These Christmas Tree Cakes are a nostalgic holiday classic that brings joy to any dessert table. Made from a simple yellow cake mix baked in a jelly roll pan, the cake is cut into triangles and frosted with a rich, creamy butter and cream cheese mixture. Colored a vibrant green, the frosting is swirled to resemble pine branches, while caramel rolls or licorice sticks serve as sturdy trunks. Topped with colorful sprinkles, candies, and edible decorations, each cake is a unique, festive masterpiece. Perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or a fun baking activity with kids, these cakes offer a sweet, indulgent treat that captures the spirit of the season. They are easy to make ahead and store, making them a convenient yet impressive addition to your holiday menu.
Christmas Tree Cakes
Description
These Christmas Tree Cakes are a nostalgic holiday classic that brings joy to any dessert table. Made from a simple yellow cake mix baked in a jelly roll pan, the cake is cut into triangles and frosted with a rich, creamy butter and cream cheese mixture. Colored a vibrant green, the frosting is swirled to resemble pine branches, while caramel rolls or licorice sticks serve as sturdy trunks. Topped with colorful sprinkles, candies, and edible decorations, each cake is a unique, festive masterpiece. Perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or a fun baking activity with kids, these cakes offer a sweet, indulgent treat that captures the spirit of the season. They are easy to make ahead and store, making them a convenient yet impressive addition to your holiday menu.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC). Grease a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan; line with waxed paper or parchment paper and grease the paper.
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Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions for a "lite" recipe, beating in the grated orange peel along with the eggs, oil, and water.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a board or rack covered with waxed paper. Lift off the pan and peel away the paper from the bottom of the cake. Let cool completely.
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While the cake cools, cut triangles of various sizes from lightweight cardboard to use as templates. Suggested sizes: 4-inch base with 5 1/2-inch sides, 3-inch base with 4-inch sides, 2 1/2-inch base with 3 1/2-inch sides, and 2 1/4-inch base with 2 3/4-inch sides.
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Using the cardboard templates, cut the cooled cake into triangles. Turn and fit the templates as necessary to use all of the cake. Ensure any remaining waxed paper is removed from the cake pieces.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
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Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar. Continue beating for 5-7 minutes until the frosting is thoroughly blended and smooth.
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Remove about half of the frosting to a separate bowl. Stir in green food coloring until the desired shade of green is reached.
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Using a flexible metal spatula, spread the green frosting over the top and sides of each cake triangle. Smooth it on or swirl gently to resemble tree branches.
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Decorate the cakes as desired with assorted candies, colored sugars, sprinkles, and nonpareils.
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Using the tip of a small knife, gently hollow out a small area in the center of the bottom edge of each tree. Insert a caramel roll or licorice stick piece to serve as the trunk.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 748.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 59.7g92%
- Saturated Fat 37.3g187%
- Cholesterol 156.7mg53%
- Sodium 488.6mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 51.8g18%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 33.1g
- Protein 4.4g9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
