How to Make Shamrock Shake Cupcakes – A Must-Try St. Patrick’s Day Recipe!

If you love the classic Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s, you’re going to adore these Shamrock Shake Cupcakes! These cupcakes are fluffy, minty, and topped with a light vanilla milkshake-flavored frosting. They’re the perfect St. Patrick’s Day dessert—or a fun treat any time of the year.

The cupcakes start with a white cake mix, which makes the green color pop beautifully. A touch of peppermint extract gives them that signature minty flavor. The frosting is incredibly light and easy to make—just whipped cream and vanilla pudding mix, creating a creamy topping that resembles a milkshake!

Ingredients for Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

Cupcakes:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup (237ml) water
• 1/3 cup (79ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract (see note below)
• 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring

Frosting:

• 2 cups (474g) heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix

Optional Toppings:

• Green sprinkles
• Maraschino cherries

📝 Note: Mint extract and peppermint extract are slightly different—mint extract can sometimes taste like toothpaste to some people, while peppermint extract has a sweeter, more candy-like mint flavor. Choose your favorite!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, egg whites, water, vegetable oil, and mint or peppermint extract.
3. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth.
4. Add the green food coloring and stir gently until fully incorporated.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

5. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

3. Make the Frosting

8. In a mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream on high speed using a hand or stand mixer.
9. Gradually add the instant vanilla pudding mix while continuing to beat.
10. Keep mixing until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy frosting.

4. Decorate the Cupcakes

11. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes (a 1M piping tip works great!).
12. Sprinkle with green sprinkles and top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry for the full Shamrock Shake look!

These cupcakes are best served fresh, so if you’re making them in advance, frost them just before serving.

Pro Tips & Storage Instructions

Expert Tips for Perfect Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

✅ Use White Cake Mix – A white cake mix helps the green color pop beautifully. If using yellow cake mix, the color may look slightly different.

✅ Choose the Right Mint Flavor – If you prefer a sweeter, candy-like mint flavor, go with peppermint extract. If you like a more herbal taste, mint extract is an option (but can sometimes taste like toothpaste).

✅ Whipped Cream Frosting Tips – For the fluffiest frosting:

• Use cold heavy whipping cream for better consistency.
• Add the pudding mix slowly to avoid lumps.
• Whip until stiff peaks form but don’t overmix, or it may turn grainy.

✅ Frosting Right Before Serving – Since the frosting is made from whipped cream, it’s best to frost the cupcakes just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

📌 Unfrosted Cupcakes: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

📌 Frosted Cupcakes: Since the frosting is whipped cream-based, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For best results, frost just before serving.

📌 Freezing Option: You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Nutritional Information & FAQs

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cupcake, Based on 24 Cupcakes)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 27mg
• Sodium: 174mg
• Sugar: 10g

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes 🍀🧁

These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a fun twist on the classic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake! Made with a light and fluffy mint-flavored cupcake, these treats are topped with a creamy vanilla milkshake frosting. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties, birthdays, or any festive occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings 24 cupcakes

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• ✔️ Large mixing bowl
• ✔️ Hand mixer or stand mixer
• ✔️ Measuring cups & spoons
• ✔️ Cupcake pan & liners
• ✔️ Piping bag with a 1M tip (optional for frosting)

Ingredients

  

• Cupcakes:
• 1 box 15.25 oz white cake mix
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract see notes
• 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
• Frosting:
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
• Toppings Optional:
• Green sprinkles
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions

 

• 1️⃣ Prepare the Cupcake Batter
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake mix, egg whites, water, vegetable oil, and mint extract until smooth.
• Add green food coloring and mix gently until fully incorporated.
• 2️⃣ Bake the Cupcakes
• Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with batter.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
• 3️⃣ Make the Frosting
• In a bowl, whip heavy cream on high speed using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Slowly add pudding mix while whipping until stiff peaks form.
• 4️⃣ Frost & Decorate
• Pipe or spread frosting onto completely cooled cupcakes.
• Decorate with green sprinkles and top with a maraschino cherry.
• 5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
• Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to eat.

Notes

Mint vs. Peppermint Extract: Peppermint extract is sweeter, while mint extract may taste more herbal or like toothpaste.
Frosting Tip: Whip cream until stiff peaks form but don’t overmix, or it may become grainy.
Make-Ahead: Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored at room temp for 2 days or frozen for 3 months. Frost just before serving!

Keyword Easy Cupcake Recipe, Festive Desserts, Green Cupcakes, Mint Cupcakes, Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, Shamrock Shake-Inspired Treats, St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes, Vanilla Frosting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! While white cake mix gives the brightest green color, you can also use yellow cake mix or a homemade vanilla cupcake recipe. Just note that the color may turn out slightly different.

2. What if I don’t have instant pudding mix for the frosting?

No problem! You can substitute powdered sugar (¼ cup) and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to add flavor and structure to the whipped cream.

3. Can I make these without food coloring?

Absolutely! The green color is just for fun. If you prefer a natural option, try matcha powder or spinach juice for a light green tint.

4. How can I make these cupcakes extra festive?

• Use gold sprinkles for a “pot of gold” effect.
• Add a mini chocolate coin or a green shamrock decoration on top.
• Serve with a Shamrock Shake for a complete St. Patrick’s Day treat!

Final Thoughts – The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Treat! 🍀🧁

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are the ultimate fun and festive dessert for St. Patrick’s Day! With their light, minty flavor, fluffy texture, and creamy vanilla frosting, they’re a delicious twist on the classic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just because you love cupcakes, they’re sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• ✔️ Quick & Easy – Uses a cake mix for convenience!
• ✔️ Fun & Festive – A bright green color perfect for celebrating.
• ✔️ Unique Frosting – Made with whipped cream & pudding for a milkshake-like texture.
• ✔️ Customizable – Adjust the mint flavor, color, or toppings to your liking.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag me. 💚