White Birch Tree Stump Cake

Are you ready for another spin on the beloved Tree Stump Cake recipe? It comes to the White Birch Tree Stump Cake this time! They are both perfect for Christmas, an outdoor event, or a woodland theme party.

It's a towering stunner of layers and layers of soft and moist vertical chocolate cake sponges hugged with super delicious and delicate vanilla cream cheese frosting and small smears of melted dark chocolate that look just like the distinctive tree bark of a birch tree.

Plus, the cake features luscious layers of chocolate cake and cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect balance of rich, delicious flavors. This birch tree cake is incredibly moist, and the frosting is luxuriously creamy, making every bite delicious. And the look of birch wood is absolutely stunning!

Want to learn how to make this birch tree cake recipe? Then keep on reading. 

Table of Contents

• What is Birch Tree Cake?
• What Makes This  Birch Tree Cake Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Birch Tree Cake at Home
• How to Make Birch Tree Cake (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best Birch Tree Cake Ever
• Serving Suggestions for Birch Tree Cake
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Birch Tree Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftover Birch Tree Cake
• Similar Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• White Birch Tree Stump Cake
• Comments

What is Birch Tree Cake?

A birch tree cake is a delicious dessert that brings the beauty of nature to your dining table. The cake’s design mimics the characteristic white and black patterns of a birch tree's bark, making it a stunning and delicious treat.

The cake is carefully frosted with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and salt, and then decorated with melted chocolate to mimic the appearance of birch bark. For the final touch, you’ll use a hot knife to create clean, beautiful slices, showcasing the lovely layers of the cake and the intricate design.

What makes this recipe special is the attention to detail involved in making it. The baking process is simple and straightforward, while the frosting process takes a bit more skill and patience. But with a little practice, you’ll be creating this delicious and stunning cake in no time!

Creating a birch tree cake at home is not only a fun and rewarding baking project, but it also makes an incredibly tasty dessert. The cake itself is light and moist, with the buttermilk and vanilla extract adding a rich depth of flavor. 

The cream cheese frosting provides a delicious contrast with its creamy, tangy notes. And let's not forget the melted chocolate, which adds a touch of richness to every bite. This is definitely a cake that will impress your guests with both its stunning appearance and delicious flavor.

What Makes This  Birch Tree Cake Recipe Special?

• Easy to make: This birch tree cake recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, with clear step-by-step instructions. From mixing the batter to frosting the cake, each step is simple and manageable, making it perfect even for beginners.
• Family favorite: With its layers of moist chocolate cake and delicate vanilla cream cheese frosting, this recipe is a sure-fire hit with the whole family. It is a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile: This birch tree cake is versatile and can be decorated to suit any event or theme. Whether you're planning a Christmas party, a woodland-themed birthday, or just a casual family gathering, this cake can be dressed up or down to fit the occasion.
• Crowd pleaser: Not only is this cake a visual stunner with its birch bark appearance, but it is also incredibly tasty. The combination of chocolate and vanilla flavors will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you're serving it at a party or a family dinner, this cake is sure to please the crowd.

What You Need to Make Birch Tree Cake at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this  birch tree cake recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cake batter, providing structure to the cake. It makes your cake soft and fluffy.
• Cocoa: This gives your cake a rich, chocolatey flavor. The better the quality of the cocoa, the better your cake will taste.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These are the leavening agents that help your cake rise, making it light and airy.
• Sea salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Eggs: These are the binding agents in your cake. They provide structure and help with leavening. Remember to use them at room temperature for easy incorporation into the batter.
• Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cake and also helps to give it a light, tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor to your cake. It compliments the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Buttermilk or Kefir: These add moisture to the cake, making it soft and tender. They also give a nice tangy flavor to balance the sweetness.

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese: This is the main ingredient in your frosting. It gives a tangy, creamy flavor that pairs well with the sweet, chocolatey cake.
• Confectioner’s sugar: This sweetens your frosting and makes it smooth and spreadable.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just like in the cake, this adds a sweet, warm flavor to your frosting.
• Sea salt: A little bit of salt in your frosting can help to balance out the sweetness.
• Cold heavy whipping cream: This is used to make your frosting light and fluffy. It also adds a creamy, rich flavor.
• Dark chocolate chips: These are melted and added to the frosting to give it a rich, chocolatey flavor and a distinctive birch tree bark look. The more you add, the darker your frosting will be.

Supplies You'll Need to Make this Cake

• Parchment Paper
• Large 16x22 baking sheet
• Stand mixer
• Hand whisker
• Cake spatula

Make the Frosted Cranberries the night before to give them time to dry and be ready for decorating the cake the next day.

How to Make Birch Tree Cake (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible birch tree cake is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

How to Make White Birch Tree Stump Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease and line a 16x22-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, sift and whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and cocoa powder or cacao powder. Set aside until ready for use.

Now, it is time to beat your eggs and sugar together. Do this on high speed for about five minutes, or until your mixture turns light, fluffy, and a pale yellow color.

Slow down your mixer to a medium/low speed and add in your vanilla extract and room temperature buttermilk (or Kefir)

Remove the bowl from the mixer stand and add the prepped dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt) into the egg mixture, ½ cup at a time.

Using a hand whisk or silicone spatula, gently mix in the dry ingredients with about four additions, trying not to deflate air pockets as much as possible.

How to Bake White Birch Tree Stump Cake

Transfer the batter to the earlier greased 16x22-inch baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 ℉ for 15 minutes.

While the first cake sheet is baking, make another batch of this sheet cake sponge using the same ingredients for this cake.

Remove the first baked cake sheet from the oven and let cool completely before frosting. Repeat the same baking instructions for the second sheet of this cake.

How to Make White Birch Tree Stump Cake Frosting

First, melt chocolate chips (I use the water bath method), and set them aside to cool to room temperature before applying them onto the frosting.

While the cake sponges are cooling, make the frosting.

Start by beating cream cheese until light and fluffy for a couple of minutes or so. Then add the confectioner's sugar and beat well again for a minute or so, scraping down the cream off the sides of the mixer bowl halfway through.

Then add vanilla and salt and mix for another minute.

Finally, add cold heavy cream. Start beating the cream slowly on low, then gradually increase the mixing speed to medium. Again, scrape down the cream multiple times to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

NOTE: This entire batch of frosting is for the inside of the cake only. You will need to make another half batch of this frosting recipe to decorate the top and the sides of the cake later on after the cake sets for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

How to Assemble White Birch Tree Stump Cake

You should have your 2 sheets of 14x20 cake sponges cooled completely before frosting them.

Split each sheet cake sponge in half vertically to have four 7x20-inch cake sponges (even though the photo below shows just one sheet).

Using a half-cup ice cream scoop, add 5 scoops of frosting to each of the 4 strips of sponge cake.

Using a cake spatula spread out the frosting evenly over all 4 strips of cake sponges. (The image below shows only one sheet of cake sponge, repeat the same frosting steps with the second sheet).

This is a tricky and very important step. Start rolling the first strip like you would roll a regular cake roll. Firmly roll the sponge while at the same time focusing on preventing the cake sponges from breaking. Add the next strip by lining up the short sides next to each other as soon as the previous one ends.

Use the parchment paper for stability to help hold the roll together during the rolling process so that it does not unroll. Use all 4 strips of sheet cake sponges as one continuous long roll.

When rolling up the last strip leave the parchment paper on and wrap additional strips of parchment paper (the ones you baked the cakes on) around the entire perimeter to hold this cake in place.

Flip the cake log upright. You will need an assistant to hold both ends of the parchment paper snugly around the cake, while you secure the parchment papers together by taping a long strip of 2" wide clear scotch tape over the parchment paper all the way around the cake.

If you have some frosting left (usually a cup or so), use it up by spreading it over the top of the cake. Then refrigerate the cake for 4 hours or overnight (my preference).

How to Decorate the Tree Strump Cake

The next day I start by making another half of the batch of the frosting. Once the frosting is done, cut the clear tape and peel the parchment paper off the cake. The cake should be set, firm, and stable at this point. It is ready to be decorated.

Frost the entire cake using a cake spatula.

Make some cooled and melted chocolate ganache marks using a spoon, and then run a cake icing smoother around the cake once to spread out the chocolate and smooth the cake. This design will represent a white birch stump.

Decorate the cake with fresh pine tree stems and frosted cranberries. You may also decorate the cake with meringue mushrooms (using this meringue cookies recipe) or however, you like.

Place the cake into the fridge for a couple more hours.

How to Heat a Knife for Perfectly Clean Slices

If you like to see nice and clean slices of cake as I do, it is important to know a few tips that will deliver that satisfying look for you. Slicing the cake with a warmed clean knife will turn out each and every slice of the cake clean and beautiful.

Place a long knife into a tall cup filled with hot water for 15 seconds or so. Remove the knife from the water and dry it using a paper towel. The hot knife will melt away stickiness and cleanly slice through the layers if you cut only in one downward direction, and pull the knife out at the base of the cake.

Repeat the same instruction each time you make a slice and you've got a drool-worthy presentation with each slice of this deliciousness you worked so hard on. Happy slicing and eating!

Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or latte!

Tips for Making the Best Birch Tree Cake Ever

• Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature: For the best results, make sure all your ingredients, especially the eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature before starting the birch tree cake recipe. This will help the batter mix more easily and evenly.
• Properly prepare your baking sheet: Don't skip greasing and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step guarantees that the cake doesn't stick to the pan and makes it easier to remove after baking.
• Be gentle with the batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, do so gently and in stages to maintain the lightness of the batter. This will result in a softer and fluffier cake.
• Take your time with the frosting: Achieving the perfect cream cheese frosting requires patience. Start by beating the cream cheese until light and fluffy, then gradually add the other ingredients, scraping the sides of the bowl to make sure that everything is well incorporated.
• Roll the cake carefully: Rolling the cake sponges can be tricky. Use parchment paper for stability and to prevent it from unrolling. Take your time to avoid breaking the sponges.
• Chill before decorating: Refrigerate the cake for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight before decorating. This will make the cake more firm and stable and easier to frost.
• Use a hot knife for clean slices: For beautiful slices, heat your serrated knife in hot water before each cut. This will help to cleanly slice through the layers of the cake without pulling or tearing.

Serving Suggestions for Birch Tree Cake

• The birch tree cake makes a stunning centerpiece for an outdoor-themed party. Serve it alongside other woodland-themed treats like sugar cookies shaped like leaves and acorns for a matching spread.
• For a winter holiday event, pair this cake with warm beverages like hot chocolate or mulled wine. The rich taste of the cake compliments the warm, spicy notes of these drinks beautifully.
• This cake is also perfect for a birthday celebration. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side. The cold creaminess of the ice cream will balance the rich flavors of the cake.
• Birch tree cake also makes a great dessert for a picnic. Pack slices of the cake in a lunch box and enjoy it in the great outdoors under birch trees, if possible.
• For an elevated dessert experience, serve the birch tree cake with a side of fresh berries. The tartness of the berries will cut through the sweetness of the cake, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• For a rustic wedding, this birch tree cake could serve as a unique and memorable wedding cake. Decorate it with fresh flowers to match the wedding theme. It’s also great for a winter wedding or outdoor-inspired wedding.
• If you're hosting a brunch, serve slices of this cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The cake's rich, sweet flavors will be a perfect counterpoint to the bitterness of the coffee or tea.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Birch Tree Cake

This delicious birch tree cake recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Citrus Twist: If you're a fan of sweet and tangy flavors, then this variation is for you. Add the zest of one orange to the cake batter and a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the frosting. This will give your birch bark cake a refreshing citrusy twist that balances the richness of the chocolate and cream cheese.

Add Fruits: For a burst of natural sweetness and pop of color, try adding fresh cranberries to the batter. The tartness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with the sweet chocolate cake which serves to add a festive touch, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.

Add Some Nuts: If you love the crunch and flavor of nuts, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that compliments the chocolate cake and cream cheese frosting.

A Hint of Coffee: Coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor and give your birch bark cake a sophisticated edge. 

Double Chocolate: If you're a chocoholic, this variation will take your birch bark cake to the next level. Mix in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftover Birch Tree Cake

After enjoying a slice or two of your delicious birch tree cake, you might find yourself with leftovers. Not to worry, with the right storage techniques, your cake will stay moist and flavorful for days to come. 

If you plan to finish your birch tree cake within a week, storing it in the fridge is the way to go. Before you put your cake in the fridge, make sure to cover it with a cake keeper or an overturned bowl to protect it from drying out. 

If you don't have a cake keeper, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. Remember to keep the cake away from strong-smelling food to prevent it from absorbing unwanted flavors.

Unfortunately, due to the cream cheese frosting, freezing is not recommended for the birch tree cake. The frosting might separate and become grainy after thawing. However, you can freeze the chocolate cake layers before assembling and frosting. 

Just make sure to wrap each layer in plastic wrap and then foil before you put them in the freezer.

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This recipe was originally posted on December 22, 2021, and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.