St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating Irish culture and traditions. From parades to green beer, there are plenty of ways to join in on the festivities. But why not add a little sweetness to your celebration with some St. Patrick’s Day inspired cakes? Here are two delicious cake recipes to get you started.
Recipe 1: Irish Cream Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Green food coloring
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, Irish cream liqueur, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth. Add green food coloring to achieve desired color.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread frosting over the top. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 22g
Carbohydrates per serving: 60g
Protein per serving: 3g
Cooking Time:
30-35 minutes
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch cake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of green sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Variations:
Try using Bailey’s Irish Cream instead of regular Irish Cream liqueur for an extra indulgent flavor.
Substitutions:
You can use any brand of yellow cake mix and any brand of Irish Cream liqueur. For the frosting, you can substitute milk with heavy cream for a richer taste.
Storage:
Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cake up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe 2: Guinness Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Guinness beer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a medium saucepan, heat Guinness and butter until the butter is melted. Add cocoa powder and sugar, whisking until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the beer mixture and beat until just combined.
- Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the other cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 580
Fat per serving: 29g
Carbohydrates per serving: 80g
Protein per serving: 5g
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Equipment:
- Two 9-inch cake pans
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat.
Variations:
You can add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the beer mixture for a richer flavor. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for some crunch.
Substitutions:
You can use any brand of stout beer instead of Guinness. For the frosting, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture.
Storage:
Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake without the beer? Yes, you can substitute the beer with 1 cup of buttermilk.
Personal Thoughts
Both of these St. Patrick’s Day cake recipes are sure to be a hit at any celebration. The Irish Cream Cake is rich and moist with a delicious hint of Irish cream. The Guinness Chocolate Cake is decadent and indulgent with a deep chocolate flavor. Both cakes are easy to make and perfect for beginners. Give them a try and get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit!