Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes sound like a festive and delicious treat for St. Patrick’s Day! Let’s continue with the frosting ingredients and instructions:

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes 🧁💚

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) white cake mix
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup (237ml) water
• 1/3 cup (79ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract (adjust based on taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust to desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (or more for a deeper green)
• A pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)

Instructions:

For the Cupcakes:

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, egg whites, water, vegetable oil, mint or peppermint extract, and green food coloring.
   • Beat the mixture with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, until smooth and well combined.

2. Bake the Cupcakes:

   • Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
   • Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

3. Make the Frosting:

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).
   • Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until smooth.
   • Add the heavy cream (or milk), peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring, then beat until well combined and the frosting is light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

4. Frost the Cupcakes:

   • Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting onto each cupcake using a piping bag (or a spatula for a more rustic look).
   • You can decorate the tops with sprinkles or even add a cherry on top to mimic the Shamrock Shake!

These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are sure to be a fun and festive treat, with that perfect minty flavor, light green color, and creamy frosting. Enjoy baking and sharing these adorable cupcakes! 💚🧁