gel food coloring.
16 Blue gel food coloring (optional).
17 5 brown mini candy-coated chocolates.
18 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles.
19 30 yellow mini candy-coated chocolates.
20 40 red mini candy-coated chocolates.
21 1 (6-in.) piece red sour candy belt.
