Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
Green Velvet Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet we all know and love. As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, these charming green-hued cupcakes not only capture the essence of the holiday but also bring a touch of whimsy to any gathering. The soft, velvety texture paired with a rich cream cheese frosting makes each bite an experience you won’t forget. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or just want to indulge in something uniquely festive, this recipe will surely be one to bookmark!
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I still remember the first time I baked these captivating cupcakes. The dazzling green color brightened up my kitchen, and the aroma of buttery sweetness filled the air. Watching my friends’ eyes light up as they took their first bites was nothing short of magical. It’s this kind of joy that makes baking so special. So, if you’re eager to whip up a simple yet stunning dessert that embodies the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Green Velvet Cupcakes! Let’s make your holiday celebration even sweeter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have these sweet treats ready in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Expect a moist, tender texture that’s beautifully complemented by a creamy, tangy frosting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green color makes them perfect for parties and festive occasions.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for any celebration, from St. Patrick’s Day parties to everyday treats.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust the recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free versions if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar: This is the base sweetener, providing the perfect amount of sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Always use unsalted butter for better control over the salt levels; it also helps create a rich flavor.
- 3 eggs: Room temperature eggs are best here as they incorporate smoothly into your batter.
- 3 drops green food coloring: Feel free to adjust this quantity for a more intense color!
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This provides structure to your cupcakes, ensuring they rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness while enhancing overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps in achieving that delightful, airy lift.
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda to ensure fluffy cupcakes.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and lightness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Quality vanilla enhances the flavor profile significantly.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the dreamy frosting that everyone adores.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Always ensure it’s softened to mix easily with the cream cheese.
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar: Essential for that sweet, smooth frosting; sift it if you want an ultra-smooth finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little extra vanilla brings the frosting to a whole new level.
- Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles: For decorating; these add a fun, festive touch.
How to Make Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners. This ensures easy removal once they’re baked!
Cream Sugar & Butter: In a large bowl, blend together 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup unsalted butter until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that soft cupcake texture.
Add Eggs: Incorporate 3 eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. This helps bind your ingredients and creates a silky batter.
Mix in Color & Flavor: Add 3 drops of green food coloring and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Go ahead and taste a bit of the batter at this stage—it’s the start of something delicious!
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 helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents lumps.
Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually add 1 cup buttermilk to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The buttermilk works its magic to make your cupcakes moist and fluffy.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Slowly beat in the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Fill & Bake: Spoon the batter into your lined pans, filling each liner about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes. Perform a toothpick test; it should come out clean when done.
Make the Frosting: While your cupcakes cool, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Then, mix in ½ cup softened unsalted butter until well blended. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and gradually incorporate 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar, beating until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
Frost & Decorate: Once your cupcakes are completely cool, pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. The frosting should create a beautiful swirl on top. Finish off your masterpiece with a sprinkle of green sanding sugar or festive shamrock sprinkles for that cute, holiday touch!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Green Velvet Cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to store them for an extended period, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh the texture, but keep in mind that the frosting may soften slightly.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Check for Done-ness: Make sure to check your cupcakes around the 17-minute mark. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want them overbaked!
- Egg Temperature: Room temperature eggs mix more easily, creating a smoother batter.
- Frost While Cool: Always frost your cupcakes once they are completely cool; this prevents the frosting from melting.
- Texture Boost: If your cupcakes feel too dense after baking, try using cake flour next time for an even lighter texture.
- Make-ahead Option: You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it fresh the next morning!
These Green Velvet Cupcakes are not just a treat for the eyes; they deliver a moist, fluffy bite, infused with delicious flavor and crowned with heavenly cream cheese frosting. As you explore this recipe, consider experimenting with the green color—perhaps try a mint chocolate chip version for an extra surprise! These festive cupcakes are a fantastic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, bringing joy and delight to all who indulge.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking. Ensure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it curdles, then use it as directed.
How can I make these cupcakes more festive?
Try adding chocolate chips or mini shamrock sprinkles into the batter before baking for an extra fun surprise! You can also tint the frosting with a darker shade of green for a lovely contrast.
How do I troubleshoot dry cupcakes?
If your cupcakes turn out too dry, indicate that they may have been overbaked or not enough liquid was added. Ensure accurate measurements and keep an eye on their bake time! Consider adding a tablespoon of oil to the batter for extra moisture next time.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Green Velvet Cupcakes | St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Green Velvet Cupcakes are a delightful treat, perfect for St Patrick’s Day! With a lovely green hue and rich flavor, they feature a moist texture thanks to buttermilk and a wonderful cream cheese frosting. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious!
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F and prepare muffin pans with 18 liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before adding the next.
- Stir in the green food coloring and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder thoroughly.
- Add the buttermilk to the wet mixture and mix well.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner approximately three-quarters full with the batter.
- Bake for about 17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Feel free to adjust food coloring for desired shade of green.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
