Red Velvet 3D Christmas Tree
Make this super festive Red Velvet 3D Christmas Tree Cake for the holidays!
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup canola or avocado oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring optional
- 1 ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
For the Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
- 2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 5 to 6 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
To Make the Red Velvet Cake
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 6-inch round cakes pans and one 9 X 5 loaf pan. Set aside.
- Sift together the dry ingredients and set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the oil and mix to combine. With the mixer on low, add in the cocoa, vanilla, red coloring, and eggs – one at a time. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl.
- With the mixer on low, add in half of the dry ingredients followed by the buttermilk and vinegar. Add the second half of the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 23 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the cakes from their pans.
To Make the Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
- Beat butter at medium-low speed of electric mixer until smooth and creamy (1 to 3 minutes.)
- Gradually add 4 ½ cups powdered sugar and vanilla extract with mixer at low speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Mix until blended.
- Beat at medium-high speed 3 to 5 minutes, until buttercream is light and airy and nearly white. If needed, add the additional powered sugar or milk until desired consistency. Divide and tint with green gel food coloring.