St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to bring a little magic into your kitchen! And what better way to celebrate than with a stunning Green Velvet Cake? This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake with a rich cream cheese frosting that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious way to get into the Irish spirit, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Green Velvet Cake
- Perfectly Festive – That vibrant green color is a showstopper!
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake beginner-friendly.
- Deliciously Moist – Buttermilk and oil keep the cake soft and tender.
- Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting – A dreamy, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake’s mild cocoa flavor.
- Great for Any Celebration – Whether for St. Paddy’s Day or a fun twist on a classic velvet cake, it’s always a hit.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons green food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
How to Make Green Velvet Cake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, green food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined. That bright green color should already be making you smile!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—nobody wants a dense cake!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key—frosting too soon will lead to a melty mess!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency—thick yet spreadable.
Assembling the Cake
Step 1: Frost the First Layer
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
Step 2: Stack and Frost
Place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth it out or go for a fun, swirly design!
Step 3: Decorate and Serve!
Sprinkle on some green decorations, shamrock sprinkles, or even a dusting of edible glitter. Slice and serve to your lucky guests!
Tips for the Best Green Velvet Cake
- Use Gel Food Coloring – A little goes a long way, and gel coloring won’t water down your batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures everything blends smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix – Overworking the batter leads to a tough cake.
- Chill Before Slicing – If you want super neat slices, chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost before serving.
Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Yes! If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, try vanilla buttercream or even a white chocolate ganache.
This St. Patrick’s Day Green Velvet Cake is the perfect way to add some festive cheer to your celebration. With its eye-catching color and irresistible flavor, it’s bound to become a holiday tradition. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s get baking—may the luck of the Irish be with you!
Green Velvet Cake
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tablespoons green food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 8 oz cream cheese softened, for frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened, for frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar for frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, green food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
- Place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with green decorations, shamrock sprinkles, or edible glitter. Slice and serve!