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Christmas Tree Cupcakes
5 from 18 votes

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These Christmas Tree Cupcakes combine classic vanilla cupcakes baked with common pantry ingredients and topped with a whipped cream frosting dyed green to resemble Christmas trees. The cupcakes are baked in red or green liners and decorated by covering sugar cookie cones with green whipped cream, finished with optional yellow star sprinkles. The addition of sugar cookie cones creates a festive shape resembling tree cones for holiday presentation.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 388 kcal
Course: Cake
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cupcakes
  • 2 egg at room temp, large
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or canola oil
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract pure
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Whipped Cream and Decorating* (See Notes, Important)
  • 1 cup heavy cream very cold** (See Notes, or whipping cream
  • ¼ cup confectioners sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract pure
  • 12 sugar cookie cone pointed-tip, for ice cream
  • green food coloring as desired
  • yellow star sprinkles optional for decorating

Instructions

Cupcake:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a standard 12-count cupcake pan with foil red or green cupcake liners; set aside.
  2. To a large bowl, add the eggs, oil, sugar, and whisk to combine.
  3. Add the vanilla and whisk to combine.
  4. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and stir until just combined; don't overmix.
  5. Evenly divide batter into prepared pan making sure to fill each cavity about 2/3-full.
  6. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until cupcakes are done. They're done when the center is set, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tip - For optimal results, bake on the center oven rack and rotate once midway through for the most even baking.
  7. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan while you make the whipped cream.
Whipped Cream:
  1. To the bowl (a chilled bowl is better) of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or handheld electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the cream, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and beat on high speed for about 90 to 120 seconds, or until stiff peaks form; stop to scrape down the bowl as necessary.
Assembly:
  1. Using a butter knife or spoon, spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the top of each cupcake.
  2. Add an inverted ice cream cone*** (See Notes) to the top of each cupcake, using the whipped cream to help secure it; set aside.
  3. To the remaining whipped cream, add green food coloring, as desired until desired shape is achieved. Tip - I recommend gel food coloring for the most intense green color results. Mix well to make sure it's evenly combined.
  4. Spread a thin layer of green whipped cream over the ice cream cones on the top of each cupcake.
  5. Add the green food coloring to a silicone piping bag fitted with a coupler (or your favorite style of piping bag) and a star tip.
  6. Beginning at the base of the cone (largest part), pipe star-shaped dollops and work your way up, piping star-shaped dollops as you go; repeat process with all 12 cupcakes.
  7. Optionally, add a yellow star at the top of each Christmas tree for a more festive look.
  8. Serve immediately or store airtight in the fridge before serving. Cupcakes will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Double the whipped cream recipe for easier decorating and consistent green coloring on all cupcakes.
  • Use only heavy or whipping cream chilled very well; do not use half-and-half or milk for best whipping results.
  • Chilling the mixing bowl prior to whipping the cream helps achieve stiff peaks.
  • Fill sugar cookie cones with mini or regular-sized M&Ms or chocolate chips halfway before topping cupcakes for a hidden treat.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 388kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 9g (53%) Cholesterol 67mg (22%) Sodium 481mg (20%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 32g (64%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 388

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 388kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9g 53%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 481mg 20%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 32g 64%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.