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There’s something about St. Patrick’s Day that makes me want to go all out with green everything! And what better way to celebrate than with these Lucky Leprechaun Cupcakes? Fluffy, festive, and topped with the cutest decorations, these cupcakes are a hit with kids and adults alike.
They’re perfect for school parties, bake sales, or just a fun way to bring a little Irish magic into your home. The best part? You don’t need the luck of the Irish to make them—just a little butter, sugar, and some green food coloring!
🍀 What Makes These Cupcakes So Special?
- Rich and Moist – A soft chocolate or vanilla cupcake base keeps them deliciously indulgent.
- Green Swirled Frosting – A mix of light and dark green buttercream gives them that whimsical leprechaun vibe.
- Gold and Shamrock Sprinkles – Because every leprechaun needs a little sparkle! ✨
- Adorable Leprechaun Toppers – Whether it’s candy eyes, tiny hats, or gold coins, you can have so much fun decorating!
👉 Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder (if making chocolate cupcakes)
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Green food coloring (if making green velvet cupcakes)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (a mix of light and dark for swirls)
For Decorating:
- Gold and shamrock sprinkles ✨
- Leprechaun cupcake toppers (mini hats, candy eyes, or gold coins)
- Green icing drizzle (optional but fun!)
👉 How to Make It
1. Bake the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
- If making green cupcakes, stir in green food coloring until you get your desired shade.
- Divide the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting:
- Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
- Divide the frosting into two bowls—tint one light green and the other dark green.
- Spoon them into a piping bag side by side for a swirled effect!
3. Decorate Like a Leprechaun!
- Pipe a generous swirl of green frosting onto each cupcake.
- Drizzle with green icing if you want extra color.
- Sprinkle on gold and shamrock sprinkles for a magical touch. ✨
- Add mini leprechaun hats, candy eyes, or gold coins to bring the theme to life!
🍀 Pro Tips for the Best Cupcakes
- For extra moisture, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- Chill the cupcakes before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Want a shortcut? Use a boxed cake mix and just add green food coloring!
🎉 More St. Patrick’s Day Fun
These Lucky Leprechaun Cupcakes are just one way to celebrate the holiday! Pair them with shamrock mini pizzas or rainbow fruit trays for a full themed party.
