Name: Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: ½ cup vegetable oil; ¾ cup sour cream; ¾ cup heavy cream; 4 pieces eggs; 1 box chocolate cake mix; ¼ cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp espresso powder (optional) (Optional for added depth in flavor.); 2 cups butter (cold and cut into chunks); 10 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbs vanilla; ½ cup plus 2 tbs heavy cream; 1 pinch salt; as needed green gel food coloring (For coloring the frosting.); 1 piece 1 M piping tip; 1 pack piping bags; as needed golden star sprinkles; as needed holiday sprinkles

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Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. These delightful little cakes bring joy to any gathering, especially for kids. The rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy vanilla frosting makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make, so you can whip them up quickly for a holiday party or a cozy family dessert night.

Why You Will Love This Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These cupcakes are great because they are simple and fun to decorate. Everyone can get involved, making it a wonderful family activity. The chocolate cake is moist, and the buttercream frosting is sweet and smooth. You only need straightforward ingredients, making this a stress-free recipe to follow. These treats will bring smiles to everyone around your table.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is quite straightforward. You’ll start by baking the cupcakes, letting them cool, and then preparing the frosting. Once everything is ready, you simply decorate them to create a beautiful festive treat. It’s a perfect activity for beginners or anyone wanting to enjoy some holiday cheer in the kitchen.

What You Need

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

Step-by-Step

How to make the cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sour cream, heavy cream, and eggs. Then add the chocolate cake mix, cocoa powder, and espresso powder if using. Stir until well combined. Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How to make the frosting:
In another bowl, beat the cold butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well. Pour in the vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy. Mix in the green gel food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.

How to decorate cupcakes:
Using a piping bag with a 1 M tip, swirl the green frosting on top of each cupcake. Then sprinkle with golden stars and holiday sprinkles for festive flair.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These cupcakes can be served at holiday parties or family gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. You can also place them on a pretty cake stand for a lovely centerpiece during your holiday celebrations. They make a delightful gift for neighbors or friends as well.

How to Store Christmas Tree Cupcakes

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them without frosting for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and add your frosting before serving!

Recipe Tips

Bake the cupcakes only until a toothpick comes out clean to prevent dryness.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to maintain a nice texture.
Use a kitchen scale to ensure precise ingredient measurements if you prefer.
For a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.

Variations & Swaps

For a different flavor, try using vanilla cake mix instead of chocolate.
Substitute half of the butter with cream cheese for a tangy twist in the frosting.
Add a sprinkle of peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty holiday flavor.
Use dairy-free butter and almond milk for a vegan-friendly option.
Decorate with crushed candy canes or coconut flakes for extra holiday flair.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve. This helps save time on busy days.

Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake and cool the cupcakes, then store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can freeze them without frosting for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.

What’s the best way to reheat frozen cupcakes?
To reheat, allow the cupcakes to thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also set them at room temperature for a couple of hours. They will be ready to frost and serve!

Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! You can replace the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier version. For frosting, use heavy cream alternatives for a lighter version.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes. Also, make sure your butter is at room temperature for the frosting to get that creamy texture. And don’t frost while the cupcakes are warm; let them cool completely first.