If you’re searching for a cupcake recipe that’s both eye-catching and delicious, you’ve got to try my Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes are delightfully moist, fluffy, and bursting with that subtle cocoa flavor laced with a vibrant green twist. And the cream cheese frosting? It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday, or just craving a pretty treat, this recipe has got your back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant and Festive: The rich green color makes these cupcakes stand out at any celebration, effortlessly impressive without artificial taste.
- Moist and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to buttermilk and the right leavening balance, these cupcakes stay soft and tender every time.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Perfection: This homemade frosting is creamy, tangy, and not overly sweet—just the right companion to the cupcake.
- Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll nail this recipe even if you don’t bake often.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient plays its part to create these irresistible green velvet cupcakes. I always recommend fresh ingredients and unsalted butter so you control the saltiness perfectly. Also, the buttermilk adds a subtle tang that helps keep the cupcakes moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Use fresh for the best flavor and to control salt levels in both batter and frosting.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and add structure.
- Green food coloring: I like to start with 3 drops, then add more if I want a bolder color—gel colors work best!
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cupcakes; make sure it’s fresh to avoid clumping.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cupcake.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents make sure your cupcakes rise perfectly fluffy.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang; if you don’t have buttermilk, mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar works too.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, sweet aroma that brings the recipe together.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, it should be room temperature for creamy results.
- Confectioner’s sugar: Gives the frosting a smooth, sweet finish without grit.
- Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles: For that final festive sparkle on top.
Variations
While I love the classic version of my Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, I’ve played around with a few fun twists. Don’t be afraid to make it your own because you might discover a new family favorite!
- Chocolate Swirl: I once took half the batter and folded in some cocoa powder to create a marbled green and chocolate mix—it wowed my guests!
- Mint Infusion: Add a little peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty twist, perfect for a winter treat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives—I’ve done this for a friend and they loved it.
- Decorative Toppings: Use crushed pistachios or edible gold leaf instead of traditional sprinkles to elevate presentation.
How to Make Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients
Start by bringing your butter, cream cheese, and eggs to room temperature. This step ensures everything blends smoothly without lumps. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your cupcake pan with paper liners—this will make cleanup and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
I like to use a stand mixer, but a hand mixer works just as well. Beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—usually about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for that tender texture you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Green Food Coloring
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the green food coloring drops. If you want the color to pop, gel or paste food colorings give you a richer green than liquid types. Mix until the color is even and vibrant.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Sifting is my secret weapon here—it keeps the batter lumpy-free and light.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. This alternating method ensures even mixing and prevents overworking the batter. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cupcakes tough.
Step 6: Stir in Vanilla Extract
Once the batter looks uniform, toss in the vanilla extract and give it one last gentle mix. The vanilla brings warmth and depth to the green velvet flavor.
Step 7: Bake Your Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners—filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When you pull them from the oven, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make That Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, whip your softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until silky and smooth. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar to avoid a powdered sugar cloud, then mix in the vanilla extract. Keep beating until the frosting is light and fluffy—the perfect texture for easy piping or spreading.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one. I like using a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a professional look, but a simple spatula works just fine too. Top them with green sanding sugar or festive shamrock sprinkles to add that special finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Use Gel Food Coloring: I found gel colors give a richer, more vibrant green without watering down the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter just until combined keeps cupcakes tender; overmixing develops gluten and makes them dense.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For smooth batter and frosting, always bring butter, cream cheese, and eggs to room temp ahead of time.
- Cool Cupcakes Before Frosting: Applying frosting on warm cupcakes can cause it to melt and slide off, a mistake I once made but now avoid.
How to Serve Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep the garnishes simple but celebratory. Green sanding sugar adds a fun crunch and sparkle, while shamrock or clover-shaped sprinkles give these cupcakes an unmistakably festive flair. For a subtle touch, a light dusting of cocoa or edible glitter can make them extra-special.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of creamy milk. If you’re serving them at a party, some fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or kiwi brighten the plate and complement the tangy frosting beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
One time for St. Patrick’s Day, I arranged these cupcakes in the shape of a four-leaf clover on a large serving platter—everyone was blown away! You could also serve them in individual clear boxes tied with green ribbons for party favors, or stack them on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator—cream cheese frosting needs to stay cool to keep its texture. They stay fresh for up to 4 days this way. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. I’ve found they keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving for bakery-fresh taste.
Reheating
If your cupcakes feel a bit chilled, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving once frosted, as the frosting can melt, but if you want a warm cupcake, try reheating the unfrosted ones briefly before frosting.
FAQs
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Can I make green velvet cupcakes without food coloring?
While the signature green color comes from food coloring, you can try natural alternatives like spinach or matcha powder. Keep in mind these will change the flavor slightly. For the truest green velvet experience, a small amount of green gel food coloring works best.
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What’s the best way to get a smooth cream cheese frosting?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat them together until silky before gradually adding sifted confectioner’s sugar. This prevents lumps and gives you that perfectly creamy texture.
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Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, then use it as a buttermilk substitute. This keeps your cupcakes moist and tender.
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How long do Green Velvet Cupcakes stay fresh?
Refrigerated in an airtight container, they last up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cupcakes before frosting for up to 2 months and frost fresh after thawing.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings both festive flair and delicious flavor to the table. The first time I tried it, my family went crazy for the moist crumb and tangy frosting combo, and it quickly became a requested favorite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cupcakes as much as I do—they’re truly a crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to add some color and joy to any occasion.
Print
Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully moist and fluffy Green Velvet Cupcakes made from scratch, featuring a vibrant green hue and topped with a rich homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations like birthdays or St. Patrick’s Day, these cupcakes combine classic flavors with a festive twist.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 3 drops green food coloring (or more as needed)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease cupcake trays to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Set this aside.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and food coloring. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the green food coloring drops until you achieve your desired shade of green.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts alternated with the buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat until just combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Mix in vanilla extract. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until evenly incorporated into the batter.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake. Spoon the batter evenly into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Frost cupcakes and decorate. Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle green sanding sugar or shamrock sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Notes
- These cupcakes are made from scratch ensuring a moist and fluffy texture.
- The green food coloring quantity can be adjusted based on your desired color intensity.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice if not available.
- Perfect for birthdays, St. Patrick’s Day, or any festive occasion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 272 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 69 mg
