Green Velvet Cupcakes are a playful twist on classic red velvet, making them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. These not-so-ordinary cupcakes are a delightful treat with their vibrant green hue and a luscious cream cheese frosting that creates a mouthwatering contrast. The texture is fluffy and tender, ensuring that each bite melts in your mouth. It’s no wonder these cupcakes have become a favorite in many households, especially when the green color can spark joy and festivity during the holiday season.

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 made these green velvet cupcakes for a St. Patrick’s Day gathering, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Friends couldn’t get over how cute and festive they looked, and the flavor was a delightful surprise that didn’t compromise on the richness of traditional red velvet. It’s amazing how easy it is to create something that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. I encourage you to give this Green Velvet Cupcake recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, these cupcakes can be in the oven before you know it.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy frosting paired with the soft, rich cake makes every bite a heavenly experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green color is sure to make your dessert table pop!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthday parties, or just a fun dessert night at home.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt these cupcakes to fit dietary needs without losing flavor or fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar – This provides just the right amount of sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter – Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cupcakes.
3 eggs – Eggs act as binders, helping the cupcakes maintain their structure and moisture.
3 drops green food coloring – This gives your cupcakes that festive, eye-catching green appearance. Feel free to add more if you desire a deeper color.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Essential for structure; if you prefer a lighter cupcake, consider cake flour.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
½ teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the buttermilk to create a tender crumb.
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise for that perfect fluffy texture.
1 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and richness to the cupcakes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A classic flavor that compliments the sweetness.
8 ounces cream cheese (softened) – The star ingredient for the frosting, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – It helps to create a luxurious, creamy texture in the frosting.
4 cups confectioner’s sugar – This sweetens the frosting and creates that dreamy consistency we all love.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just like the cake, it warms the flavor of the frosting.
Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles – These are perfect for decorating your cupcakes for that festive touch.

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

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F. Line muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners to make the baking process easier and cleaner.

Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it aerates the butter, leading to a fluffier cupcake.

Add the Eggs: Incorporate 3 eggs into the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.

Mix the Food Coloring and Vanilla: Add 3 drops of green food coloring and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mix, blending until the color is uniform. Feel free to adjust the food coloring based on how vibrant you’d like your cupcakes.

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 ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add 1 cup buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing carefully before slowly incorporating the dry ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to denser cupcakes.

Fill the Liners: Carefully fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with the batter. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.

Bake to Perfection: Place your muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You want the edges to be just lightly golden.

Frost the Cupcakes: While the cupcakes are cooling, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Then add in ½ cup softened unsalted butter and continue beating until well combined.

Add Vanilla and Sugar: Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract followed by 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy—this can take a minute or two.

Pipe and Decorate: Transfer the frosting into a piping bag and frost the cooled cupcakes. Finally, sprinkle with green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles for that festive flair.

Storing & Reheating

Once your green velvet cupcakes are frosted and ready to enjoy, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before frosting. Note that textures may change slightly after freezing, so a light re-frosting can make them feel fresh and delicious again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid dense cupcakes, make sure your butter is softened but not melted when you cream it with sugar.
Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to help incorporate air and create a lighter texture.
Check the frosting consistency; if it feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
If you’re making these ahead of time, consider frosting them the day of serving to keep the cream cheese frosting tasting fresh.

These vibrant Green Velvet Cupcakes can brighten up any gathering, especially during St. Patrick’s Day. The playful color and delicious flavors are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have one! You’ll find the process to be welcoming and enjoyable, and nothing beats taking that first bite of a fresh cupcake. Get ready to bring a little holiday cheer to your table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them covered at room temperature. Just frost them on the day of serving for the best texture and freshness.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily create a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How can I adapt this recipe for different dietary needs?

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative can cater to those avoiding dairy.

What if my cupcakes are dry?

Dry cupcakes can result from over-mixing or overbaking. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time and ensure you’re mixing just until ingredients are combined.

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 Recipe

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
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Green Velvet Cupcakes are irresistibly delicious and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! With their vibrant color and delightful cream cheese frosting, they are a simple yet festive treat that everyone will love. Easy to make and a hit at any gathering!

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 your oven to 350° F and line muffin pans with 18 liners.
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and unsalted butter until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully.
Mix in the green food coloring and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder thoroughly.
Pour the buttermilk into the wet mixture and blend well.
Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until well combined.
Fill each liner three-quarters full with the batter.
Bake for approximately 17 minutes in the preheated oven, and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Notes

Use more green food coloring if a deeper color is desired.
Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are fully softened for easy mixing.
These cupcakes can be topped with green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles for a festive touch.