Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Tree Cupcakes are festive, fun, and perfect for holiday gatherings. With rich chocolate cake and fluffy green frosting decorated like tiny trees, they bring both flavor and holiday cheer to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups butter, softened to room temperature
• 10 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 10 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Green gel food coloring
• Star sprinkles
• Christmas pearls or other festive sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. Step 2: In a bowl or stand mixer, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Mix in the chocolate cake mix until just combined.
3. Step 3: Scoop the batter into each cupcake liner, using about ¼ cup per cupcake for even sizing.
4. Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Bake all cupcakes on the same oven rack to ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar—1 cup at a time—alternating with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream until fully combined.
7. Step 7: Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and green gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve your desired shade of green.
8. Step 8: Using a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip, pipe the green frosting onto each cupcake in circular motions to create a layered tree shape.
9. Step 9: Decorate the cupcakes by placing a star sprinkle on the top and adding Christmas pearls or other festive sprinkles to resemble ornaments.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green without thinning the frosting.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter.
• Try different sprinkles like mini candy canes or edible glitter for varied decoration styles.
• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Storage

Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days but bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing frosted cupcakes as this can affect texture and decoration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have a piping bag or 1M tip?

You can frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or offset spatula to create a similar tree shape, or use a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off for easier piping.

Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

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Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Tree Cupcakes, featuring moist chocolate cupcakes topped with fluffy green buttercream frosting piped into charming Christmas tree shapes and adorned with star and pearl sprinkles for a joyful holiday treat.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcakes

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (Betty Crocker brand recommended)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup water

Frosting

• 2 cups butter, softened to room temperature
• 10 cups powdered sugar
• 10 tbsp heavy cream, divided
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Green gel food coloring, to desired shade

Decorations

• Star sprinkles
• Christmas pearls/sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Mix thoroughly until blended. Then add the boxed chocolate cake mix and continue mixing until smooth.
3. Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full.
4. Bake Cupcakes: Place the cupcakes on a single oven rack to ensure even baking and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make Frosting: In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until fully combined and smooth. Mix in green gel food coloring, adjusting until the desired green shade is achieved.
7. Pipe Frosting: Fit a piping bag with a 1M tip and fill it with the green frosting. Starting at the outer edge of each cupcake, pipe the frosting in a circular motion building upward to form a Christmas tree shape.
8. Decorate Cupcakes: Place a star sprinkle at the top of each frosting tree and decorate the sides with Christmas pearls and other sprinkles to resemble ornaments on the tree.

Notes

• Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• Feel free to adjust green gel food coloring to your preferred tree color intensity.
• If you want a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter.
• Use a toothpick to check cupcake doneness to avoid over-baking and dryness.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Christmas cupcakes, holiday dessert, chocolate cupcakes, festive frosting, buttercream Christmas tree