Green Velvet St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The vibrant green color makes these cupcakes perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
• Delicious Flavor: A subtle cocoa taste combined with creamy frosting creates an irresistible treat.
• Kid-Friendly: Children will adore the colorful presentation and scrumptious taste.

Ingredients

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

For the Cupcakes:

• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons green liquid food coloring

For the Frosting:

• 12 ounces cream cheese
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake tins with 24 paper liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, corn starch, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla: Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Add Food Coloring: Pour in green food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
8. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
9. Bake: Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla until desired consistency is reached.
12. Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or spatula.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 24 cupcakes.
• Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes.
• Total Time: Approximately 46-48 minutes.

Variations

• Mini Cupcakes: For bite-sized treats, use a mini muffin tin and adjust baking time to 10-12 minutes.
• Alternative Frosting: Try a vanilla buttercream or whipped cream topping for a different flavor profile.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave unfrosted cupcakes for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

How do I achieve the vibrant green color?

Using 1 1/2 tablespoons of green liquid food coloring will give the cupcakes their festive hue.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring is more concentrated, so use less—start with 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in equal amounts.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar by half a cup and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

Use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip; a star tip creates a classic swirl.

Can I add fillings to these cupcakes?

Yes, after baking, core the center and add fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves.

How long should I let the cupcakes cool before frosting them?

Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Can I use a different frosting?

Feel free to use buttercream, whipped cream, or any frosting of your choice as an alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch of cupcakes.

Conclusion

These Green Velvet Cupcakes are a fun, festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Their vibrant color and delicious flavor are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them for a party or as a treat, they’ll add a special touch to your festivities!