Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
Green Velvet Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet, perfectly festive for St. Patrick’s Day. With their vibrant green hue and creamy frosting, these cupcakes bring joy and a touch of whimsy to any dessert table. Just picture biting into one: the soft, velvety texture pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese frosting, making them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up for a last-minute celebration or as a treat for your loved ones.
Table of Contents
I first made these green velvet cupcakes when looking for a fun dessert to share during a St. Patrick’s Day gathering. Everyone loved the bold color and irresistible flavor, and they quickly became a favorite in my household. The combination of buttery richness in the cupcakes alongside the tangy cream cheese frosting creates an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert to celebrate this festive season, then this recipe is absolutely for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepping and baking these cupcakes only takes about 40 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich flavor of buttermilk combined with a hint of vanilla makes for a luscious treat.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green color and festive decorations add a fun touch to any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, picnics, or as an everyday indulgence.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt to gluten-free or dairy-free preferences if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the recipe, helping to create a tender cupcake.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- 3 eggs: Provides structure and moisture; use room temperature eggs for best results.
- 3 drops green food coloring: Gives the cupcakes their vibrant hue; feel free to add more for a deeper color.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cupcakes; ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness; don’t skip this for the best flavor!
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise; make sure it’s fresh for proper leavening.
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Works together with baking soda for a light and airy cupcake.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes to moisture and richness; you can substitute with a mix of milk and vinegar if needed.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor to complement the cake.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: The base for the frosting; use softened cream cheese for easy blending.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Makes the frosting creamy and rich; also softened.
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens the frosting; sift for a smoother texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor; pure extract works best.
- Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles: Optional, but they make the cupcakes festive and fun!
How to Make Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. While it heats up, line your muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners to make for easy removal and cleanup later.
Cream Together Sugar and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup unsalted butter together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this helps incorporate air, making for a lighter cupcake.
Incorporate the Eggs: Add 3 eggs to the buttery mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are well combined and adds to the overall structure of your cupcakes.
Add Food Coloring and Vanilla Extract: Mix in 3 drops of green food coloring and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir until the color is uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder. This step helps to incorporate air and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add 1 cup buttermilk into the wet mixture, alternating with the flour mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture, beating until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
Fill Liners and Bake: Scoop the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Make sure the edges are just golden.
Prepare the Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add ½ cup unsalted butter and blend until combined, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 4 cups confectioner’s sugar. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Frost and Decorate: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled (let them rest for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring), pipe the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Feel free to decorate with green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles for that extra touch of festivity!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, just be sure to cover them well to maintain their moisture. For long-term storage, these cupcakes freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container (or a zip-top bag) and store for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, noting that the texture may alter slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always cream your butter and sugar until fluffy; it creates the right texture for your cupcakes.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for the best mixing. Cold ingredients can create lumps.
- Double-check the freshness of your baking soda and powder for proper rising.
- Don’t overmix your batter; that will keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
- If you want to prepare in advance, you can bake the cupcakes and freeze them, then frost them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
The vibrant color and smooth flavor of green velvet cupcakes are sure to impress, making them a perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities or any celebration. So gather your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and enjoy creating these delightful treats. Feel free to adjust the decorations and maybe even experiment with flavors—let your creativity shine through!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just frost them closer to serving to ensure the frosting stays fresh and doesn’t lose its texture.
What is the best way to decorate these cupcakes?
Decorating is the fun part! You can pipe the cream cheese frosting using a large star tip or simply spread it on with a knife for a more rustic look. Adding festive decorations like green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles makes them even more special for St. Patrick’s Day!
Can I substitute the buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in your recipe.
How do I know when my cupcakes are done?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cupcakes are ready to come out of the oven! Additionally, you’ll notice a slight golden edge, which is another good indicator.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge (3-Ingredient No-Bake)
- Decadent Cottage Cheese Date Brownies
- Chocolate Covered Mint Oreos
- Nutter Butter Referees
- Soulful Strawberry Banana ‘Cat in the Hat’ Snack
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 18 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Green Velvet Cupcakes are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. With their moist texture and delightful cream cheese frosting, they’re simple to make and sure to please any crowd!
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter – unsalted
- 3 eggs
- 3 drops green food coloring – or more
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk*
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter – softened
- 4 cups confectioner's sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F and line muffin pans with 18 liners.
- Cream together the sugar and butter in a large bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time and beat to incorporate.
- Stir in the food coloring and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together well.
- Pour in the buttermilk* to the wet ingredients and mix.
- Gradually beat in the flour mixture until well combined.
- Fill the liners three-quarters full with the batter.
- Bake for about 17 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
Notes
For a deeper green color, add more green food coloring to your preference.
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing in frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
