Green Velvet Cupcakes

Name: Green Velvet Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon green food coloring; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love making Green Velvet Cupcakes! Their unique color and flavor always impress my friends and family, making them perfect for any occasion. The soft and moist crumb of these cupcakes pairs beautifully with a light cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect tang. Plus, the vibrant green hue adds a fun twist to the classic red velvet. I enjoy experimenting with different food colorings, and these cupcakes never fail to surprise. Trust me, once you try them, they will become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-18T14:34:19.176Z

When I first decided to make Green Velvet Cupcakes, it was out of pure curiosity. I had seen them popping up on social media and wanted to give the recipe a whirl. The process of mixing the ingredients felt therapeutic, and I was intrigued by how the addition of food coloring transformed the batter. I found that using high-quality cocoa powder made a significant difference in flavor, creating a depth that the vibrant color could match.

After baking, I topped these beauties with a cream cheese frosting that balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly. A tip I discovered is to chill the frosting slightly before piping it, which makes it easier to work with. My friends raved about the taste, and I knew I had a new favorite recipe on my hands!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Unique green hue that stands out at any gathering
Soft, fluffy texture that ensures moist bites every time
Creamy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tang

Perfecting Your Cupcake Technique

A key factor in achieving the perfect Green Velvet Cupcake is the mixing technique. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stirs should be gentle and minimal to avoid developing gluten, which can lead to a dense cupcake. Look for a batter that is just mixed, with a few lumps remaining. Over-mixing can also affect the color; if the batter is mixed too long, the vibrant green hue may dull.

Ensure that your oven is fully preheated before baking. An oven thermos can help you confirm this temperature. Proper baking time is crucial; under-baking can result in a gooey center while over-baking can dry out the edges. Start checking the cupcakes at the 20-minute mark, and remove them once a toothpick comes out clean.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The quality of ingredients impacts the flavor and texture of your Green Velvet Cupcakes significantly. Using fresh, full-fat buttermilk gives the cupcakes a richness and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting. If you’re out of buttermilk, a simple substitute is to mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice; let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.

When it comes to food coloring, the gel variety produces a more vibrant color in comparison to liquid. If you prefer a more natural approach, consider using spinach powder or matcha for a green hue, although it will slightly alter the flavor. Each will give you a unique take on the traditional Green Velvet.

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon green food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.

Add Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar until smooth.

Combine and Fill

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Frost and Enjoy

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy your delicious Green Velvet Cupcakes!

Pro Tips

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. You can also experiment with the amount of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.

Storing and Serving Tips

Once your cupcakes are frosted and ready to serve, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which can extend their shelf life to up to a week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For a festive presentation, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cream cheese frosting. This not only enhances the visual appeal but can add a fun texture to each bite. If serving at a party, arrange them on a decorative platter to showcase their striking color!

Frosting Variations

While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for Green Velvet Cupcakes, you can easily switch it up based on your preference. A coconut cream frosting or vanilla buttercream could complement the cupcakes well. Consider infusing a citrus element by adding lemon or lime zest to your frosting for an exciting flavor twist.

If you're looking for a lighter option, a whipped cream topping can be an excellent alternative. Just ensure it's stabilized with gelatin or a whipped cream stabilizer, especially if the cupcakes are being prepared ahead of time. This ensures a fluffy texture without wilting over time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can create your own buttermilk by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes before frosting. Just wrap them tightly and store them for up to 3 months.