Christmas Tree Cupcake Wreath

This show-stopping dessert combines festive holiday vibes with delicious cupcakes arranged in a wreath shape to delight your guests! Here’s how to create this edible masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Green Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

For Decorations:

• Red, white, and gold sprinkles (to mimic ornaments)
• Edible stars (or mini star-shaped candies)
• Edible glitter or powdered sugar (for a snowy effect)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs or greenery for embellishments

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with festive cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir until just combined.
6. Bake:
   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

1. Whip the Butter:
   Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid splattering.
3. Add Heavy Cream and Vanilla:
   Mix in heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and pipeable. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Color the Frosting:
   Add green gel food coloring until the desired vibrant hue is reached.

Step 3: Assemble the Wreath

1. Arrange the Cupcakes:
   Place 12–14 cupcakes in a circular shape on a large platter or cake board to mimic a wreath. Leave no gaps between the cupcakes.
2. Pipe the Frosting:
   Use a star or leaf tip to pipe green frosting onto each cupcake. Cover the top completely and slightly overlap frosting onto adjacent cupcakes for a cohesive look.
3. Add Decorations:
   • Sprinkle red and gold sprinkles on the frosting to represent ornaments.
   • Add an edible star to the center cupcake or at specific points around the wreath.
   • Dust with edible glitter or powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
4. Embellish the Wreath:
   Tuck small sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible greenery between cupcakes for a realistic touch.
5. Optional Ribbon Accent:
   Tie a decorative bow with a festive ribbon and place it at the bottom or top of the wreath.

Tips for Success

• Uniform Cupcakes: Ensure all cupcakes are the same size for a balanced and seamless wreath.
• Frosting Consistency: Keep the frosting thick enough to hold its shape when piped. Chill slightly if too soft.
• Theme Personalization: Customize the colors of the sprinkles or ribbon to match your holiday decor.

Your Christmas Tree Cupcake Wreath is now ready to shine on your holiday dessert table! It’s festive, shareable, and irresistibly sweet.