Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with these minty green Shamrock Shake Cupcakes. Topped with luxurious whipped cream frosting and garnished with festive green sugar and cherries, these cupcakes offer a perfect blend of style and flavor. Ideal for parties or a family treat, they’re sure to add a splash of color and joy to your celebration.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons cake flour
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons mint extract (not peppermint)
- 6 drops green food coloring
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
To Garnish:
- Green sanding sugar
- Green maraschino cherries
Directions
- Make the Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Mix flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer on low speed. Gradually add butter until mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Continue on low speed, add eggs one at a time, then slowly pour in milk, vanilla, and mint extract. Mix until combined. Add green food coloring and mix on medium for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Bake: Fill liners two-thirds full and bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream, then whip on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes, sprinkle with green sanding sugar, and top with a cherry.
Tips
- Ensure ingredients like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Use genuine mint extract for the best flavor, not peppermint.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge if not serving immediately.
FAQs
Q: Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract? A: For the authentic Shamrock Shake flavor, use mint extract, not peppermint, as it provides a smoother, less intense minty taste.
Q: How long can I store these cupcakes? A: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Cooling Time: 10 mins
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these enchanting Shamrock Shake Cupcakes. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a festive treat, these cupcakes with their cool minty flavor and whimsical appearance are sure to be a hit. Enjoy crafting these delightful treats and watch them disappear from the plate!