Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake not only looks stunning with its vibrant green color, but it also delivers on flavor with a light and velvety crumb. The cocoa flavor adds depth, and the creamy frosting perfectly balances the sweetness. It’s the ideal dessert for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion. The vibrant green is festive, and the cream cheese frosting brings a touch of decadence to every bite, making it a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp green food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream cheese frosting (for layering and decorating)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, layer and frost with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with green sprinkles or edible gold for a festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Total Time: 1 hour (including preparation and baking time)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free while maintaining the same texture.
- Cupcake Option: Make this recipe into cupcakes by dividing the batter into cupcake liners and baking for 18-20 minutes.
- Different Frosting: You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with whipped cream or buttercream for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
- Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy the cake warm, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a while to soften.
FAQs
1. Can I use different food coloring?
Yes! While green is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, you can use any color you like, making it adaptable for other holidays or occasions.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before frosting and serving. It makes for easy preparation if you want to save time on the big day.
3. How can I make my cake more moist?
Ensure that your buttermilk is at room temperature before mixing, as this will create a smooth batter and help the cake rise beautifully. You could also add a bit more oil to enhance moisture.
4. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use buttercream or whipped cream in place of cream cheese frosting. However, cream cheese frosting adds a nice tangy balance to the sweetness of the cake.
5. How can I make this cake dairy-free?
Use a non-dairy substitute for buttermilk (such as almond milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice) and replace the cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free version.
6. Can I make this cake into a layered cake?
Yes, this recipe works wonderfully as a layered cake, with the batter divided evenly into two or more pans.
7. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done baking.
8. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
9. How long should the cake cool before frosting?
Let the cake cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks and allow it to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
10. What can I use for decoration?
You can decorate with green sprinkles, edible gold, or even shamrock-shaped decorations to enhance the festive look.
Conclusion
This St. Patrick’s Day Green Velvet Cake is a stunning and delicious way to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Its rich flavor, vibrant color, and decadent cream cheese frosting make it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a slice at home, this cake will surely add a festive touch to your celebrations!
Green Velvet Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including preparation and baking time)
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with this Green Velvet Cake—a festive twist on the classic red velvet. With a rich, velvety texture and vibrant green color, this cake is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday gathering. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and a hint of cocoa, each slice is a delicious indulgence. Perfect for parties or a family treat, this green velvet cake will be the star of your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp green food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream cheese frosting (for layering and decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pans – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake – Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool – Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost & Decorate – Once cooled, layer and frost with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with green sprinkles or edible gold for a festive touch.
Notes
- Food Coloring: While green food coloring works best for St. Patrick’s Day, feel free to swap colors for other holidays or occasions.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cakes up to 2 days in advance, store them in the fridge, and frost them just before serving.
- Moisture: Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature for the best texture. Add more oil if you want extra moistness.
- Frosting Alternatives: If you prefer, swap cream cheese frosting with whipped cream or buttercream.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk with vinega
