Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you adore cupcakes that bring a burst of color and a delightful twist on a classic favorite, then the Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cupcakes boast a gorgeous emerald hue and a tender crumb with just a hint of cocoa, perfectly balanced by the tangy, luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just to brighten your day, this recipe is guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven and your taste buds dance with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but crucial in creating the perfect Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each element plays a role, from the all-purpose flour that gives structure to the cupcakes, to the green food coloring that transforms them into vibrant works of edible art.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender yet sturdy cupcake crumb.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle depth of chocolate flavor without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps your cupcakes rise light and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to the batter.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without being too much.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Provides acidity for a tender crumb and reacts nicely with baking soda.
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give cupcakes a light texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• 2 teaspoons green food coloring: Creates that signature green velvet look that’s fun and festive.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: For the tangy, smooth frosting you’re going to love.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with cream cheese to make frosting extra creamy.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a perfect spreadable texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Lightens and smooths the frosting for easy piping and spreading.

How to Make Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cupcakes that won’t stick and will pop out effortlessly once cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination ensures the cupcakes have the right texture and a subtle chocolate undertone that complements the vibrant green color perfectly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, which makes the cupcakes wonderfully tender and airy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps maintain a smooth batter and improves the structure of your cupcakes.

Step 5: Incorporate Vanilla, Buttermilk, and Vinegar

Stir in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and white vinegar until everything is combined. The acidic ingredients work beautifully with the baking soda to give the cupcakes a light, fluffy texture.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep the cupcakes tender and moist.

Step 7: Add Green Food Coloring

Stir in the green food coloring carefully so the batter is evenly tinted a vibrant green shade that’s sure to grab attention at any party or gathering.

Step 8: Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the base of the rich, tangy frosting that complements the cupcakes perfectly.

Step 10: Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Cream

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat the frosting until light and creamy—this makes it easy to pipe or spread beautifully onto your cooled cupcakes.

Step 11: Frost and Decorate

Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with edible gold dust, glitter, or your favorite sprinkles to make each cupcake a little piece of edible art.

How to Serve Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these cupcakes, try some creative garnishes like edible flowers, gold dust, or colorful sprinkles that add texture and festivity. A small mint leaf can also bring a fresh contrast to the sweetness and complement the green theme beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Green Velvet Cupcakes with simple sides like fresh berries or citrus slices, which balance out the rich sweetness. A light sparkling beverage or a lightly brewed herbal tea will also refresh the palate after every delightful bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes everything taste better! Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand, or place them in pretty cupcake boxes with a little ribbon for gifting. You can also serve them alongside mini dessert spoons and cocktail napkins for a charming party display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a treat well after the baking day.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unfrosted cupcakes and the frosting separately. Wrap the cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting for best results, then enjoy your Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe anytime you want!

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm frozen or refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating so the cupcakes don’t dry out or the frosting doesn’t melt too much before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar added to it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which is important for the texture and rise of the cupcakes.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, you can adapt this Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to be vegan. However, expect some differences in texture and flavor that come from traditional ingredients.

How do I get the frosting to pipe smoothly?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating. Adding the heavy cream helps loosen the frosting, making it easier to pipe into beautiful shapes without cracking.

Can I use natural coloring instead of food coloring?

Natural options like spinach powder or matcha can be used for green coloring, though the result will be less vibrant and slightly different in flavor. The traditional green food coloring creates the signature look and taste that makes this recipe so special.

What’s the best way to make sure cupcakes come out moist?

Measuring ingredients precisely, not overmixing the batter, and baking for just the right amount of time are key. Also, using buttermilk and vinegar in the recipe helps to keep these Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe wonderfully moist every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that brightens any day or celebration with its cheerful color and irresistible flavor. Baking these cupcakes is like giving yourself a sweet hug, and sharing them only makes that joy grow. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see the smiles it brings around your table!

Print