Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive & Fun – Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Refreshing Mint Flavor – Inspired by the classic Shamrock Shake.
Light & Fluffy – Moist vanilla cupcakes with a hint of mint.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Beautiful Presentation – Green frosting, whipped topping, and a cherry make them picture-perfect.

Ingredients

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

For the Cupcakes:

1 box white cake mix
1 cup whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring

For Topping:

Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries
Green sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and mint extract.
Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until evenly combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
Add heavy cream, mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat until light and fluffy.
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Add the Toppings:

Top each cupcake with a swirl of whipped cream.
Add a maraschino cherry and sprinkle with green sprinkles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Mint Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle with chocolate ganache.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk, butter, and whipped topping.
Extra Minty: Increase the mint extract slightly for a stronger flavor.
Oreo Twist: Crushed Oreos in the frosting add a cookies-and-cream effect.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cupcakes gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cupcake batter instead of a cake mix?

Yes! A simple vanilla cupcake batter with mint extract works great.

How can I make the frosting even fluffier?

Whip the butter well before adding sugar and use heavy cream to keep it light.

What kind of mint extract should I use?

Peppermint extract works best—avoid spearmint as it has a different flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them before serving.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring gives a more vibrant green without thinning the batter.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking?

Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your oven is preheated correctly.

Can I use whipped cream as frosting instead?

Yes, but it’s best for same-day serving as whipped cream doesn’t hold up as long.

How can I make the cupcakes extra moist?

Replace the milk with buttermilk for a richer texture.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

Use a star tip for a classic swirl, similar to a Shamrock Shake.

Can I make these into mini cupcakes?

Yes! Adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.

Conclusion

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a delicious and festive treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any mint lover. With their light vanilla-mint flavor, creamy green frosting, and fun toppings, they capture the magic of the famous Shamrock Shake in cupcake form. Try these out for your next celebration and enjoy a minty, sweet delight!

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

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These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a festive and minty dessert inspired by the classic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. Featuring fluffy vanilla-mint cupcakes, creamy green-tinted frosting, and topped with whipped cream, a cherry, and sprinkles, these cupcakes are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any mint lover. Easy to make and beautifully decorated, they’re a fun and delicious treat!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 35min
Yield: 12cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

. Prepare the Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and mint extract.
Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until evenly combined.
Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
Add heavy cream, mint extract, and green food coloring. Beat until light and fluffy.
Transfer frosting to a piping bag and frost cooled cupcakes.

3. Add the Toppings:

Top each cupcake with a swirl of whipped cream.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and green sprinkles.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For a stronger mint flavor, slightly increase the mint extract.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green without thinning the batter.
Storage: Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for up to 4 days or freeze unfrosted for 2 months.