Introduction
St Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to bring out bright colors, playful flavors, and sweet treats everyone can enjoy. Whether you love chocolate, mint, rainbows, or anything topped with frosting, this list has something you’ll want to make. These desserts are simple, cheerful, and great for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Let’s jump into all the fun, festive recipes!
1. Shamrock Sugar Cookies
These cookies bring the spirit of St Patrick’s Day to life with their charming shapes and soft pastel colors, offering a buttery, sweet bite that’s perfect for gifting, parties, or sharing with kids who love themed treats.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Green icing (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Roll dough, cut into shamrock shapes, and place on lined sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool, then decorate with icing.
How to Serve It
Serve them on a white plate for contrast, or stack in clear treat bags with green ribbons. They look great on dessert tables and pair well with milk or tea. Add gold sprinkles if you want a hint of sparkle. These cookies stay soft for days, making them great for gifting or prepping ahead.
2. Mint Chocolate Brownies
These brownies blend rich chocolate with cool mint in a way that feels decadent without being heavy, offering a crowd-pleasing treat that works for both children and adults who love classic mint desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Green food coloring
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter, whisk in sugar and eggs.
- Add cocoa, flour, salt, and vanilla.
- Pour into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Mix frosting ingredients and spread on cooled brownies.
- Melt chocolate chips and pour over frosting.
- Chill until firm, then slice.
How to Serve It
Cut into clean squares and serve chilled for a sharper mint flavor. Add a small swirl of whipped cream on the side or sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. These work beautifully on tiered dessert stands or wrapped individually for parties.
3. Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats
These nostalgic cereal bars bring instant joy with their crunchy, gooey texture and rainbow marshmallow bursts, making them the easiest St Patrick’s Day dessert to whip together for last-minute celebrations.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Lucky Charms cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in cereal and vanilla.
- Press mixture into a greased dish.
- Let cool, then cut into squares.
How to Serve It
Serve on a cake stand or stack on a colorful platter. Add extra marshmallows on top for fun texture. These are perfect for kids’ parties or casual snacking. For brightness, drizzle with melted white chocolate tinted green.
4. Green Velvet Cupcakes
These cupcakes offer the smooth richness of classic red velvet but with a bright green twist that makes them perfect for themed gatherings while still delivering that tender crumb everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Green food coloring
- Cream cheese frosting (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.
- Stir in vinegar and coloring.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
- Cool and frost.
How to Serve It
Top with gold dust or edible glitter. Arrange on a tiered stand for a festive display. These pair well with vanilla milkshakes or hot drinks. Add small shamrock toppers for extra charm.
5. Irish Cream Cheesecake Bars
These bars combine a smooth, creamy filling with a chocolatey base, giving you a dessert that feels special without requiring the effort of a full cheesecake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 5 tbsp butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup Irish cream
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix cookie crumbs with butter and press into a pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar.
- Add eggs, Irish cream, and vanilla.
- Pour filling over crust.
- Bake 30–35 minutes.
- Chill before cutting.
How to Serve It
Dust lightly with cocoa or drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve chilled for the smoothest texture. These bars go well with coffee and look great arranged in rows on rectangular platters.
6. Rainbow Layer Cake
This cake creates a dramatic moment when cut, revealing vibrant layers that make guests smile instantly, and its soft texture pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting, making it a showpiece for any St Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- Food coloring (all rainbow colors)
- Buttercream frosting (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg whites and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk.
- Divide batter into six bowls, dye each one.
- Bake layers for 18–20 minutes, cool completely.
- Stack with frosting between each layer.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled slices so the layers stay clean and bright. Add a ring of rainbow sprinkles around the base for fun presentation. Thin slices work best because the cake is tall. Pair with vanilla ice cream for a smooth, balanced bite.
7. Leprechaun Hat Cupcakes
These cupcakes mimic the look of little green hats, giving your dessert table a playful touch that makes kids and adults smile while still delivering a moist chocolate base and a creamy swirl of frosting.
Ingredients
- 12 chocolate cupcakes (baked)
- 2 cups green buttercream
- Gold sprinkle accents
- Mini chocolate cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Pipe a tall swirl of frosting on each cupcake.
- Press a mini cookie under the frosting to look like a hat brim.
- Add a gold sprinkle “buckle” in front.
- Chill for 10 minutes to help frosting hold shape.
How to Serve It
Arrange them on a black or dark platter to make the green pop. Add a few chocolate coins around the tray for extra charm. These look great in party photos and hold up well during transport.
8. Pistachio Pudding Parfaits
These parfaits offer light, refreshing layers that are easy to assemble and perfect for guests who prefer cool, creamy desserts over baked treats.
Ingredients
- 1 box pistachio pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped cream
- ½ cup crushed vanilla cookies
- Chopped pistachios (for topping)
Instructions
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk.
- Let set in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Layer pudding, whipped cream, and crushed cookies in cups.
- Top with nuts.
How to Serve It
Serve in clear glasses to show the layers. Add a tiny mint leaf for color. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. These pair well with tea or light drinks and work beautifully as individual-sized desserts.
9. Irish Apple Cake
This cozy dessert brings warmth to the table with tender apples and a subtle spice profile, giving you a homestyle treat that feels comforting and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cut butter into the mixture.
- Stir in apples.
- Combine eggs and milk, pour into batter.
- Transfer to pan and bake 40–45 minutes.
How to Serve It
Dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert works well with coffee or spiced tea and makes a simple centerpiece on wooden boards.
10. Green Ombre Cheesecake Cups
These no-bake cheesecake jars bring beautiful gradient layers that feel fancy without requiring complicated steps.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham crumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 12 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Green food coloring
Instructions
- Mix crumbs with melted butter and press into jars.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Divide mixture into three bowls and tint each a different green shade.
- Layer carefully.
- Chill for at least 2 hours.
How to Serve It
Serve with a small spoon tied to each jar for convenience. Add a swirl of whipped cream on top. Perfect for buffets or picnics since they’re portable and cute.
11. Guinness Chocolate Cake
This cake offers a rich, deep flavor thanks to the stout, giving it a tender crumb and slight bitterness that balances beautifully with the sweet frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup cocoa
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Frosting of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter with Guinness.
- Add cocoa and sugar.
- Mix in sour cream and eggs.
- Add flour and baking soda.
- Bake 45 minutes.
- Cool and frost.
How to Serve It
Serve with fresh berries or chocolate shavings. Works well alongside coffee. For extra softness, chill the cake briefly before slicing.
12. Mint Oreo Truffles
These bite-sized treats deliver creamy, chocolatey centers with a refreshing mint flavor, making them perfect for large gatherings.
Ingredients
- 24 Oreo cookies
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup melted white chocolate
- Mint extract
- Green coloring
Instructions
- Crush Oreos.
- Mix with cream cheese until smooth.
- Roll into balls and freeze 10 minutes.
- Dip in green chocolate.
- Chill until firm.
How to Serve It
Serve on a chilled platter. Add crushed Oreos on top for texture. These store well and are great make-ahead treats.
13. Shamrock Shake Pie
This pie brings the flavor of a classic mint milkshake into a no-bake dessert that sets beautifully and slices clean.
Ingredients
- 1 graham crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vanilla pudding
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Green coloring
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Whip cream to soft peaks.
- Fold into pudding with extract and coloring.
- Pour into crust.
- Chill 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream.
How to Serve It
Slice cold for the smoothest texture. Add cherries or chocolate drizzle. This pie pairs nicely with light drinks or coffee.
14. Baileys Chocolate Mousse
This mousse delivers a silky texture with a light hint of Irish cream, making it a grown-up dessert that feels smooth and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
- 3 tbsp Baileys
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Melt chocolate.
- Whisk in Baileys.
- Add eggs and sugar over low heat until thickened.
- Cool and fold in whipped cream.
- Chill 2 hours.
How to Serve It
Serve in tiny glasses for portion control. Add shaved chocolate or a mint leaf. Works well for evening gatherings.
15. Green Swirl Fudge
This easy stovetop fudge brings a festive swirl effect that looks beautiful on dessert trays and tastes creamy and sweet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Green coloring
Instructions
- Melt chocolate with condensed milk.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Pour half into pan, tint remaining mixture green.
- Swirl together.
- Chill 3 hours.
How to Serve It
Cut into small squares. Serve on chilled plates to keep edges firm. Add gold sprinkles if desired.
16. Irish Soda Bread Cookies
These cookies mimic the flavor of classic soda bread but with a sweeter twist, giving you a soft, comforting treat that’s easy to snack on.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cut in butter.
- Add raisins, egg, and buttermilk.
- Scoop onto sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with butter or honey. These pair well with breakfast spreads. Store in airtight jars for freshness.
17. Matcha White Chocolate Bark
This bark offers a gentle matcha flavor balanced by creamy white chocolate, creating a simple treat that breaks cleanly and stores well.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate
- 1 tsp matcha
- Dried berries (optional)
Instructions
- Melt chocolate.
- Stir in matcha.
- Spread thinly on parchment.
- Add berries.
- Chill and break apart.
How to Serve It
Arrange shards in a tall glass jar for a pretty display. Use as edible party favors or snack pieces.
18. Irish Cream Tiramisu Cups
These cups combine familiar tiramisu flavors with a subtle Irish twist, making them ideal for adults looking for a smooth, layered dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mascarpone
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 3 tbsp Irish cream
- Ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder
Instructions
- Whip mascarpone with Irish cream.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Layer with soaked ladyfingers.
- Dust with cocoa.
- Chill 4 hours.
How to Serve It
Serve in stemless glasses. Add chocolate curls. Keep chilled until the moment of serving.
19. Green Tea Ice Cream
This ice cream brings cool, refreshing flavor with subtle sweetness, making it perfect after hearty meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp matcha
- 4 egg yolks
Instructions
- Heat milk and sugar.
- Whisk yolks, temper with warm milk.
- Cook until thickened.
- Add matcha.
- Chill and churn.
How to Serve It
Serve scoops with chocolate cookies or fresh berries. Works well alongside warm desserts.
20. St Patrick’s Day M&M Blondies
These blondies give you chewy, buttery texture with festive pops of color throughout, making them great for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Green M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter, mix in sugar and eggs.
- Add flour and baking powder.
- Fold in M&Ms.
- Bake 25 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve cooled squares so the chocolate stays firm. Add extra M&Ms on top before baking for color.
21. Pot of Gold Cupcake Cones
These cones mimic a pot filled with treasure, making them a fun, handheld treat that’s easy for kids to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 waffle cones
- Cake batter
- Green frosting
- Gold sprinkles
Instructions
- Fill cones halfway with batter.
- Bake upright 15–18 minutes at 350°F.
- Cool completely.
- Frost and add sprinkles.
How to Serve It
Serve standing in a cone holder or foam block. Add chocolate coins around the tray for a fun theme.
22. Lucky Lime Bars
These bars offer a refreshing citrus flavor that balances sweetness with a slight tang, making them great for people who prefer lighter desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- Filling: 2 eggs, ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp lime juice, green tint
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix crust ingredients and bake 12 minutes.
- Whisk filling and pour over crust.
- Bake 15 minutes.
- Cool fully before cutting.
How to Serve It
Dust with powdered sugar and serve chilled. Add thin lime slices for garnish.
23. No-Bake Mint Oreo Pie
This pie is smooth, cool, and chocolatey with minimal prep, making it perfect for potlucks or fast dessert tables.
Ingredients
- Oreo crust
- 1 box mint pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare pudding with milk.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Pour into crust.
- Chill 3 hours.
How to Serve It
Serve slices with chocolate drizzle or mini Oreos. Works well in warm climates since it stays cool.
24. Green Sprinkle Donuts
These donuts bring sweetness and color to brunch spreads, offering a simple baked treat that’s fun to decorate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup butter
- Green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.
- Pipe into donut pan.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
- Dip in glaze and add sprinkles.
How to Serve It
Serve warm or room temp. Add matching napkins or plates for a themed table.
25. Clover Rice Krispie Pops
These handheld treats make serving simple and clean, perfect for family events or school parties.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cups marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies
- Green coloring
- White chocolate for dipping
Instructions
- Melt butter and marshmallows.
- Add coloring.
- Mix in cereal.
- Press into clover molds.
- Add sticks and dip in chocolate.
How to Serve It
Stand the pops in foam blocks or jars. Add green ribbons for charm. These transport easily.
26. Irish Coffee Cupcakes
These cupcakes offer smooth coffee flavor with a hint of warmth, giving adults a tasty dessert that pairs beautifully with after-dinner drinks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tbsp instant coffee
- ½ cup milk
- Whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, coffee, and milk.
- Add flour.
- Bake 18 minutes.
- Cool and top.
How to Serve It
Serve with chocolate-covered espresso beans or a light cocoa dusting. Great for evening gatherings.
Conclusion
St Patrick’s Day is all about color, flavor, and sharing sweet moments with the people around you. These desserts bring that spirit to life with fun textures, bright shades, and easy recipes anyone can try. Pick a few favorites, save them for later, or share them with friends and family planning their holiday menus. Enjoy every bite and have a festive celebration!
