Description
Leprechaun magic meets dessert bliss in these Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, a festive Irish-inspired treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Mint chocolate lovers will swoon over these delightful cupcakes that bring classic milkshake flavors into a delectable handheld form you can enjoy with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
Flavoring and Coloring:
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (a few drops)
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (as needed)
Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and positioning cupcake liners in a muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
- Create the cupcake batter by combining cake mix, milk, melted butter, eggs, peppermint extract, and green food coloring in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a uniform, vibrant green consistency.
- Carefully distribute the batter into cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting by whipping softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the butter, mixing thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and create a creamy texture.
- Enhance the frosting by adding peppermint extract, heavy cream, and green food coloring, blending until the mixture is smooth and achieves a consistent mint-green hue.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and elegantly pipe swirls onto the cooled cupcakes, covering the entire surface with a generous layer.
- Complete the Shamrock Shake-inspired cupcakes by garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream and a vibrant maraschino cherry on top.
Notes
- Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that maintains the cupcake’s delightful texture and flavor.
- Reduce peppermint extract by half if you prefer a subtler mint taste, allowing the green color and creamy frosting to shine through.
- Use natural green food coloring from spinach or matcha powder for a healthier alternative that still provides a vibrant emerald hue.
- Experiment with gluten-free cake mix to make these cupcakes accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Milkshake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 362 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 155 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg