Cherry Christmas Tree Cake
A festive cherry-flavored Christmas tree cake with vibrant cherry filling and orange zest, perfect for holiday celebrations and impressing guests with its colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine in a large bowl the cake mixes, eggs, softened butter, and orange juice.
- Mix at medium speed for 4 minutes.
- Stir in grated orange peel.
- Pour batter into prepared pans, which are assembled end to end to form a 9 x 26 inch shape.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Cool the cakes for 15 minutes, then remove from pans and place upside-down end to end.
- Spread 2 cans of cherry pie filling on top and sides of the assembled cake.
- Draw a Christmas tree shape and border in the frosting for decoration.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider replacing some of the orange juice with a splash of orange liqueur. You can also use a chocolate frosting instead of the cherry pie filling for a different twist. If you prefer a lighter cake, substitute half the butter with applesauce. Be sure to mix thoroughly to ensure a smooth batter.
Serving Suggestions
This festive cake is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Ice Cream Sauce for a delightful dessert experience. For a complete holiday meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through, making it perfect for enjoying with a scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Christmas Tree Cake contains roughly 4780 calories, with 9g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 469g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 485mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Just be sure to frost them on the day you plan to serve to maintain freshness. This cake also freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.
What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
If you prefer, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a different flavor profile. You might also consider using a homemade fruit compote for a more natural option, enhancing the cake's freshness.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the Butter Recipe golden cake mix provides a nice flavor and texture, you can experiment with other cake mixes, such as chocolate or lemon, to create a unique version of this cake. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).