Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

Celebrate the festive flavors of a Shamrock Shake in cupcake form! These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are fluffy vanilla-mint cupcakes topped with a creamy, minty buttercream frosting, finished with green sprinkles and a maraschino cherry for a fun St. Patrick’s Day treat.

Whether you’re hosting a St. Paddy’s party, surprising your family, or just craving a minty dessert, these cupcakes will bring sweet, festive fun to any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy & Fun – Uses cake mix for a quick and simple base.
✔️ Classic Shamrock Shake Flavor – Refreshing mint, vanilla, and creamy goodness!
✔️ Perfect for Celebrations – Great for St. Patrick’s Day parties or themed events.
✔️ Kid-Friendly & Festive – The green color and cherry on top make these cupcakes extra fun!
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the mint flavor, frosting sweetness, or decorations as you like!

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Green food coloring

For the Mint Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Green food coloring
• Green sprinkles and maraschino cherries (for decoration)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with green cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, milk, melted butter, and eggs.
• Add peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix until just combined.
• Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Mint Buttercream

• In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
• Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
• Add milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes

• Using a piping bag or spatula, swirl mint buttercream onto each cooled cupcake.
• Sprinkle with green sprinkles and top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

• Enjoy these festive, minty cupcakes immediately, or store them for later!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve:

• Serve at a St. Patrick’s Day party or as a fun after-dinner treat.
• Pair with a cold glass of milk or a vanilla Shamrock Shake for extra fun!
• Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a mint-chocolate twist.

How to Store:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and serve!

Helpful Notes

1. Adjust the Peppermint Flavor – If you like mild mint, use ½ teaspoon peppermint extract instead.
2. For a Stronger Mint Taste – Add a little more peppermint, but be careful—it can get overpowering quickly!
3. Want a Chocolate-Mint Version? – Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a mint-chocolate flavor!
4. Use Gel Food Coloring – It gives a vibrant green color without thinning the batter or frosting.
5. Pipe the Frosting for a Bakery Look – Use a large star tip for a beautiful swirl on top!

frequently asked questions

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day ahead, then frost and decorate just before serving.

2. What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can use mint extract instead, but it has a stronger, slightly different flavor than peppermint.

3. How do I get a fluffier buttercream?

Whip the frosting for an extra minute to incorporate more air, making it light and fluffy!

4. Can I use homemade vanilla cupcake batter instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! Just replace the cake mix with your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe.

5. How do I prevent my frosting from being too soft?

If the frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time) to thicken it.

Final Thoughts

These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes bring the fun, minty flavors of the classic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake into a delicious homemade cupcake! With fluffy green vanilla cupcakes, a creamy mint buttercream, and festive decorations, they’re perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any mint lover’s dream dessert.

So grab your green food coloring, peppermint extract, and sprinkles, and let’s bake up a batch of these festive cupcakes today!

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