Green Velvet Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet dessert, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply indulging in a sweet treat. These charming cupcakes boast a moist, tender crumb and a luscious cream cheese frosting topped with cheerful green sprinkles or shamrock decorations. The vibrant green color isn’t just eye-catching; it brings a fun and festive spirit to any occasion.

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

Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick's Day Cupcake

I first stumbled upon green velvet cupcakes during a St. Patrick’s Day gathering, and they quickly became a favorite among friends and family. The combination of flavors, textures, and that gorgeous green hue has made them a staple in our home every year. Whether you’re planning a party or craving something sweet, these cupcakes are easy to whip up and will definitely impress your guests. I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and only 27 minutes baking time, these cupcakes come together in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The moistness of buttermilk and richness of cream cheese make these cupcakes a delightful treat for your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green color is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and will charm both kids and adults alike.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, brunches, or just a tasty afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitutions like gluten-free flour can accommodate different dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar: This is the primary sweetener, giving the cupcakes that lovely sweetness. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
½ cup unsalted butter: Used for moisture and a tender crumb. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming.
3 eggs: These add structure and richness. Room temperature eggs will help create a smoother batter.
3 drops green food coloring: This is what makes these cupcakes vibrant! Feel free to add more for a richer color.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cupcakes. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps provide lift and tenderness to the cupcakes.
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Works in conjunction with baking soda to ensure the cupcakes rise perfectly.
1 cup buttermilk: Contributes moisture and a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute with milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the cupcakes.
8 ounces cream cheese: For frosting, this gives a rich and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the cupcakes.
½ cup unsalted butter: Also for frosting, it adds a smooth texture. Make sure it’s softened.
4 cups confectioner’s sugar: The sweet base for frosting, ensuring it’s the perfect consistency for piping.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles: Perfect for decoration and adding a bit of crunch.

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 line your muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Cream sugar and butter: 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 achieving that perfect cupcake texture.

Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air for a fluffy result.

Add color and flavor: Next, drop in 3 drops of green food coloring and 2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the coloring is evenly integrated into your batter.

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 ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a uniform rise.

Mix in buttermilk: Add 1 cup buttermilk to your creamed mixture and beat until well combined. Buttermilk adds moisture and a lovely tang.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Fill cupcake liners: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about ¾ of the way full with the batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.

Bake: Place the cupcake pans in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 17 minutes. When they are done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Prepare frosting: While your cupcakes are cooling, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add in ½ cup softened unsalted butter and continue beating until blended.

Mix in sugar and vanilla: Gradually incorporate 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Frost and Decorate: Once your cupcakes have cooled, pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cupcakes and sprinkle with green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles for that festive touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store your green velvet cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in a sealed container for about a week. For longer-term storage, the cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before bringing them back to room temperature. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture, so a quick microwave session for about 10 seconds can refresh them!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smoother batter and better rise.
Avoid overmixing after adding the flour; this can lead to dense cupcakes.
For even cupcakes, use an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup to portion the batter.
If your cupcakes domed too much, slightly reduce the baking powder or check for the oven temperature accuracy.
Taste your frosting—adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness significantly.
You can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for those busy days.

Green Velvet Cupcakes are undeniably a delight that makes any gathering feel special. The combination of flavors, textures, and that vibrant hue are sure to put a smile on your face. Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe for yourself—adjust, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy each bite. Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are bound to brighten anyone’s day!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. If you want to store them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to frost them after thawing for the best texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily create a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it will become a perfect replacement for buttermilk.

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour in this recipe. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps achieve that nice structure. Follow the packaging instructions as some blends may require additional adjustments.

What’s the best way to decorate these cupcakes?

For a fun twist, try garnishing with themed decorations like green sanding sugar, shamrock sprinkles, or even edible gold dust. You could also experiment with different piping techniques to make each cupcake unique!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These Green Velvet Cupcakes are a fun twist on the classic dessert, featuring a moist, flavorful cake enhanced with vibrant green food coloring. They are topped with rich cream cheese frosting, making them a delightful treat for any celebration.

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° F and line muffin pans with 18 liners.
Cream the sugar and unsalted butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition.
Stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract until well mixed.
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
Add the buttermilk to the mixture of wet ingredients and combine well.
Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Fill the muffin liners three-quarters full with batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

For a richer green color, add more green food coloring.
These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Top with green sanding sugar for a festive look.