There’s a certain charm that comes with Christmas Tree Cupcakes. They’re not just adorable; they capture the spirit of the season in every bite. With a rich, chocolatey base topped with fluffy green frosting, these beauties are both a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Plus, they’re a fun way to engage the kids in the kitchen. Let’s get you whipping up these festive delights!

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Print Recipe

Delight in these charming Christmas Tree Cupcakes that blend festive décor with a rich chocolate flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: amelia-grace
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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 cold butter (cut into chunks)
10 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
Pinch of salt
Green gel food coloring
Golden star sprinkles
Holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with festive decorative liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, heavy cream, eggs, cocoa powder, and optional espresso powder, mixing until smooth.
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with your batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the cold butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low.
Stir in the vanilla and salt, then drizzle in the heavy cream until light and fluffy. Add green gel food coloring to achieve a tree shade.
Once cool, swirl the green frosting on top using a piping bag.
Finish with golden star sprinkles and colorful holiday sprinkles.

Notes

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. Let sit at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 300
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Mastering the Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Why This Christmas Tree Cupcakes Never Fails: The secret to these cupcakes is simplicity. You can be a novice baker and still impress everyone with these tasty creations. They come together in no time and always wow the crowd at holiday gatherings.

Your Ingredient Lineup

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, but it adds a rich depth)
2 cups cold butter (cut into chunks)
10 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
Pinch of salt
Green gel food coloring
Golden star sprinkles
Holiday sprinkles (for that snow-globe effect)

Cooking Method Made Simple

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with festive decorative liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, heavy cream, eggs, cocoa powder, and optional espresso powder, mixing until smooth. Don’t skip this step; it ensures a moist and flavorful cake.
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with your batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—this is the classic trick to check for doneness.
Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack. Patience pays off here; warm cupcakes can end up with melted frosting.
For the frosting, beat the cold butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low to avoid a sugary cloud.
Stir in the vanilla and salt, then drizzle in the heavy cream until you reach a light and fluffy texture. Don’t forget to add green gel food coloring to achieve that festive tree shade.
Once the cupcakes are cool, take a piping bag fitted with an M tip, and swirl that beautiful green frosting on top. It doesn’t have to be perfect—after all, trees come in all shapes.
Finish them off with a sprinkle of golden stars and colorful holiday sprinkles. Voilà, you’ve got your Christmas Tree Cupcakes!

Nutrition Breakdown

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: Approximately 300
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g

Balanced and filling without feeling heavy—these cupcakes make for a delightful indulgence in the holiday spirit.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These charming cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties or simply as an after-dinner treat. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of milk, and you have the ultimate festive snack. They also work beautifully at a cookie exchange—bring a batch and watch them disappear!

Storage & Reheat Tips

To keep your Christmas Tree Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them again after chilling, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving so that the frosting softens to its fluffy best.

Smart Tips

Mix It Up: For an even richer cupcake, try substituting half the heavy cream with brewed coffee. It enhances the chocolate flavor like magic.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting seems too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Sprinkle Strategy: For a more enchanting look, dust icing sugar on top of the sprinkles to create a “snowy” effect.
Make Ahead: You can bake the cupcakes two days in advance. Just frost them the day you plan to serve for maximum freshness.
Piping Bag Hack: Don’t have a piping bag? Use a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. It works just as well in a pinch!

Creative Flavor Twists

Peppermint Mocha Version: Add crushed peppermint candies to the frosting or a drop of peppermint extract for a fresh holiday spin.
Carrot Cake Variation: Swap the chocolate cake mix for a spice cake mix and add grated carrots for a fantastic twist.
Nutty Surprise: Fold in some chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy surprise when you bite in.

Quick Questions, Straight Answers

Can I use different cake flavors for my Christmas Tree Cupcakes?
Absolutely! Vanilla, red velvet, or even carrot cake can easily take the spotlight in this festive theme.

What can I do if my cupcakes sink in the middle?
This can happen if they are overmixed or if the oven temperature is too low. Make sure you’re mixing just until combined and check the oven temperature with a thermometer.

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and the rest of the ingredients remain the same. They will turn out just as delightful!

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to three months. Just make sure they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

So there you have it! Your new go-to recipe for Christmas Tree Cupcakes. Easy, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!