Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – The vibrant green color makes them a festive holiday treat.
Soft and moist – Buttermilk and a touch of cocoa powder create a tender cupcake.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
Crowd-pleasing flavor – A subtle chocolate taste paired with tangy cream cheese frosting is always a hit.
Customizable decorations – Add sprinkles, gold dust, or chocolate coins for extra fun.

Ingredients

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

Cupcakes:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Vegetable oil
Buttermilk
Eggs
White vinegar
Vanilla extract
Green food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream cheese (softened)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Green sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and green food coloring.
Make the batter – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Bake – Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Prepare frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
Frost cupcakes – Use a piping bag or spread frosting over cooled cupcakes. Add sprinkles if desired.
Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Version – Add more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Gold-Themed – Sprinkle edible gold dust for a festive touch.
Leprechaun Surprise – Fill cupcakes with green candy or sprinkles for a fun surprise inside.
Mint Flavor – Add a drop of peppermint extract for a minty twist.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but for best results, make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Why do I need vinegar in the recipe?

Vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cupcakes rise and stay soft.

Can I make these without food coloring?

Yes! The color is just for fun; the flavor will be the same without it.

How do I get a vibrant green color?

Gel food coloring works best because it provides intense color without altering the batter’s consistency.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Buttercream or whipped cream frosting also work well.

Why are my cupcakes dry?

Overbaking can cause dryness. Check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended baking time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them covered. Frost them before serving.

What’s the best way to frost them neatly?

Use a piping bag with a star tip for a bakery-style look, or spread frosting with an offset spatula.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Yes! Mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips would be a great addition.

Do I need to refrigerate cream cheese frosting?

Yes, because it contains dairy, cream cheese frosting should be stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

These Green Velvet St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday! With their vibrant color, soft texture, and creamy frosting, they’re a delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a party or just a fun dessert at home, these cupcakes are a must-try for the season!