Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Tree Cupcakes are festive, delicious, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy green frosting and decorated to look like mini Christmas trees will delight family and friends of all ages.

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 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Green gel food coloring
• Golden star sprinkles
• Holiday sprinkles
• Blueberries (do not thaw)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions and prepare cupcake liners in a muffin pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil, sour cream, heavy cream, eggs, chocolate cake mix, cocoa powder, and espresso powder if using. Mix until smooth.
3. Step 3: Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners and bake as directed on the cake mix box. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
4. Step 4: For the frosting, beat cold butter chunks until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
5. Step 5: Add vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt to the frosting. Continue beating until light and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve the desired shade of green.
7. Step 7: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake in a tree shape, starting from the outside edge and working up to a point.
8. Step 8: Decorate the frosted cupcakes with golden star sprinkles at the top, holiday sprinkles throughout, and place a blueberry at the base or as additional decoration.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter—it enhances the chocolate without adding coffee taste.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese for a tangy twist.
• Use different colored sprinkles or edible glitter to vary the decoration theme based on your holiday style.

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. The frosting may firm up when chilled but softens nicely when left out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The frosting recipe does not contain gluten.

How do I keep the frosting green vibrant?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as gels provide more concentrated color without thinning the frosting. Add color gradually to reach the perfect shade.

Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

These festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with a smooth, creamy frosting, decorated to resemble miniature Christmas trees. Perfect for holiday gatherings, their moist texture and decorative green-tinted frosting topped with golden stars and holiday sprinkles make them a delightful treat for the season.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 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)

Frosting

• 2 cups butter (cold and cut into chunks)
• 10 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbs vanilla extract
• ½ cup plus 2 tbs heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Green Gel Food Coloring

Decorations

• Golden Star Sprinkles
• Holiday Sprinkles
• Blueberries (do not thaw)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sour cream, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth. Add the chocolate cake mix, cocoa powder, and espresso powder (if using). Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
2. Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners and fill each about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
3. Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold butter chunks until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and ½ cup heavy cream plus 2 tablespoons. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if needed.
4. Add Color to Frosting: Mix green gel food coloring into the frosting gradually until you reach the desired vibrant green color for the Christmas trees.
5. Frost the Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, frost each cupcake by piping the green frosting in a spiral or tree shape to mimic a Christmas tree.
6. Decorate the Trees: Top each frosted cupcake with golden star sprinkles at the peak and scatter holiday sprinkles to mimic ornaments. Place a few blueberries around the base as additional decorative touches if desired.

Notes

• For a richer chocolate flavor, the espresso powder can be included or omitted based on preference.
• Ensure butter is cold before making frosting to achieve the right creamy texture.
• Use gel food coloring to avoid wateriness in the frosting.
• Do not thaw blueberries before decorating to keep them fresh and intact.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.

Keywords: Christmas tree cupcakes, holiday cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, festive cupcakes, Christmas desserts