introduction

This cake looks bright and fun for the holidays. It is a green frosted cake with small gold trees. You can use any cake flavor you like. If you want another easy cake idea, try the almond ricotta cake for a soft and mild taste.

why make this recipe

You make this cake to make people smile at a party. It looks rich and neat with gold pearls and sparkles. It fits well on a dessert table with other holiday treats like a black forest trifle for a big mix of sweets.

how to make Gold and Green Christmas Trees Cake

Work in steps. Bake one layer of cake in your chosen size and flavor. Cool the cake well. Make a batch of dark green buttercream and keep some plain if you want. Set up your piping tools and the sprinkles and pearls. For more cake ideas you can look at an easier layered treat like the ice cream sandwich cake.

Ingredients :

1 layer frosted cake (any size or flavor)
¾ cup dark green buttercream
gold sugar pearls
white, gold and silver sparkling sugar
long gold sprinkles

Directions :

Fill, crumb coat and frost your cake. You can use a 6-inch or 8-inch cake, any flavor you like for the cake and buttercream.
Place the gold sugar pearls randomly all over the cake, then toss some sparkling sugar at the cake before the buttercream crusts over.
Fit your piping bag with a coupler and one of the piping tips, and fill with buttercream. Practice piping on wax paper before piping on the cake.
Use tip #18 to pipe the stars and shells, tip #101 to pipe the small ruffly trees, and tip #352 to pipe the leaves.
Use tweezers to place the long gold sprinkles vertically under each tree to make the tree trunks.

how to serve Gold and Green Christmas Trees Cake

Cut the cake with a clean sharp knife. Serve on small plates so each piece looks neat. You can add a small glass of milk or coffee with each slice. For a creamier side, serve near a sweet like blackberry cheesecake.

how to store Gold and Green Christmas Trees Cake

Cover the cake with a cake dome or wrap it gently with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge if the buttercream has dairy. The cake will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Let it sit 15 minutes at room heat before you eat so the buttercream is soft.

tips to make Gold and Green Christmas Trees Cake

Chill the cake after the crumb coat to make the top finish easy.
Use a small stiff spatula to press pearls in place so they do not fall.
Practice each piping tip on paper until you like the look. For more small dessert ideas and tips, see this quick treat page: apple crisp mini cheesecakes.
Use tweezers for small sprinkles so you place them cleanly.

variation (if any)

You can make the trees in white or red buttercream. Use silver pearls if you want a cool look. Make more trees for a full forest feel. You can also make a two-layer cake for more height.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the cake one day ahead?
A: Yes. Make and frost the cake a day before. Keep it in the fridge.

Q: Can I use a different pipe tip for the trees?
A: Yes. Use a tip that gives a ruffled or leafy look.

Q: Do I need special gold sprinkles?
A: No. You can use any long gold sprinkles or even small pretzel sticks if you like.

Q: Can I make the green buttercream ahead?
A: Yes. Make it and keep it in the fridge. Bring to room temp and whip before piping.

Q: How do I stop pearls from rolling off?
A: Press them gently into the buttercream so they stick.

Conclusion

This cake makes a calm and merry show for the holidays. It uses few things and looks rich with green buttercream and gold bits. For the full original idea and step photos you can read the recipe on Gold and Green Christmas Trees Cake – Curly Girl Kitchen.