If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts whimsical and delicious, Green Velvet Cupcakes are about to become your new dessert obsession. These cupcakes have all the tender crumb and subtle cocoa richness you love from classic red velvet, but they flaunt a show-stopping emerald color that makes them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, spring celebrations, or simply bringing a little extra fun to your baking game. With their velvety texture and mild chocolate notes, Green Velvet Cupcakes taste as magical as they look—and no one can resist the thrill of biting into that unexpected green center!

Green Velvet Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and every component in these Green Velvet Cupcakes has a distinct role to play. From the buttermilk that ensures a moist crumb to the gentle touch of cocoa for depth, each item is essential for flavor, color, or texture.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of structure and softness for your cupcakes—always measure carefully for best results.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Just a little is all you need to provide that signature velvet flavor, without making these too chocolaty.
Baking soda: Ensures your cupcakes have just the right rise and an airy, pillowy texture.
Salt: A pinch tightly hugs all the flavors together, keeping the sweetness balanced.
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings a rich flavor base and blends smoothly with sugar for a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness that marries perfectly with the mild cocoa and enhances the moistness.
Large eggs: They add structure and help emulsify the batter for cupcakes that never dry out.
Buttermilk: This is the secret to that velvety texture—tangy and tender in every bite.
Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle warmth that complements the cocoa and the green hue.
Distilled white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for an extra boost in rise and tenderness.
Green gel food coloring: The star ingredient for that stunning color—gel yields bold results without thinning your batter.

How to Make Green Velvet Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, so your cupcakes come out of the pan with perfect edges and zero sticking. This small step sets you up for baking success right from the start.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only combines your dry ingredients evenly, but it also helps break up any lumps—so your finished Green Velvet Cupcakes have a smooth, even crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cupcakes that plush, tender texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Vinegar

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Next, blend in the vanilla extract and distilled white vinegar—these small but vital ingredients add flavor depth and ensure that classic velvet crumb.

Step 5: Mix Buttermilk and Food Coloring

In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the buttermilk with 1 or 2 teaspoons of green gel food coloring (use more if you prefer a deeper shade). This vibrant mixture will give your Green Velvet Cupcakes their unforgettable emerald appearance!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, alternate adding the dry mixture and the green buttermilk to your wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cupcakes tough, so gentle does it.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter between your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. The magic green color will deepen as they bake, and your kitchen will begin to smell incredible by the time they’re done.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost as desired—cream cheese frosting or a classic vanilla buttercream both pair beautifully with Green Velvet Cupcakes.

How to Serve Green Velvet Cupcakes

Garnishes

Elevate your Green Velvet Cupcakes with a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting, a few white chocolate shavings, or a gentle sprinkle of festive green or gold sprinkles. Even a little powdered sugar can make them pop, giving each cupcake a bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a cool glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Their mild cocoa flavor makes them a wonderful centerpiece, so keep side dishes simple to let the cupcakes shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For maximum impact, arrange Green Velvet Cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand, alternating them with classic red velvet for dramatic contrast at parties. Try wrapping each cupcake in a gold foil liner for a touch of elegance, or top with edible glitter to wow at your next festive gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’ve used cream cheese frosting, pop them in the refrigerator instead to keep the frosting fresh and safe to eat.

Freezing

Green Velvet Cupcakes freeze beautifully before frosting—just let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or decorating as you wish.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your cupcakes warm, you can microwave an unfrosted one for about 10 seconds. This refreshes the crumb and makes them taste almost oven-fresh! Just avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes, as the frosting may melt.

FAQs

What makes Green Velvet Cupcakes different from red velvet?

Green Velvet Cupcakes have that same uniquely delicate crumb and slight cocoa flavor you expect from red velvet, but swap out the crimson coloring for a vibrant green. They’re a playful twist perfect for themed parties or holidays!

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best because it delivers bold color without changing the texture of your batter. Liquid coloring works in a pinch, but you may need more to achieve the same shade and it could slightly thin the batter.

What’s the best frosting for Green Velvet Cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting is a classic and pairs beautifully with these cupcakes, offering tang to match the subtle cocoa notes. Vanilla buttercream is another great choice, especially if you want a pure white topping for contrast.

Can I turn this recipe into a cake?

Absolutely! This Green Velvet Cupcakes recipe can be baked as a cake—just pour the batter into two 8-inch pans and adjust the bake time to about 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

How can I make my cupcakes extra moist?

Be sure to measure your flour accurately, avoid overmixing, and use full-fat buttermilk. These steps ensure your Green Velvet Cupcakes are tender and moist every single time.

Final Thoughts

Green Velvet Cupcakes are an instant crowd-pleaser and the kind of recipe that gets everyone talking. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten up an ordinary day, give this recipe a go—you’ll absolutely love the bright color and velvet-soft crumb. Dive in and share the joy with your favorite people!

Green Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 18 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these festive Green Velvet Cupcakes, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration. These vibrant treats are moist, flavorful, and visually stunning. A delightful twist on the classic red velvet, these green-hued cupcakes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1–2 teaspoons green gel food coloring (or more for desired shade)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and vinegar.
Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: Combine buttermilk and green food coloring in a separate bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Fill cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Frost: Let cupcakes cool before frosting as desired.

Notes

These cupcakes pair perfectly with cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green color without thinning the batter.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American