Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes. These easy-to-make cupcakes are colored green and decorated with colorful candies to resemble Christmas trees, perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Cupcake
- 1 box of cake mix (vanilla or white works best)
- Green food coloring, as needed to achieve desired shade
Decoration
- Frosting (store-bought or homemade) – preferably green-colored
- Assorted colorful candies (such as red, yellow, and green M&Ms, sprinkles, or mini candies), for ornaments
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter as directed, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Color the Batter: Add green food coloring to the batter gradually, stirring well until you reach the desired green shade for your Christmas tree effect.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Pour the green batter evenly into cupcake liners placed in a muffin tray. Bake according to the package instructions, typically at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using green frosting, swirl generously on top of each cupcake starting from the center and moving outward to create a Christmas tree shape, building some height and texture.
- Decorate with Ornaments: Press the assorted colorful candies into the frosting to mimic tree ornaments, either scattering them or placing them strategically for a festive look.
Notes
- You can use homemade green frosting by mixing vanilla buttercream with green food coloring for a fresh touch.
- If you prefer a healthier option, try a low-sugar cake mix and decorate with natural fruit pieces instead of candies.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For added holiday flair, sprinkle edible glitter or powdered sugar on top.
- Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
