Green Velvet Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Green Velvet Cake offers a playful, colorful alternative to traditional cakes, making it a great choice for themed events like St. Patrick’s Day. The cake has a tender, moist crumb with a hint of cocoa, making it a perfect balance of sweetness. Its eye-catching green color and the option to decorate it creatively with gold accents or other embellishments will surely impress your guests. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit any celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Green food coloring (as desired)
• Vanilla buttercream frosting (recipe below)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch cake pans with cake goop or parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, vinegar, and melted butter.
3. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in a stand mixer, mixing on medium-high for about a minute.
5. Add green food coloring and mix until fully combined.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For frosting:

1. Whip egg whites and powdered sugar in a stand mixer for 3-5 minutes.
2. Gradually add softened butter, vanilla, and salt, whipping for another 8-10 minutes until fluffy.
3. Switch to the paddle attachment and mix on low for 15-20 minutes for a smooth buttercream.

Assembling the cake:

1. Trim the cake layers and place the first layer on a cake round.
2. Spread buttercream on top and place the second cake layer on top.
3. Frost the cake with a thin crumb coat, chill for 5 minutes, then frost with the final layer of buttercream.
4. Chill the cake while preparing the gold drip.

Decorating:

1. Mix melted coconut oil, powdered sugar, and gold dust for the gold drip.
2. Transfer to a piping bag and drizzle over the edges of the cake.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 10-12 servings.

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Cooling time: 40 minutes (if frosting the same day)
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Frosting: Swap the vanilla buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a tangier taste.
• Different Colors: Use any food coloring to create a cake for other holidays or events (e.g., red for Christmas, blue for gender reveals).
• Cupcakes: Use the batter to make cupcakes instead of a full cake.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• To freeze, wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Allow the cake to thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What type of food coloring should I use?

Gel food coloring is the best option to achieve a vibrant green color without adding too much liquid to the batter.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes, this recipe works great for cupcakes. Just reduce the baking time to around 18-20 minutes.

How can I make the frosting smoother?

Switch to the paddle attachment in your mixer and mix on low for 15-20 minutes to remove air bubbles for a silky smooth texture.

Is it necessary to add vinegar?

Yes, vinegar helps balance the acidity in the cake, creating its signature velvety texture.

Can I substitute the cocoa powder with something else?

You could try substituting cocoa powder with a small amount of dark chocolate for a richer flavor, but the texture might change slightly.

How do I get the gold drip to look perfect?

Ensure the gold drip mixture is not too hot when applied. Start with a small amount and let it naturally drip down the sides of the cake.

Can I make the frosting without egg whites?

Yes, you can use a traditional buttercream recipe without egg whites, though the texture may differ slightly.

What other decorations would go well with this cake?

You can decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or themed toppers like shamrocks for a festive look.

Conclusion

Green Velvet Cake is a delicious and visually striking dessert that will brighten any occasion. Its tender crumb, slight cocoa flavor, and customizable colors make it a versatile treat. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just in the mood for a fun twist on the classic red velvet cake, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.