Festive Christmas Tree DIY Cakes to Try This Holiday Season

Christmas is a time for creativity and joy, and what better way to celebrate than with some delightful DIY Christmas tree cakes? This list highlights the top 10 edible masterpieces that bring festive cheer straight to your dessert table. Each cake is designed to mimic the classic tree shape, offering an exciting twist on holiday treats that will impress family and friends alike!

Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake with Festive Sprinkles

This Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Shaped like a festive tree, it features layers of rich chocolate cake that are beautifully frosted and decorated. The cake is topped with colorful sprinkles and a shiny star, making it as fun to look at as it is to eat!

Imagine gathering around this cake with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter. The vibrant colors of the sprinkles and the creamy frosting bring a cheerful vibe to any holiday table. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Kids will love helping to decorate!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Festive sprinkles
• Gold star for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tree-shaped cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
5. Once the cake is cool, frost the entire cake with the buttercream. Decorate with festive sprinkles and place the gold star on top.
6. Slice and serve your Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake to friends and family, and enjoy the holiday spirit!

Lemon Zest Holiday Tree Cake

The Lemon Zest Holiday Tree Cake is a delightful twist on traditional holiday desserts. This cake stands tall, resembling a festive Christmas tree, and is adorned with swirls of creamy lemon frosting. The bright yellow hue of the cake brings a cheerful vibe to any holiday gathering.

With its fluffy texture and zesty flavor, this cake is sure to impress your guests. The star on top adds a charming touch, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dessert table. Surround it with some decorative elements like pinecones and ornaments for a festive look.

Making this cake is not only fun but also a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The combination of lemon and sweetness creates a refreshing taste that balances out the richness of other holiday treats. Everyone will be reaching for a slice!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lemon frosting
• Gold star for decoration
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cone-shaped cake pan.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
5. Once cooled, frost the cake with lemon frosting, creating swirls to mimic tree branches. Top with a gold star and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Vanilla Buttercream Pine Tree Cake

This Vanilla Buttercream Pine Tree Cake is a delightful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Its charming design mimics a Christmas tree, complete with vibrant green buttercream leaves, red ornaments, and a golden star on top. The cake not only looks festive but also tastes amazing, making it a perfect treat for family and friends.

To create this cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start with your favorite vanilla cake recipe, and whip up a batch of buttery vanilla frosting. The fun part is decorating! Use a piping bag to create the tree shape and add colorful decorations to bring it to life.

Gather your loved ones around this stunning cake, and watch their faces light up. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the season and share joy with everyone around you.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup vanilla buttercream frosting
• Green food coloring
• Red and gold candy decorations
• Star-shaped cake topper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cone-shaped cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
5. Once cooled, prepare the buttercream frosting. Divide it into two bowls. Color one bowl with green food coloring.
6. Frost the cake with the green buttercream, using a piping bag to create a tree-like texture. Decorate with red and gold candies and place the star on top.
7. Slice and serve your beautiful Vanilla Buttercream Pine Tree Cake!

Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cake

The Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cake is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. This cake captures the festive spirit with its tree-like shape and charming decorations. The warm, spicy aroma of ginger and cinnamon fills the air as you bake, making it a perfect treat for the season.

This cake is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a delicious combination of flavors. The gingerbread layers are soft and moist, while the royal icing adds a sweet touch. Colorful candies and cute gingerbread men bring the cake to life, making it a fun project for families to enjoy together.

Creating this cake can be a great way to bond with loved ones. Kids will love helping to decorate and personalize their own gingerbread men. Plus, it makes for a fantastic photo opportunity at your holiday gatherings!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Royal icing (for decoration)
• Colorful candies (for decoration)
• Gingerbread men cookies (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cone-shaped cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, eggs, and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
6. Once cooled, carefully remove the cake from the pan. Decorate with royal icing, colorful candies, and gingerbread men to create your festive tree.

Marble Swirl Christmas Tree Cake

The Marble Swirl Christmas Tree Cake is a festive delight that captures the spirit of the holiday season. This cake is shaped like a Christmas tree, complete with swirls of red and green icing that mimic the look of a beautifully decorated tree. The star on top adds a charming touch, making it perfect for any holiday gathering.

This cake not only looks stunning but also tastes amazing. The marble effect gives a unique flavor experience with each slice. It’s a fun project for bakers of all skill levels, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family.

To create this delightful cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some creativity. The process involves baking a basic cake, preparing colorful icing, and then assembling it into a tree shape. The result is a show-stopping dessert that will be the highlight of your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and green food coloring
• 3 cups buttercream frosting
• Gold star for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the batter into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and green to the other, mixing until you achieve your desired colors.
5. Pour alternating spoonfuls of the red and green batter into the prepared pan to create a marbled effect. Use a knife to swirl the colors together gently.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
7. Once cooled, use a serrated knife to level the top of the cake. Cut the cake into a tree shape, if desired.
8. Frost the cake with buttercream, using a spatula to create swirls. Decorate with a gold star on top and any additional decorations you like.

Coconut Snowy Tree Cake

The Coconut Snowy Tree Cake is a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. This cake is shaped like a Christmas tree, covered in fluffy coconut that resembles fresh snow. The vibrant red and white candy canes add a festive touch, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

This cake is not only visually appealing but also delicious. The coconut flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the candies, creating a delightful contrast. It’s a fun project to make with family or friends, bringing everyone together in the kitchen.

To create this snowy masterpiece, you’ll need some basic ingredients and a bit of creativity. The steps are straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can join in on the fun. Let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• Red and white candy canes for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cone-shaped cake mold.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the shredded coconut gently until evenly distributed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared mold and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the mold.
7. Once cooled, cover the cake with whipped cream and generously sprinkle shredded coconut over the top and sides.
8. Decorate with the candy canes, placing them around the cake to resemble ornaments on a tree.

Red Velvet Christmas Tree Layer Cake

This Red Velvet Christmas Tree Layer Cake is a festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. The vibrant red color of the cake makes it a standout centerpiece. With layers of moist red velvet cake, it’s frosted with creamy white icing that mimics the look of a snowy Christmas tree.

The cake is adorned with colorful decorations like green frosting shaped into tree branches, red ornaments, and even little edible decorations that resemble gifts. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; the rich flavor of red velvet paired with the sweetness of the frosting creates a delightful taste experience.

Making this cake is a fun project for bakers of all levels. It’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties, sure to impress everyone who sees it. Plus, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 4 cups cream cheese frosting
• Green and red fondant for decorations
• Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Once cooled, level the cakes if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
8. Add the second layer and repeat the frosting. Top with the third layer.
9. Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes.
10. Frost the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Use green fondant to create tree branches and red fondant for ornaments.
11. Decorate with edible glitter if desired. Enjoy your festive creation!

Spiced Apple Tree Cake

The Spiced Apple Tree Cake is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. This cake looks like a Christmas tree, complete with layers of fluffy cake and a generous drizzle of caramel. Topped with fresh apple slices and a star, it’s both festive and tasty.

Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen as you bake this beauty. The combination of spiced cake and sweet apples makes it a perfect treat for the season. Plus, it’s a fun project to make with family or friends!

Let’s get to the recipe so you can create your own Spiced Apple Tree Cake!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Apple slices for decoration
• Star-shaped cookie for the top

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir in the diced apples.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, stack the layers to form a tree shape, using caramel sauce between the layers.
7. Drizzle more caramel on top and decorate with apple slices and a star cookie.

Carrot Cake Christmas Tree Delight

The Carrot Cake Christmas Tree Delight is a festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. This cake is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it a fun centerpiece for your dessert table. The layers are moist and flavorful, thanks to the carrots and spices. Topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s decorated with pecans and festive candies, adding a cheerful touch.

Creating this cake is not just about the taste; it’s also about the presentation. The layers are stacked to form a tree shape, and the frosting cascades down like snow. The decorations can be customized to suit your style, whether you prefer a more traditional look or something playful.

Gather your friends and family to help decorate this delightful cake. It’s a great way to bond over baking and get into the holiday spirit. Plus, everyone will love digging into a slice of this delicious carrot cake!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Decorative candies and pecans for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add oil and eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. Stir in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
7. Once the cakes are cool, stack them in order of size to form a tree shape. Spread frosting between the layers and around the outside of the cake.
8. Decorate with candies and pecans to create a festive look. Enjoy your Carrot Cake Christmas Tree Delight!

Well, there you have it, our simple Christmas Tree DIY cakes to make at home, have fun and be sure to check out our other Christmas Tree Cupcakes.