Christmas Tree Cupcakes

why make this recipe

Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat for the holiday season. They are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a delicious way to celebrate Christmas. These cupcakes not only look adorable but also taste amazing with a rich chocolate base and creamy green frosting. Kids and adults alike will love them!

how to make Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 4 eggs
• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
• 2 cups butter (cold and cut into chunks)
• 10 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbs vanilla
• ½ cup plus 2 tbs heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Green Gel Food Coloring
• 1 M Piping Tip
• Piping Bags
• Golden Star Sprinkles
• Holiday Sprinkles

Directions

How to make the cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sour cream, heavy cream, and eggs.
3. Add the chocolate cake mix, cocoa powder, and espresso powder (if using) to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

How to make the frosting (this is a double recipe of my standard vanilla buttercream):

1. In a large bowl, beat the cold butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high until light and fluffy.
4. Add green gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade of green.

How to decorate cupcakes:

1. Transfer the green frosting into a piping bag fitted with a 1 M piping tip.
2. Start at the center of each cupcake and pipe a spiral upward to create a tree shape.
3. Top each cupcake with golden star sprinkles and holiday sprinkles for extra decoration.

how to serve Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes on a festive platter. You can arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree for a fun presentation. They are great for parties or as a sweet holiday snack.

how to store Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.

tips to make Christmas Tree Cupcakes

• Make sure your butter for the frosting is cold; it helps create a better texture.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color that won’t water down the frosting.
• Experiment with different sprinkles to give your cupcakes a unique look.

variation

You could make these cupcakes with vanilla or lemon cake mix instead of chocolate for a different flavor. You can also try using different colored frosting for a change.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

2. Can I freeze the cupcakes?
   Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

3. What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?
   You can use a zip-top bag. Just fill it with frosting and cut a small hole in one corner to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.