Description
These Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Moist, rich chocolate cupcakes are topped with creamy, fluffy buttercream frosting colored green and white to resemble Christmas trees, decorated with sprinkles for a snowy effect. Optionally filled with smooth chocolate ganache, these cupcakes are both visually appealing and delicious, making them ideal for celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 100 g Granulated sugar
- 100 g Brown sugar
- 80 g Vegetable oil
- 120 g Whole milk (room temperature)
- 120 g Freshly brewed coffee (room temperature)
- 1 Egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 180 g All purpose flour
- 50 g Cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
Chocolate Ganache (optional)
- 45 g Semi sweet chocolate
- 60 g Heavy Cream (36% fat content)
Buttercream Frosting
- 226 g Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 360 g Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Heavy cream (36% fat content)
- Green food coloring (gel or high-quality powder)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare Cupcake Tin and Oven: Line your cupcake tin with muffin liners. Preheat your oven to 175℃ (347℉) without fan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Using an electric hand mixer, whip together the egg, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, freshly brewed coffee, whole milk, and vanilla extract for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together all purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined; do not overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the lined cupcake cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and cool completely on a cooling rack. They must be at room temperature before frosting.
- Make Ganache (Optional): Place finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Heat heavy cream until it just simmers, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for one minute, then stir gently or use a blender to emulsify until smooth. Let ganache cool for 30 minutes until creamy and thickened.
- Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat room-temperature unsalted butter at medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually on low speed, then whip on medium-high for 4 minutes until fluffy and increased in volume.
- Flavor and Adjust Frosting: Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream; whip for another minute until smooth and silky. Set aside about 1/3 to 1/4 of the frosting as white. Color the remaining frosting green using gel or powdered food coloring. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding cream or powdered sugar tablespoon by tablespoon.
- Assemble Cupcakes: If using ganache, create a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill it with the set ganache. Freeze for 3 minutes to set.
- Pipe Frosting Layers: Using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M tip, pipe a layer of white frosting on each cupcake. Then, pipe the green frosting over the white to form a Christmas tree pattern.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles on the frosting to resemble ornaments and dust with icing sugar for a snow effect if desired.
- Serve and Store: Serve cupcakes fresh for best taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and bring to room temperature before serving to soften frosting.
Notes
- Ensure all wet ingredients and egg are at room temperature for the best mixing results and cupcake texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; folding until just combined preserves cupcake tenderness.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; check cupcakes a few minutes early.
- Ganache filling is optional but adds a rich center for enhanced flavor.
- Use high-quality gel or powder food coloring to achieve vibrant green frosting without affecting texture.
- For softer frosting after refrigeration, let cupcakes warm to room temperature before eating.
- Sprinkles add festive charm but can be adjusted based on preference or dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
