Emerald Dream Green Velvet Cupcakes with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Green velvet cupcakes are a whimsical twist on the classic red velvet favorite, dressed up in a lively hue for a fun culinary adventure. These delightful treats boast a cozy crumb and a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting that’ll leave everyone swooning. Let’s dive into this magical recipe that’s sure to brighten up any gathering.

Image 2
Ideogram

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (enough to achieve your desired shade)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Additional 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Image 3
Ideogram

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Image 4
Ideogram

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, egg, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Add a few drops of green food coloring, then stir gently until the mixture takes on a vibrant hue. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk just until smooth, taking care not to overmix. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Image 5
Ideogram

For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing it in thoroughly. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting has a smooth, soft consistency. Spread or pipe the frosting generously onto each cupcake to showcase that dazzling green base!

Image 6
Ideogram

These Emerald Dream Green Velvet Cupcakes are sure to charm anyone who tries them. Perfect for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or for adding a pop of color to any celebration, they also allow for fun substitutions such as using dairy-free milk or gluten-free flour if needed. With their pillowy texture and tangy-sweet frosting, these cupcakes are a treat that everyone will love to both bake and devour.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.