Festive Christmas Tree Coffee Cake Recipe
Imagine a relaxing morning with the smell of freshly brewed coffee, while taking in a view of a beautiful snow-covered landscape outside your window. Now, how about pairing that cup of Joe with a delicious Christmas Tree Coffee Cake? The idea seems ideal during the holiday season, doesn’t it?
I have a festive recipe that will make you jump out of bed on Christmas morning. Behold the Christmas Tree Coffee Cake! This sweet treat is ideal for those early hours or even as a dessert after dinner with friends and family.
Nothing compares to the rich aroma and flavors of this indulgent coffee cake. The recipe consists of a soft cake base shaped into a Christmas tree, topped with powdered sugar and cream cheese frosting. It’s so good; you’ll want to sneak pieces throughout the day.
The recipe requires some extra time and care, but trust me when I say it is well worth the effort. I’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions for making this beautiful pastry. So get ready to wow your guests or indulge in your sweet tooth cravings and treat yourself to this irresistible coffee cake during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a special treat to enjoy during the holiday season, then this Christmas Tree Coffee Cake recipe is the perfect solution. Not only is it festive and fun, but it’s also incredibly delicious.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful and tasty cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the unique shape of the cake. It’s shaped like a Christmas tree, which makes it the perfect addition to any holiday party or gathering. Plus, the tree shape means that each slice of cake looks as good as it tastes.
Of course, taste is key when it comes to any recipe, and this Christmas Tree Coffee Cake does not disappoint. The cake itself is light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. And with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, it’s an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
So if you’re looking for a special dessert to add to your holiday menu, look no further than this Christmas Tree Coffee Cake. It’s a recipe that’s sure to make your holiday season just a little bit sweeter.
Ingredient List
Before we start making this delicious Christmas Tree Coffee Cake recipe, let’s get all the required ingredients ready. To make sure you have everything you need, here’s a detailed list of all the items you’ll need to make this wonderful holiday treat.
Dry ingredients
- 6 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 packages of active dry yeast (1/4 ounce each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 cup dry milk powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Cream cheese filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
Topping
- Powdered sugar mixed with milk (4 cups powdered sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency)
With all these items at hand, you are now set to create the perfect Christmas Tree Coffee Cake. If there’s something you don’t have or think about substituting one ingredient with another, refer to the next section for some suggestions.
The Recipe How-To
Christmas Tree Coffee Cake is not only delicious but fun to make for the holidays! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a perfectly tender and moist cake. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and start baking.
Step 1: Activate Yeast
Start by dissolving two packages of active dry yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water. Add a tablespoon of sugar and let it sit for five minutes until it foams. This will prove that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Mix Together Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine three cups of all-purpose flour, a cup of sugar, and a teaspoon of salt. In another small bowl, beat two eggs thoroughly. Separately, melt one stick of butter and add a half-cup of milk to it. Mix this with the beaten eggs.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir them together. Add the activated yeast mixture slowly while mixing until dough forms.
Step 4: Knead Dough
Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.
Step 5: Rise Dough
Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 6: Roll Out Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle that measures about twenty by eighteen inches.
Step 7: Spread Filling & Shape
Spread melted butter over the rolled-out dough, leaving a margin around the edges. Sprinkle it with half of cinnamon mixture then cover with tannenbaum coffee cake or cream cheese filling. Roll up from long edge tightly like when making cinnamon rolls. Next, slice the dough into several angled pieces and form a Christmas tree shape over a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8: Bake
Let it rise or until doubled again then bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes at 375 °F.
Step 9: Glaze
Remove from the oven and let cool down for about 10-15 minutes before spreading with powdered sugar glaze made from mixing 4 cups of powdered sugar with milk starting with only 2 tbsp and adding more if needed to create a spreadable paste. Drizzle over the Christmas tree coffee cake cake recipe.
Now that I have taken you through the steps on preparing this delicious coffee cake, it is your turn to try it out. Do not be afraid to substitute ingredients or add your own twist to the recipe, who knows, you might just create your unique version of this popular coffee cake.
Enjoy your delicious Christmas Tree Coffee Cake!
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily customize this Christmas Tree Coffee Cake recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
For a healthier version of the recipe, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also swap out the granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
If you want to add some extra flavor to the coffee cake, try adding some chopped nuts, raisins or cranberries to the batter. For a chocolatey twist, you could mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
To make a cream cheese filling, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can spread this mixture on top of the cake before piling on the dough triangles to make it extra decadent.
If you don’t have any active dry yeast on hand, you can use instant yeast instead by using half the amount required for active dry yeast. You could also experiment with substituting different types of yeast, such as sourdough starter, although you may need to adjust the ingredients accordingly.
Finally, if you want to make a smaller batch of coffee cakes or portion sizes that are easier to share at gatherings, try using cookie cutters to cut out individual tree-shaped pieces instead of baking one big cake. This way everyone can enjoy their own individual “Tannenbaum Coffee Cake.”
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked this beautiful Christmas Tree Coffee Cake, it would be a shame not to serve it the best way possible! This recipe is perfect as a breakfast pastry, coffee accompaniment, holiday dessert, or even as a midnight snack.
To compliment the flavour of this cake, consider pairing it with a cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the cake will work well with a rich, bold roast, or a spicy chai. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could also serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream.
Another great pairing for this cake would be hot cocoa or warm apple cider. The cinnamon and nutmeg spices in the cake will blend well with these comforting holiday beverages.
If you’re serving this cake as dessert after dinner, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm caramel sauce. This will bring out the sweetness in the cake and create an indulgent dessert experience.
Finally, if you want to impress your guests even further, consider making small individual Tannenbaum coffee cakes and serve them on an elegant plate. These mini cakes would be perfect for a seasonal brunch or holiday party.
No matter how you choose to serve this Christmas Tree Coffee Cake recipe, one thing is certain – it’s always going to be delicious and will surely become one of your favourite festive baked goods!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Christmas Tree Coffee Cake recipe is perfect for a festive breakfast or dessert. One of the best things about this recipe is it can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated without any compromise on the flavor or texture. Here are some tips for making-ahead, storing, and reheating your Christmas Tree Coffee Cake.
Make-Ahead:
To make-ahead, all you need to do is prepare the coffee cake as instructed in the recipe. Once it has cooled down completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to two weeks. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storing:
The Christmas Tree Coffee Cake will last for up to three days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have not sliced the coffee cake yet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Reheating:
To reheat the coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take out the Christmas Tree Coffee Cake from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place it on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can cover loosely with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
Tips:
-If reheating individual slices, simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for around 30 seconds.
-To keep your coffee cake moist when storing or reheating, you can brush it with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water.
-Avoid refreezing after thawing.
By following these tips, you can enjoy this delicious Christmas Tree Coffee Cake at any time without compromising its delicious taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and steps to create a delectable Christmas Tree Coffee Cake, it’s essential to know some tips to ensure your perfect results. Here are some essential tips I’ve learned throughout my career as a barista and baker.
Firstly, make sure the butter is at room temperature before using it. Room temperature butter mixes more easily with other ingredients, making it easier to create a smoother batter. It’s also best to soften the cream cheese as well to avoid lumps in your batter.
When adding flour, it’s important not to overmix, as this can result in tough and dense cake. It’s better to mix the flour until just combined, which will yield a moist and fluffy cake.
Another tip for perfect results is ensuring your yeast mixture mixes correctly into your dough. Make sure your water is warm but not too hot; otherwise, it will kill the yeast instead of activating it. Don’t forget to let the dough rise sufficiently before baking; otherwise, your cake will fail to rise while baking.
The next tip is about baking time and temperature. Check the progress of your cake often while baking as every oven has its temperatures and baking time variance. To guarantee perfect results, bake the cake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 25-30 minutes.
Finally, allow the cake to cool entirely before slicing it. This step will prevent crumbling and keep its shape intact.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a soft and fluffy Christmas Tree Coffee Cake all your family and friends will love!
Bottom Line
This Christmas, surprise your guests and loved ones with a delicious and visually stunning Christmas Tree Coffee Cake. This recipe has the perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and texture that will leave everyone asking for a second slice. With simple ingredients that can be found in any grocery store and a straightforward preparation method, even inexperienced bakers can impress their guests with this tasty delight.
Make sure to experiment with varying flavors and substitutions to suit your personal preferences, but don’t be afraid to try the original recipe featured here. Its combination of warm spices like vanilla extract and ground nutmeg, cream cheese for tanginess, and a rich buttery cake base is what makes this coffee cake stand out from the rest.
For those who cherish Christmas traditions, the tree-shaped pastry is an excellent addition to your holiday decor but also adds excitement to any coffee break or dessert table. You can also opt to share this decadent treat with family and friends or complement it with some festive UKROP’s chocolate cake to make a truly unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, anyone can quickly master this recipe by following the step-by-step guide showcased in this article. Once you try it out, you will understand why Tannenbaum Coffee Cakes are a beloved Christmas tradition among families across the United States. Don’t wait any longer; dive into the world of baked goods and make yourself popular at holiday gatherings with this show-stopping recipe!
Christmas Tree Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (2 ounce) can crushed pineapple in syrup, drained
- 11 red glazed cherries, halved
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In large mixing bowl throughly mix 2 cups flour, sugar, salt& dry yeast. Set aside.
- In small saucepan combine milk, water and butter.
- Heat to 130ºF (butter does not need to melt).
- Slowly add liquid to the above dry ingredients; beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
- Add egg and 1 cup flour.
- Beat at high speed additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to make stiff dough (approx. 1 cup).
- Cover tightly.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
- When ready to make rolls, prepare filling.
- In large mixing bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt, nutmeg and vanilla.
- Beat just until well blended.
- Stir in drained pineapple.
- Grease 2 large cookie sheets.
- Divide dough in half; keep one half in refrigerator while working with other half.
- On lightly floured surface roll first dough half to an 11" x 10" rectangle.
- Spread with half of the cream cheese pineapple filling.
- Roll up on 11" side- pinch seams to seal.
- Cut into 1" slices and arrange in shape of Christmas tree on cookie sheet.
- Cover lightly with plastic wrap.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Let arranged slices rise approximately 1 hour in draft free warm place.
- Preheat oven to 375ºF- Bake 15 minutes; cover with aluminum foil to prevent browning.
- Bake additional 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Place cherries, cut side down in center of each roll.
- Combine powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over the rolls.