Chocolate cake in the shape of a Christmas tree

Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake

The winter holidays are a special time, filled with warmth, joy, and of course, delicious treats. One of the most beloved desserts that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones is the chocolate cake shaped like a Christmas tree, a masterpiece that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. This recipe is perfect for adding a touch of magic to your Christmas table. Let's discover together how to prepare this delightful cake, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 170 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar
- 6 eggs
- 300 g flour
- 75 ml milk
- 70 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the ganache:
- 600 g chocolate (choose a good quality chocolate with a high cocoa percentage for an intense flavor)
- 500 ml heavy cream

For the buttercream:
- 450 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 450 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring

For decoration:
- Colorful candies
- Fondant to create a star and gifts

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the cake

1. Start by preheating the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. It is essential to have the oven well heated for even baking.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is important to incorporate air into the mixture, making the cake fluffy.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour, adding one tablespoon at a time and mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the salt, milk, cocoa powder, and mix until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Finally, add the vanilla extract and baking powder, mixing just until combined.

Step 2: Baking the cakes

1. Prepare 3 cake pans with a diameter of 15 cm, greased with butter or a non-stick baking spray.
2. Divide the batter evenly among the 3 pans. An even distribution is essential for achieving cakes of the same thickness.
3. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Test them with a toothpick, which should come out clean.

Step 3: Making the ganache

1. In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil. Once it starts boiling, remove it from the heat.
2. Add the chopped chocolate to the cream and stir well until completely melted. This rich mixture will be the delicious base of your cake.
3. Let the ganache cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it to firm up.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Once the cakes have cooled, remove them from the pans and cut each cake into 3 equal parts, resulting in 9 discs.
2. Begin assembling the cake using the ganache as filling between the layers. Spread a thin layer of ganache on each cake disc, then place the next disc on top.
3. After you finish assembling the cake, let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the ganache to set.

Step 5: Shaping the cake into a Christmas tree

1. Use a sharp knife to shape the cake into the desired Christmas tree form. Be creative and don’t hesitate to experiment.
2. To ensure the stability of the cake, you can insert a wooden stick in the center, which will help maintain the shape.
3. Cover the entire cake with a generous layer of the remaining ganache, smoothing it out well.

Step 6: Making the buttercream

1. In a mixing bowl, add the butter and powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed for 10 minutes until you achieve a smooth and fluffy cream.
2. Add the vanilla extract and green food coloring, continuing to mix until the cream is evenly colored.

Step 7: Decorating the Christmas tree

1. Place the buttercream in a piping bag fitted with a leaf-shaped tip and start decorating the cake, giving it a tree-like appearance.
2. Use colorful candies to add a touch of cheer and create ornaments on the tree.
3. You can also shape a star from fondant to place on top of the tree, completing the festive look.

Step 8: Chilling and serving

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour so that the buttercream can firm up and take on a beautiful shape.
2. Serve the cake with a smile, sharing it with loved ones and enjoying every slice.

Practical tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- You can use white chocolate or milk chocolate for the ganache, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the buttercream.
- For an explosion of flavors, you can add a teaspoon of espresso to the ganache.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or an alternative, but the texture and taste of the cake may change.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It stays fresh for a few days.

3. Can I make the cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! The cake will become even more flavorful as the flavors meld together.

Delicious combinations

This chocolate Christmas tree cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate or a fragrant fruit tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of cake will provide a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

In conclusion, making this Christmas chocolate cake is not just a culinary process, but also an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Each step of the recipe is a chance to enjoy magic, flavor, and tradition. So, I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a touch of happiness to your holiday table!