As a baking enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share a delightful treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day festivities – Shamrock Shake Cupcakes! These adorable cupcakes are a whimsical twist on the classic Shamrock Shake, making them a must-try for any cupcake lover. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a festive dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Inspired by the iconic Shamrock Shake, these cupcakes capture the essence of the beloved drink in a handheld delight. The fluffy vanilla frosting, made with just two surprising ingredients – whipped cream and pudding mix, adds a delightful twist to these treats. Even if you’ve never tried a Shamrock Shake, these cupcakes offer a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season.
Get ready to indulge in the magic of St. Patrick’s Day with these Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, a delightful creation that brings the spirit of the season to your baking adventures.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful Shamrock Shake Cupcakes is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Here are the essential ingredients for the cupcakes, frosting, and garnishing to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration extra special.
For the Cupcakes
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅔ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon mint extract
- 4 drops leaf green gel paste food coloring
For the Frosting
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- Lucky Charms food sprinkles
- Cherries
- Oreo pieces
Equipment Needed
To create these delightful Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, you will need the following equipment ready:
- Stand Mixer
- Small mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cupcake liners
- Cupcake pan
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Oven
Having these essential tools and equipment prepared will streamline the cupcake-making process and ensure that you can enjoy these festive treats in no time.
Prep Work
Before diving into making these delicious Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, it’s essential to prepare the cupcake batter and frosting to ensure a seamless baking experience. Below are the step-by-step instructions for preparing both components.
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package instructions.
- Prepare the cake mix as per the box directions, incorporating mint extract and green food coloring for that signature shamrock shake hue. Mix until the batter achieves a light green color.
- Place cupcake liners in a 24-cup muffin tin and evenly divide the batter, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake the cupcakes according to the package instructions. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
- Allow the cupcakes to cool for at least 20-30 minutes before frosting.
- For homemade frosting, whip together softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and gradually add confectioners’ sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
- Beat the frosting at a high speed for a fluffy texture.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes using a frosting bag, ziplock bag with the tip cut off, or a knife.
- Add a fun touch with Lucky Charms, sprinkles, cherries, or any preferred toppings to complete the Shamrock Shake Cupcakes.
Baking Instructions
How to Bake the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt.
- Measure 2 cups of milk and the extracts in a liquid measuring cup.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the liquid ingredients to the creamed mixture in the stand mixer.
- Scrape the bowl down to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Add 4 drops of leaf green food coloring to the batter and mix until you reach the desired Shamrock Shake green color.
- Scoop the batter into cupcake liners, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes at 325°F.
- While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the 2-ingredient whipped cream frosting.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of white chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream in the stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
- Whip the ingredients together for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the frosting reaches stiff peaks.
- Refrigerate the frosting until it’s time to decorate the cupcakes.
Frosting and Decorating
Frost the Cupcakes
To frost these delightful Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, start by preparing a luscious vanilla frosting with a twist. Follow my special frosting recipe that combines cold butter, vanilla malt powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, a pinch of salt, and a touch of Baileys Irish cream for a unique flavor. Beat the ingredients until light and fluffy to create the perfect texture for decorating the cupcakes.
Adding Garnishes
Once the cupcakes are frosted, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Decorate each cupcake with Lucky Charms food sprinkles, cherries, and even Oreo pieces for an extra touch of sweetness and charm. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal of the cupcakes but also complement the flavors beautifully, making them a standout treat for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Serving and Storage
After creating these delightful Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, it’s essential to know how to serve them in the best way. Additionally, proper storage ensures that you can enjoy these cupcakes for an extended period without compromising their taste and texture.
How to Serve
When serving the Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, ensure that they are topped with a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream just before consumption. Sprinkle some green sprinkles on top for a festive touch. Enjoy these moist and flavorful cupcakes with a hint of mint that perfectly mimics the iconic Shamrock Shake.
Storage Tips
To store the unfrosted cupcakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, it’s crucial to apply the whipped cream frosting just before serving to maintain its freshness. The whipped cream may not hold up well at room temperature for prolonged periods. Once frosted, the cupcakes can be refrigerated for an additional day or two, ensuring they stay moist and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy them.
Conclusion
Creating Shamrock Shake Cupcakes is a delightful way to add a festive touch to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. These cupcakes, inspired by the iconic Shamrock Shake, offer a unique blend of flavors and a visually appealing presentation that is sure to impress your guests. By following the detailed baking instructions and utilizing the recommended equipment, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious treats. Remember to top your cupcakes with a dollop of whipped cream and green sprinkles for that perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a must-try for any fan of St. Patrick’s Day delights. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating these cupcakes, and savor every bite of these festive and flavorful treats!
