Sweet and Simple St Patrick’s Day Desserts to Enjoy

St Patrick’s Day is a time for celebrating Irish culture, and what better way to honour this festive occasion than with a delightful spread of St Patrick’s Day desserts? From traditional Irish sweets that have been passed down through generations to modern twists on classic recipes, these desserts offer a perfect balance of history, flavour, and fun. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or enjoying a quiet family gathering, these sweet treats are sure to bring a touch of Irish charm to your celebrations.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make 7 irresistible Irish desserts for St Patrick’s Day. Get ready to treat your taste buds to the very best of Irish baking, from moist cakes to decadent pies and delightful cookies.

A Glimpse into St Patrick’s Day Desserts

St Patrick’s Day is a celebration brimming with vibrant traditions, and no festive occasion would be complete without an array of delicious St Patrick’s Day desserts. As the holiday honours Irish heritage, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in sweet treats that are deeply rooted in Irish culture. From rich, buttery cakes to light, minty confections, the options for desserts for St Patrick’s Day are as varied as the holiday itself.

These desserts not only reflect the flavours of Ireland but also embrace the fun, whimsical side of the celebration, with green-themed sweets and festive decorations brightening up your table. Whether you’re looking to create a traditional Irish dessert or a modern twist on a classic, St Patrick’s Day desserts offer something for everyone, making them a delightful addition to any gathering.

1. Traditional Irish Soda Bread Cake

Irish soda bread is a beloved Irish staple, often served with a hearty stew or enjoyed with a cup of tea. But did you know that it can be transformed into a delicious cake to be part of your St Patrick’s Day desserts? This traditional Irish soda bread cake combines the simple, comforting flavours of soda bread with the sweetness of a cake, making it the perfect addition to any St Patrick’s Day dessert spread.

With its dense, slightly sweet texture and a touch of tang from the buttermilk, this cake is a nod to the traditional Irish flavours while offering a delightful, festive twist. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit among your guests.

Ingredients

• 250g plain flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 100g butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 240ml buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g sultanas or raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a round 20cm cake tin.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the caster sugar and gently mix to combine.
4. Rub the cubed butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If using, fold in the sultanas or raisins.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

This Traditional Irish soda bread cake is a perfect way to enjoy the flavours of Ireland in a sweet, celebratory form, making it an ideal choice for your St Patrick’s Day desserts. Whether served with a dollop of clotted cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your festivities.

2. Shamrock Shortbread Cookies

Shamrock-shaped shortbread cookies are a delightful and simple treat that perfectly captures the spirit of St Patrick’s Day. Shortbread is a beloved classic in Irish baking, known for its buttery texture and delicate sweetness. Shaping these cookies into shamrocks not only adds a festive touch but also makes them a fun and easy dessert to enjoy with friends and family.

These cookies are ideal for St Patrick’s Day desserts, offering a light and crumbly bite that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. With just a few ingredients, they come together quickly and can be decorated with green icing or sprinkles to enhance the festive theme.

Ingredients

• 250g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g caster sugar
• 300g plain flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Green icing or edible decorations (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually sift in the plain flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 cm thick.
5. Using a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking tray. If you don’t have a shamrock cutter, any other festive shape will work just as well.
6. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as shortbread can burn quickly.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate with green icing or edible sprinkles for a festive touch.

These Shamrock shortbread cookies are the perfect way to add a bit of charm to your St Patrick’s Day desserts. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple decoration make them both a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.

3. Irish Apple Cake with Custard

A comforting and hearty dessert, Irish apple cake with custard is a perfect choice for St Patrick’s Day desserts. This traditional Irish treat is rich with the flavours of fresh apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a warming and indulgent dessert that’s ideal for celebrating the occasion. This cake, paired with a creamy, velvety custard, is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of Irish charm to your St Patrick’s Day spread.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 300g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 200g caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 150ml vegetable oil
• 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the custard:

• 500ml whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornflour

Instructions

For the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
5. Fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the custard:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam (but not boil).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the custard over slices of the cooled Irish apple cake and serve immediately.

This Irish apple cake with custard is the perfect addition to your St Patrick’s Day desserts. Its balance of spiced apples and creamy custard makes it a comforting and indulgent treat that captures the essence of Irish home baking. It’s sure to become a favourite at your St Patrick’s Day celebration!

4. Leprechaun Cupcakes

Leprechaun cupcakes are a fun and festive way to add a bit of whimsy to your St Patrick’s Day desserts. These delightful cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually striking, with their bright green colours and playful decoration. Inspired by the mischievous leprechauns of Irish folklore, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any St Patrick’s Day celebration, whether it’s a family gathering or a party with friends.

With a simple vanilla or chocolate base, topped with a vibrant green buttercream and decorated with little leprechaun hats or gold coin accents, these cupcakes are an easy yet eye-catching treat.

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 200g self-raising flour
• 200g caster sugar
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 120ml milk
• A pinch of salt

For the buttercream icing:

• 250g unsalted butter, softened
• 500g icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp milk
• Green food colouring (gel or liquid)
• Gold sprinkles or small chocolate coins (for decoration, optional)

Instructions

For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake cases.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the buttercream icing:

1. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar, one spoonful at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until the icing is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
3. Add green food colouring to the icing, mixing until you achieve the desired shade of green. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the taste.
4. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe the green buttercream on top using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. For a fun leprechaun touch, you can decorate with gold sprinkles or small chocolate coins to mimic leprechaun hats and treasure.

These leprechaun cupcakes are a delightful and creative way to enjoy your St Patrick’s Day desserts. With their vibrant green colour and festive decorations, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

5. Green Velvet Cake

The green velvet cake is a vibrant and festive twist on the classic red velvet cake, making it a perfect choice for your St Patrick’s Day desserts. With its striking green hue and smooth, buttery texture, this cake is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. The slight cocoa flavour of the cake pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious balance that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 250g plain flour
• 300g caster sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 240ml vegetable oil
• 240ml buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp green food colouring (gel or liquid)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 250g unsalted butter, softened
• 300g cream cheese, softened
• 500g icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

For the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and green food colouring until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and vibrant green.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake tins and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the cream cheese frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually sift in the icing sugar, one spoonful at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Assemble the cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
3. For a festive touch, you can decorate the top with green sprinkles or edible gold dust.

This green velvet cake is a beautiful and delicious addition to your St Patrick’s Day desserts. Enjoy a slice (or two) of this indulgent cake as part of your St Patrick’s Day festivities!

6. St Patrick’s Day Chocolate Mint Mousse

For a decadent yet light and refreshing treat, St Patrick’s Day chocolate mint mousse is the perfect Irish dessert to serve at your celebration. This rich, velvety chocolate mousse is complemented by a hint of mint, making it a delightful fusion of flavours that captures the spirit of the holiday. Whether served in individual cups or as a larger dessert for sharing, this mousse is a crowd-pleaser that will add a luxurious touch to your St Patrick’s Day desserts.

Ingredients

For the chocolate mousse:

• 200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
• 300ml double cream
• 100g caster sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• A pinch of salt

For the mint cream topping:

• 150ml double cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tbsp icing sugar

Instructions

For the chocolate mousse:

1. Break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt it gently in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream with the caster sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
3. In another clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream, ensuring that it is well combined. Add the chopped mint leaves and vanilla extract, folding them in gently.
5. Carefully fold the whisked egg whites into the chocolate mixture in two additions, being cautious not to deflate the mousse. The result should be a light and airy mousse.
6. Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

For the mint cream topping:

1. In a small bowl, whip the double cream with the peppermint extract and icing sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Once the mousse has set, top each serving with a dollop of mint cream.

To serve: Garnish the mousse with additional fresh mint leaves or dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

This St Patrick’s Day chocolate mint mousse is the perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, making it a standout choice for your St Patrick’s Day desserts.

7. Festive Green Jellies with Fruit

For a light and refreshing treat that adds a pop of colour to your St Patrick’s Day desserts, festive green jellies with fruit are a perfect choice. This simple yet visually stunning dessert combines the sweetness of fruit with the vibrant green hue of jelly, creating a delightful and festive dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

These jellies can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for busy hosts. They are also versatile, allowing you to choose your favourite fruits to complement the jelly.

Ingredients

• 1 packet of lime jelly (or green jelly, depending on availability)
• 450ml cold water
• 450ml boiling water
• 200g mixed fresh fruit (such as kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lime jelly with 450ml of boiling water, stirring well until the jelly crystals are completely dissolved.
2. Stir in the 450ml of cold water and mix until fully combined. Allow the jelly mixture to cool for a few minutes.
3. While the jelly is cooling, wash and slice the fruit. For best results, use a variety of fruits that complement the green jelly, such as kiwi and strawberries.
4. Divide the fresh fruit evenly between your serving dishes or jelly mould. If using a mould, arrange the fruit decoratively at the bottom. For individual cups, simply distribute the fruit evenly.
5. Pour the cooled jelly mixture over the fruit, ensuring the fruit is submerged. Gently tap the dishes on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
6. Place the jellies in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Once the jelly has set, garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of colour and freshness.

These festive green jellies with fruit are a fun and vibrant addition to your St Patrick’s Day desserts. It offers a cool and fruity contrast to the richness of other holiday favourites.

In conclusion, these St Patrick’s Day desserts offer the perfect blend of festive flavours and vibrant colours to make your celebration truly memorable. From the indulgence of green velvet cake to the refreshing zing of mint mousse, these sweet treats are sure to delight your guests and bring a bit of Irish charm to your gathering. For more inspiration and a full range of delicious ideas, be sure to explore our website, where you’ll find not only more tempting desserts but also a collection of Irish side dish recipes and other recipes that will elevate your St Patrick’s Day menu!

Share with our social media