St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and that means one thing in my house—green food. Not just a little green, but everything green.

Last year, my nephew refused to eat his breakfast because it wasn’t “leprechaun-approved.”

This year, I’m coming prepared with the St Patricks Day Cake! Soft, fluffy, and swirled with just the right amount of green to make any little leprechaun happy.

This cake comes from an old family recipe that’s been through a few color makeovers.

It started as a pink-and-white birthday cake, then turned into a blue-and-yellow school spirit cake, and now? It’s officially St. Paddy’s Day-approved.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients. Just a few kitchen staples, a little food coloring, and a whole lot of fun.

St. Patrick’s Day Green Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg whites (or 3 tbsp aquafaba for a vegan option)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour blend for a GF version)
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk (use almond, oat, or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 4-5 drops green food coloring (natural spinach or matcha powder mixed with a little water as a natural alternative)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round or bundt cake pan.
2. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy.
4. Gently mix in the beaten egg whites, stirring until fully combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
6. Gradually add half of the dry mixture and half of the milk into the batter. Mix, then add the remaining flour and milk. Stir until smooth.
7. Pour half the batter into the cake pan. Mix green coloring into the remaining batter, then spoon it into the pan in between the plain batter. Lightly swirl with a toothpick.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool before frosting. Decorate with white or green frosting and sprinkles if desired.

Tips For Making The Best St Patricks Day Cake

Baking a perfect cake isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about knowing the little tricks that make a big difference. Here are some expert tips to make your St. Patrick’s Day Cake truly stand out:

• Use Cake Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour – Cake flour gives a lighter, softer texture. If you don’t have it, make your own by replacing 2 tablespoons of every cup of flour with cornstarch and sifting well.
• Whip the Egg Whites Separately – Beating egg whites to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter makes the cake extra airy. Do this step carefully to keep the fluffiness.
• Sift the Dry Ingredients – This helps remove lumps and makes sure the baking powder is evenly distributed, so the cake rises properly.
• Add a Little Vinegar or Lemon Juice – A teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice mixed into the milk mimics buttermilk, making the cake more tender.
• Use High-Quality Food Coloring – Cheap food dyes can give an artificial taste or fade during baking. Gel-based food coloring works best for a vibrant green without affecting texture.
• Don’t Overdo the Swirling – If you mix the green batter too much, it will blend completely and lose the swirl effect. Just drag a knife or toothpick through the batter lightly.
• Bake in the Right Pan – A light-colored metal pan bakes more evenly than dark pans, which can cause the edges to brown too quickly.
• Check Your Oven Temperature – Ovens can run hotter or colder than the set temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

What To Serve With St Patricks Day Cake?

This cake pairs well with classic St. Patrick’s Day dishes. Here are some great options:

• Irish stew
• Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage)
• Irish soda bread
• Corned beef and cabbage
• Shepherd’s pie
• Roasted carrots and parsnips
• Irish coffee
• Mint chocolate milkshake

How To Store St Patricks Day Cake?

Keeping your cake fresh is easy if you store it properly.

• At Room Temperature: If unfrosted, cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: If frosted, store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving so it’s not too firm.
• In the Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

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