These delightful Green Velvet Cupcakes are not just a stunning treat; they embody the cheerful spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Their vibrant green hue, reminiscent of lush Irish landscapes, and their soft texture make them irresistible. Topped with velvety cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles, these cupcakes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. They are sure to make any gathering feel extra festive!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe

Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick's Day Cupcake Recipe

I first discovered the magic of green velvet cupcakes during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and I was instantly hooked. They offer a delicious twist on classic red velvet while maintaining that signature moistness and rich flavor. What I love most is how easy they are to whip up. Whether for a party, a festive potluck, or just because it’s a Tuesday that needs some sweetness, these cupcakes will be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delightful cupcakes in your oven in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy cream cheese with subtly sweet green velvet cake makes each bite utterly satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those vibrant green cupcakes topped with festive decorations will steal the show at any event.
Flexible Serving: They’re perfect for any occasion, be it a casual snack, a birthday party, or, of course, St. Patrick’s Day!
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, gluten-free flour or alternative frosting can cater to various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key in cupcakes, providing the base for their delightful flavor.
½ cup unsalted butter: Butter adds moisture and a rich flavor; using unsalted allows you to control the overall taste.
3 eggs: Eggs contribute to the structure and richness of the cupcakes, ensuring they rise beautifully.
3 drops green food coloring: This adds that festive green hue, and you can adjust the amount based on desired vibrancy.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This staple ingredient provides the bulk and structure for your cupcakes.
½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness.
½ teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise.
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent for that perfect fluffy texture.
1 cup buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang, making the cupcakes tender.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth of flavor.
8 ounces cream cheese: The base for the luscious frosting, adding creaminess and a subtle tang.
½ cup unsalted butter: For the frosting, this helps achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
4 cups confectioner’s sugar: Sweetness and structure for the frosting; using confectioner’s sugar gives a soft, smooth finish.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds to the frosting’s flavor profile.
Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles: These fun decorations elevate your cupcakes, making them festive.

How to Make Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and rise perfectly.

Prepare Muffin Pans: Line your muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners. This makes for easy cleanup and adds a lovely touch to your presentation.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light cake texture.

Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed into the batter before adding the next. Beat well to incorporate air, which contributes to a fluffy cupcake.

Color and Flavor: Add 3 drops of green food coloring and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter takes on a lovely green hue.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture for the best texture. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!

Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with the batter. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in ½ cup softened unsalted butter and mix until well combined. Then, gradually mix in 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Frost and Decorate: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. For a festive touch, sprinkle with green sanding sugar or top with shamrock sprinkles!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Green Velvet Cupcakes, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days if they’re in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week, ensuring they’re in a sealed container to maintain moisture. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just keep in mind that while freezing may affect the texture slightly, they will still taste delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to avoid lumps in your frosting.
If your batter seems too thick, add a bit more buttermilk, but not too much, or the texture might get compromised.
Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. Check the cupcakes a minute or two earlier to ensure that they don’t overbake.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors by swapping vanilla extract for almond or adding a hint of espresso!

These Green Velvet Cupcakes are not only visually stunning but also a treat for the tast buds—ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any gathering that could use a touch of festive cheer. I encourage you to make them your own, perhaps by experimenting with other frosting flavors or decorations. Enjoy every moment while baking these delightful creations, as they are sure to bring smiles and joy to everyone who tries them!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different food coloring?

Absolutely! If you want to avoid artificial colors, you can use natural food coloring options. Just keep in mind that the shade might vary based on the coloring.

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container. Frost them the day of serving for the best presentation and texture.

How can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

What can I do if my cream cheese frosting is too thick?

If your frosting is too thick, gradually add a tablespoon of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Just mix well after each addition!

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Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 18 cupcakes 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Treat yourself to these delightful Green Velvet Cupcakes, featuring a rich flavor from buttermilk and cream cheese. Perfect for festive gatherings, they’re easy to whip up and will impress both family and friends!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare muffin pans with 18 liners.
In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter until smooth.
Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder thoroughly.
Incorporate the buttermilk into the wet ingredients mixture.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them ¾ full.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes, and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting them.
The food coloring can be adjusted according to your desired shade of green.
Feel free to add a pinch of cocoa powder for a slight chocolate flavor.