Description
Lucky palates celebrate when these festive shamrock shake cupcakes arrive at the dessert table. Mint-infused buttercream and green-tinted cake blend nostalgic McDonald’s flavors with homemade charm, promising delightful bites you’ll savor with pure Irish-inspired joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (a few drops)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
- Combine cake mix, milk, melted butter, eggs, peppermint extract, and green food coloring in a mixing bowl, whisking until the batter achieves a uniform, smooth consistency.
- Carefully distribute the batter, filling each cupcake liner approximately three-quarters full to ensure proper rising.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cupcakes are fully baked.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before frosting.
- In a separate bowl, whip the softened butter until it becomes light and airy, creating a fluffy base for the frosting.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the butter, mixing thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth texture.
- Enhance the frosting by adding peppermint extract, heavy cream, and green food coloring, blending until the mixture becomes creamy and maintains a consistent green hue.
- Using a piping bag, artfully apply the mint buttercream frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, creating elegant swirls or peaks.
- Finish the cupcakes by garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream and a vibrant maraschino cherry, mimicking the iconic Shamrock Shake presentation.
Notes
- Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
- Control peppermint intensity by adjusting extract quantity, allowing personalization of flavor strength for different taste preferences.
- Try natural food coloring options like spinach or matcha powder for a healthier green hue without artificial additives.
- Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes to create vegan-friendly version while maintaining the delicious Shamrock Shake cupcake experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg