Ingredients

For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Red edible ornaments or candy pearls
• Edible glitter or dust
• A star-shaped topper (fondant or chocolate)
• Crumbled red velvet cake scraps

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

6. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
7. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
8. Mix in the vanilla extract until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Assemble the Cake:

9. Trim the tops of the cake layers to ensure they are flat. Save the scraps for crumbling later.
10. Stack the cake layers with a generous layer of frosting between each. Carve the top into a cone shape to create the tree effect.
11. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting and chill for 30 minutes. Frost the entire cake with swirled layers to mimic tree « branches.

Decorate the Cake:

12. Arrange edible ornaments or candy pearls along the frosting swirls.
13. Sprinkle crumbled red velvet cake scraps at the base for texture.
14. Add a star topper to the top of the tree and dust the cake with edible glitter for a snowy effect.

Decoration Tips:

15. Use a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip to add texture to the frosting swirls.
16. Place the cake on a festive platter with holiday greenery or lights for a stunning centerpiece.
17. Combine edible gold or silver glitter with powdered sugar for a magical sparkle.

Recipe Tips:

18. For even layers, weigh the batter before dividing it into the pans.
19. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and bring it to room temperature before serving.
20. This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of mulled wine or hot cocoa for a festive treat.