These Pot of Gold Cupcakes for St. Patrick’s Day are Leprechaun Approved!
Get ready to add a little luck and a lot of color to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration! These festive cupcakes start with soft, fluffy vanilla cake and get topped with bright green icing that’s impossible to miss. A swirl of rainbow candy leads the way to adorable chocolate “pots of gold” for a playful, magical touch. They’re the perfect combination of whimsical and delicious, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or just feeling extra festive, these cupcakes are sure to bring a smile and a bit of Irish cheer.
Why you’ll want to make these fun St. Patrick’s Day Pot of Gold Cupcakes:
- Perfect for the holiday – The green icing, rainbows, and pots of gold make them a festive fit for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
- Kid-approved and family-friendly – Bright colors and candy decorations make these cupcakes especially exciting for kids.
- Great party showstoppers – They’re eye-catching, playful, and guaranteed to stand out on a dessert table.
- Easy to customize – You can adjust the decorations, colors, or candies to match your style or what you have on hand.
- Fun baking project – Decorating the rainbows and pots of gold is a creative activity you can enjoy with friends or family.
- Classic flavor everyone loves – Vanilla cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser that pair perfectly with sweet, colorful toppings.
- Perfect for sharing – These cupcakes make great treats for school events, office parties, or gifting to friends.
These cute St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes are perfect for:
- St. Patrick’s Day parties or parades
- School classroom celebrations
- Daycare or preschool holiday treats
- Family gatherings and holiday dinners
- Office parties or workplace potlucks
- Bake sales or fundraising events
- Birthday parties with a rainbow or fantasy theme
- Kids’ playdates or sleepovers
- Community events or neighborhood parties
- Dessert tables for themed celebrations
- After-school treats or special weekend desserts
- Gifted as homemade treats for friends, teachers, or neighbors
Saint Patrick’s Day Cupcakes
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cook Time: 20 minutes / Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Cupcakes Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
Icing Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
Decoration Ingredients
- Rainbow candy strips
- Chocolate candy melts or chocolate coins
- Edible gold flakes/strips, dazzle dust or gold sprinkles (for the ends of the rainbow, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs mixing well to incorporate to the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until fully incorporated.
Stir in the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time , until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Add green food coloring until you achieve the desired shade of green.
Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them generously with the green icing. Use a spatula or palette knife for better results.
Take rainbow candy strips and cut them into pieces long enough to form a small arch on top of each cupcake.
Gently press both ends of the rainbow strip into the icing to create a rainbow arch.
Sprinkle gold flakes and sprinkles at the end of the rainbow. You can also use chocolate candy melts or chocolate candy coins to resemble a vessel/pot of gold and add sprinkles and/or gold flakes on top.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cupcakes instead of making them from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought vanilla cupcakes will work just fine. Just make sure to follow the decorating steps to achieve that festive St. Patrick’s Day look.
Can I use premade frosting?
You can use any frosting you like, whether it’s a homemade buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a store-bought option. Just make sure to tint it green to capture the St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
Where can I find rainbow candy and pot of gold candy?
Most grocery stores and candy shops will carry rainbow candy, such as rainbow belts or gummy strips. For the pot of gold candy, you can use gold-wrapped candy coins, chocolate candy melts with gold glitter, flakes, or sprinkles on top. Check the seasonal candy aisle or specialty stores for the best selection.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting. Decorate them on the day of your event to ensure the candy toppings stay fresh and vibrant.
