Name: Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick's Day Cupcake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Green velvet cupcakes bring a fun twist to the classic dessert scene, particularly when celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day! These lovely little treats feature a vibrant green hue, soft and moist texture, and a rich cream cheese frosting that creates a delightful contrast. They’re not just cupcakes; they’re a statement—an invitation to gather, share, and enjoy life’s sweeter moments, regardless of whether it’s festive occasions or an ordinary Tuesday.

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

When I first encountered these cupcakes, I couldn’t believe how the simple infusion of green coloring transformed an already enticing dessert into something unforgettable. The rich vanilla flavor is elevated with buttermilk, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Perfect for any gathering, they also come together quickly, making them a winner in the kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply want to add some color to your dessert table, these green velvet cupcakes will surely become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch of these gorgeous cupcakes in just 10 minutes of prep and 27 minutes of baking time!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is rich, moist, and accented perfectly with tangy cream cheese frosting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Dazzle your guests with these fun, festive cupcakes that are almost too pretty to eat!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a delightful afternoon treat with coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize by swapping ingredients to suit gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness to the batter and helps create a moist texture.
½ cup unsalted butter: For a rich flavor and tenderness; it’s best when softened for mixing.
3 eggs: These bind the ingredients and provide structure—room temperature eggs work best!
3 drops green food coloring: This ingredient is essential for that vibrant green hue in your cupcakes.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for our batter; avoid over-mixing to keep cupcakes tender.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the sweet ingredients.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise.
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Works in conjunction with baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture.
1 cup buttermilk: The acid in buttermilk adds richness and moisture, leading to incredibly soft cupcakes; you can also mix regular milk and vinegar as a substitute.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds subtle, aromatic sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
8 ounces cream cheese: This gives us a creamy, tangy frosting; well softened for easy blending.
½ cup unsalted butter: Another creamy component of the frosting that adds richness.
4 cups confectioner’s sugar: Essential for sweetness and achieving that perfect creamy texture in frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the frosting.
Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles: These little decorations add the perfect finishing touch for St. Patrick’s Day festivities!

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

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, line your muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners to make cleanup a breeze.

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 aeration is key for a light cupcake.

Add Eggs: Crack in 3 eggs, adding them one by one and beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.

Incorporate Color and Flavor: Add 3 drops of green food coloring and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the batter, mixing until the color and flavor are evenly distributed.

Mix 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 that the leavening agents are well situated throughout the flour.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1 cup buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly before slowly incorporating the flour mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to tough cupcakes.

Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a scoop, fill each liner about ¾ of the way full with batter. This allows space for rising and keeps them beautifully dome-shaped.

Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges may turn golden, and they will smell enchanting!

Prepare Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Then add ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, mixing well until blended.

Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually incorporate 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and fluffy—this is where the magic happens!

Frost and Decorate: Once your cupcakes are cooled completely, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake. Don’t forget to sprinkle some green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles on top for that festive flair!

Storing & Reheating

To store your green velvet cupcakes, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, transfer them to the refrigerator where they can last about a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-friendly bag—these can stay good for up to three months. When reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh without drying them out.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid delicate cupcakes sticking to the liners, allow them to cool completely before removing them.
Ensure your butter and cream cheese for the frosting are at room temperature for a smooth mix.
If you’re feeling creative, try adding a little cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist on the classic.
Always use a toothpick to check for doneness; even one minute can make a difference!
Customize your frosting by folding in other flavors like lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist.

What a delight it has been to share this recipe with you! Green velvet cupcakes not only enhance your sweet table with their spectacular appearance but also guarantee that each bite feels like a celebration. The best part? There’s no need to wait for a holiday to enjoy them! So gather your ingredients and let your kitchen be filled with laughter and the wonderful aroma of baking. Then, make sure to share these delicious treats with those you cherish!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free green velvet cupcakes, substitute the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, or add about 1/4 teaspoon to keep the texture intact.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to curdle before adding it to your batter.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking?

Avoid over-mixing your batter once the flour is added, as it can cause dense cupcakes that may sink. Additionally, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leaveners can lead to flat results.

What’s the best way to frost the cupcakes?

To frost your cupcakes evenly, use a piping bag with a star tip, swirling the frosting from the outside in. This method makes for a beautiful presentation and a lovely frosting-to-cupcake ratio. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply use a spatula or a butter knife to spread it on!