Christmas Tree Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 boxes of your favorite cake mix (or homemade cake batter)

4 large eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Buttercream Frosting:

2 cups unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2-4 tbsp heavy cream

Green food coloring (for the tree color)

A pinch of salt

For the Decoration:

Colorful sprinkles (for ornaments)

Mini candy stars or star-shaped sprinkles (for the tree topper)

Red candy (like M&Ms or red hots) for berries

Miniature candy canes (optional)

Powdered sugar (for snow effect)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch round cake pans, depending on how large you want the tree.

Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, follow the instructions on the cake mix box (or your homemade recipe). Typically, mix together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake according to the package instructions (usually 25-30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.

Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract, and then add the heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency for spreading or piping.

Color the Frosting: Add green food coloring to the frosting and mix until you achieve your desired shade of green for the tree.

3. Assemble the Christ