Green Velvet Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, especially perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. With their vibrant green color and velvety texture, these cupcakes are not just a feast for the eyes, but they also deliver a tender crumb with a hint of richness. The combination of cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the moist cake. The moment you take a bite, you’ll understand why these treats are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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

My love for these cupcakes started during a festive gathering where the burst of color and flavor turned heads and satisfied sweet cravings. Everyone was asking for the secret, and I couldn’t wait to share! Easy to whip up and impressively delicious, these cupcakes prove that baking can be fun and accessible. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe, and you’ll surely want to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This cupcake recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time with an additional 27 minutes in the oven.
Irresistible Flavor: Each cupcake features a tender, slightly sweet bite that perfectly complements the creamy frosting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their vibrant green hue, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties, birthdays, or just as a delightful treat any day of the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can adapt this recipe for gluten-free flours if needed, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar – This is the base for our cupcake’s sweetness and moisture.
½ cup unsalted butter – For that rich, buttery flavor that keeps the cupcakes soft and tender.
3 eggs – They provide structure and help create a fluffy texture.
3 drops green food coloring – This adds the iconic green hue, perfect for festive occasions; feel free to add more for a deeper color.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of our recipe, creating a light body.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acids in the buttermilk to help the batter rise.
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder – Additional leavening for that fluffy cupcake goodness.
1 cup buttermilk – This ingredient makes the cake moist and tender while adding a nice tangy flavor.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a warm, aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
8 ounces cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened for easy blending, contributing to our luscious frosting.
½ cup unsalted butter – The second dose of butter in our frosting enhances richness and creaminess.
4 cups confectioner’s sugar – This sweetens our frosting and makes it beautifully smooth.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – More flavor to complement the cream cheese in the frosting.
Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles – Optional, but they turn your cupcakes into a festive masterpiece.

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

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners. This will ensure our cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove.

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 as it incorporates air, yielding a lighter cupcake.

Add Eggs: Beat in the three eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to maintain a fluffy texture.

Add Color and Flavor: Mix in the green food coloring and 2 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. You can adjust the food coloring to your preferred shade of green.

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 teaspoon baking powder. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour 1 cup buttermilk into the butter mixture. Stir gently until combined. This addition keeps the cupcakes moist and adds flavor.

Combine Mixtures: Carefully beat in the dry ingredients until just blended, being cautious not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, which we want to avoid!

Fill Cupcake Liners: Scoop the batter into your prepared cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ of the way full. This allows enough room for them to rise without overflowing.

Bake: Place the muffin pans in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 17 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

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

Frost and Decorate: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting generously on top. For that extra festive touch, sprinkle with green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, transfer them to the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes for up to three months. Ensure they are in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be aware that refrigeration can slightly alter the texture of the frosting, but it will still taste delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to have your eggs and butter at room temperature for the best mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and a light cupcake.
Avoid overmixing when adding the flour to keep the cupcakes tender.
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
If the frosting is too stiff, add a splash of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

There’s nothing quite like homemade cupcakes fresh from the oven, and these Green Velvet Cupcakes are no exception. They are not only visually appealing, but they also deliver an incredible taste that will surely leave a smile on your face. Don’t hesitate to make these delightful treats for your next celebration—your friends and family will adore them!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes ahead of time. I recommend storing them without frosting in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Green Velvet Cupcakes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder and any additional ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, natural food coloring is a great alternative! It may slightly alter the shade of green, but it will still yield a fantastic result. Just fine-tune the amount to achieve your desired color.

What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you’re freezing them, be sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume within three months for the best quality.

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Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe

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

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Description

These green velvet cupcakes are a festive twist, featuring a rich flavor balanced with a creamy frosting. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, they are easy to make and delightful to enjoy.

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 line muffin pans with 18 liners.
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract until combined.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
Pour the buttermilk into the wet mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Fill each lined muffin cup three-quarters full with batter.
Bake for approximately 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smoother frosting.
You can adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
Feel free to add shamrock sprinkles or green sanding sugar on top for a festive touch.