Green Velvet Cupcakes: The BEST St Patrick’s Day Recipe!

I remember the first time I made these for St. Patrick’s Day. My kids’ eyes lit up with excitement at the vibrant color. We topped them with a creamy vanilla buttercream, and they disappeared in minutes. Trust me, these will be a hit at any gathering!

Why You Will Love This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

This green velvet cupcakes recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of the moist, tender crumb and the rich, creamy frosting creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. They are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the vibrant green color makes them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion.

What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slight tang from the buttermilk complements the sweetness of the cake, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma. They’re also incredibly versatile; you can customize the frosting and decorations to suit your personal preferences. For a full-sized cake version of this recipe, check out my Green Velvet Cake recipe.

green velvet cupcakes - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

For the green velvet cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups allpurpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon green food coloring gel

For the vanilla buttercream frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
green velvet cupcakes - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and green food coloring gel. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 1820 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  10. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
  12. Decorate with sprinkles, shamrocks, or any other festive toppings you like.

How to Serve This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Serve these green velvet cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, birthday parties, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of fun and festivity.

Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For a more sophisticated touch, serve them with a light dessert wine. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of green sanding sugar for an extra special presentation. Why not try dipping these cupcakes in white chocolate? Or maybe, serve alongside a few Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares for the ultimate green dessert theme.

How to Store This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Store frosted green velvet cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cupcakes completely before frosting. To freeze frosted cupcakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

Tips to Make This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

  • For a more intense green color, use a highquality gel food coloring.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
  • To prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners, spray the liners with nonstick cooking spray.
  • For an extra moist cupcake, brush the tops with a simple syrup after baking.

Here’s a tip for St Patrick’s day. Consider serving your green cupcakes with St Patricks Day Green Pancakes for a festive green brunch.

Helpful Notes for This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess to the cupcakes, enhancing the overall flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Gel food coloring is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired color. Avoid liquid food coloring, its watery consistency will change the results. A stabilized whipped cream would also make a great substitute frosting. Also, when mixing batter, be sure the ingredients are just combined and not overmixed.

Variation of This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. You can also experiment with different frosting flavors, such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream frosting.

For a seasonal twist, add a pinch of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed candy canes in the winter. In the fall, add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter and top with a cream cheese frosting. For a more adult flavor, incorporate Irish cream into the frosting.

I remember the first time I made these for St. Patrick’s Day. My kids’ eyes lit up with excitement at the vibrant color. We topped them with a creamy vanilla buttercream, and they disappeared in minutes. Trust me, these will be a hit at any gathering!

Why You Will Love This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

This green velvet cupcakes recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of the moist, tender crumb and the rich, creamy frosting creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. They are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the vibrant green color makes them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion.

What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slight tang from the buttermilk complements the sweetness of the cake, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma. They’re also incredibly versatile; you can customize the frosting and decorations to suit your personal preferences. For a full-sized cake version of this recipe, check out my Green Velvet Cake recipe.

green velvet cupcakes - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

For the green velvet cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups allpurpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon green food coloring gel

For the vanilla buttercream frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
green velvet cupcakes - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and green food coloring gel. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 1820 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  10. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
  12. Decorate with sprinkles, shamrocks, or any other festive toppings you like.

How to Serve This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Serve these green velvet cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, birthday parties, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of fun and festivity.

Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For a more sophisticated touch, serve them with a light dessert wine. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of green sanding sugar for an extra special presentation. Why not try dipping these cupcakes in white chocolate? Or maybe, serve alongside a few Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares for the ultimate green dessert theme.

How to Store This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Store frosted green velvet cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cupcakes completely before frosting. To freeze frosted cupcakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

Tips to Make This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

  • For a more intense green color, use a highquality gel food coloring.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
  • To prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners, spray the liners with nonstick cooking spray.
  • For an extra moist cupcake, brush the tops with a simple syrup after baking.

Here’s a tip for St Patrick’s day. Consider serving your green cupcakes with St Patricks Day Green Pancakes for a festive green brunch.

Helpful Notes for This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess to the cupcakes, enhancing the overall flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Gel food coloring is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired color. Avoid liquid food coloring, its watery consistency will change the results. A stabilized whipped cream would also make a great substitute frosting. Also, when mixing batter, be sure the ingredients are just combined and not overmixed.

Variation of This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. You can also experiment with different frosting flavors, such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream frosting.

For a seasonal twist, add a pinch of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed candy canes in the winter. In the fall, add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter and top with a cream cheese frosting. For a more adult flavor, incorporate Irish cream into the frosting.

What makes green velvet cupcakes different from red velvet?

Green velvet cupcakes are similar to red velvet in flavor and texture, but they use green food coloring instead of red. This makes them a festive choice for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, while maintaining the classic red velvet taste.

How do I keep my green velvet cupcakes moist?

To keep your green velvet cupcakes moist, avoid overbaking them. Also, adding ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream to the batter can help retain moisture, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.

What is the best frosting for green velvet cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for velvet cupcakes, including green velvet. Its tangy flavor complements the cupcake’s sweetness perfectly. Vanilla buttercream is another good option offering a lighter, sweeter taste.

Can I make green velvet cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance. Be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Frost them just before serving to keep them looking their best.

I remember the first time I made these for St. Patrick’s Day. My kids’ eyes lit up with excitement at the vibrant color. We topped them with a creamy vanilla buttercream, and they disappeared in minutes. Trust me, these will be a hit at any gathering!

Why You Will Love This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

This green velvet cupcakes recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of the moist, tender crumb and the rich, creamy frosting creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. They are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the vibrant green color makes them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion.

What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slight tang from the buttermilk complements the sweetness of the cake, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma. They’re also incredibly versatile; you can customize the frosting and decorations to suit your personal preferences. For a full-sized cake version of this recipe, check out my Green Velvet Cake recipe.

green velvet cupcakes - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

For the green velvet cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups allpurpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon green food coloring gel

For the vanilla buttercream frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
green velvet cupcakes - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and green food coloring gel. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 1820 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  10. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
  12. Decorate with sprinkles, shamrocks, or any other festive toppings you like.

How to Serve This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Serve these green velvet cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, birthday parties, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of fun and festivity.

Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For a more sophisticated touch, serve them with a light dessert wine. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of green sanding sugar for an extra special presentation. Why not try dipping these cupcakes in white chocolate? Or maybe, serve alongside a few Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares for the ultimate green dessert theme.

How to Store This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Store frosted green velvet cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cupcakes completely before frosting. To freeze frosted cupcakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

Tips to Make This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

  • For a more intense green color, use a highquality gel food coloring.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
  • To prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners, spray the liners with nonstick cooking spray.
  • For an extra moist cupcake, brush the tops with a simple syrup after baking.

Here’s a tip for St Patrick’s day. Consider serving your green cupcakes with St Patricks Day Green Pancakes for a festive green brunch.

Helpful Notes for This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess to the cupcakes, enhancing the overall flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Gel food coloring is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired color. Avoid liquid food coloring, its watery consistency will change the results. A stabilized whipped cream would also make a great substitute frosting. Also, when mixing batter, be sure the ingredients are just combined and not overmixed.

Variation of This green velvet cupcakes Recipe

For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. You can also experiment with different frosting flavors, such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream frosting.

For a seasonal twist, add a pinch of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed candy canes in the winter. In the fall, add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter and top with a cream cheese frosting. For a more adult flavor, incorporate Irish cream into the frosting.

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