This St. Patrick’s Day Green Velvet Cake is a festive twist on the classic red velvet cake. With its vibrant green hue, rich cocoa flavor, and creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for celebrating the luck of the Irish. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a slice at home, this cake is sure to bring some Irish cheer!
Serves: 12-16
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk , room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 2 tbsp green food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar , sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional):
- Gold sprinkles
- Lucky Charms cereal
- Green sugar crystals
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, green food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in the white vinegar. The batter will be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with gold sprinkles, Lucky Charms cereal, or green sugar crystals for a festive St. Patrick’s Day touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve the cake with a dollop of extra frosting or a drizzle of green-tinted white chocolate, if desired.
- Pair with a glass of milk or coffee for an indulgent treat.
Tips for Success:
- Use gel food coloring: Gel-based green food coloring provides a vibrant hue without altering the texture of the batter.
- Make it ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature. Frost before serving.
- Freeze option: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
- Add-ins: Fold in green-tinted white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for extra texture.
Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 12):
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~60g
- Fat: ~20g
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this Green Velvet Cake —a vibrant, creamy, and festive dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its bright green color and rich flavors are sure to delight everyone at your table!