Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Tina Inspiration for these cupcakes came from the staggering and mammoth Christmas trees that line the Great Hall in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The visual appeal of these cupcakes makes them a lovely addition to your holiday dessert menu.
Ingredients
Buttercream
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Assembly
- cupcakes any, baked and cooled
- sanding sugar white
- food coloring not green
- sprinkles as desired
Instructions
Buttercream
- Beat butter in bowl of stand mixer for 3 minutes.
- Beat in powdered sugar and salt until combined.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla to the butter and powdered sugar. Whisk on high for 4 minutes until frosting is light and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until needed consistency is reached. Ensure the buttercream is slightly stiff.
Assembly
- Frost cupcakes with a flat layer of white buttercream. Sprinkle edges with sanding sugar.
- Tint remaining buttercream green. Move colored frosting to a piping bag (or zip-top) with a large star tip.
- Pipe a tree onto each cupcake by piping 3 rings on top of one another.
- Decorate as desired. Serve.
Notes
- The buttercream base recipe that sets the scrumptious tone of these treats was put together by Darla at her site Bakingdom.
- White chocolate shavings can give the impression of snow. Bits of brightly colored jellybeans can mimic festive lights.