Description
These charming Christmas Tree Cupcakes feature rich chocolate bases adorned with green vanilla buttercream, crafted to resemble festive holiday trees. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
For Decoration:
- Assorted sprinkles (to mimic ornaments)
- Edible stars for tree toppers
- Optional: powdered sugar for a snowy effect
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add green gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until the desired shade of green is achieved.
- Assemble and Decorate:
- Transfer the green buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (such as Wilton 2D or 1M).
- Starting at the center of each cupcake, pipe the frosting in a circular motion, building upward to create a tree shape.
- Decorate the frosted “trees” with assorted sprinkles to resemble ornaments and place an edible star on top of each tree.
- For a snowy effect, lightly dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Using gel food coloring is recommended to achieve a vibrant green without altering the frosting’s consistency.
- Store the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.