Evander Jones
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in some sweet treats that are as festive as they are delicious. The flavors of mint, chocolate, and Irish cream fill the air, making every bite a celebration. Looking for some inspiration to make your holiday extra special? Keep reading and treat yourself to 20 irresistible desserts that will sweeten your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Peppermint Shake
This shake has a thick, creamy texture and a refreshing burst of peppermint, making it a seasonal favorite. Made with vanilla ice cream and milk, it’s the peppermint extract that gives it that signature flavor. Whipped cream and cherries make it delicious on their own, but for an added crunch, try crushed mint candies or chocolate shavings.
Shamrock Cupcakes
Shaping cupcakes into shamrocks takes a little creativity. Heart-shaped muffin tins or marbles placed in liners help achieve the look. The cake itself is a classic vanilla or chocolate base, dyed green for the occasion. A nice swirl of buttercream frosting on top and festive sprinkles make them feel as lucky as they look.
Grasshopper Bars
Mint and chocolate create a combination that’s bold yet balanced. These bars feature a fudgy brownie base. The addition of a cool mint cream layer and a glossy ganache topping make all the difference. Chill the bars before slicing for clean layers, making each piece just as beautiful as it is delicious. They always stand out on a dessert table.
Guinness Brownies
Stout beer enhances the depth, giving these brownies a rich and slightly malty flavor. Coffee adds a hint of bitterness and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded bite. Some bakers finish them with Bailey’s frosting, while others enjoy them plain. Either way, they deliver a deep cocoa experience perfect for the celebrations.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cake
Fresh and rich flavors come together in this layered cake. Mint extract infuses the batter to create a cool and aromatic base. Chocolate chips add texture, while the light mint buttercream keeps things airy. Frosted to perfection, the cake brings just the right amount of sweetness to the table of any St. Patrick’s Day gathering.
Irish Apple Cake
A rustic dessert packed with spiced apple chunks and a tender crumb, this cake has been a favorite in Irish kitchens for generations. The hint of cinnamon brings warmth to the batter, while a drizzle of custard sauce over the top softens the texture and adds creaminess. Some versions are simply dusted with powdered sugar, so the flavors are classic and unfussy.
Matcha Green Tea Cake
This light and airy cake is infused with matcha’s signature tea flavor, making it a perfect choice for St. Patrick’s Day with its natural green hue. The subtle bitterness of the matcha beautifully balances the cake’s sweetness, while a dusting of sifted powdered sugar adds a simple, elegant touch to the presentation.
Baileys Irish Cream Fudge
This one is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s packed with rich chocolate and a smooth hint of Baileys. The secret to perfect fudge is a slow, gentle melt to achieve a velvety texture without graininess. Once firm, each square holds just the right amount of boozy sweetness, an irresistible addition to any dessert spread.
Irish Coffee Cupcakes
Inspired by the famous Irish coffee, these cupcakes bring together the deep flavors of coffee and whiskey in a bite-sized dessert. The espresso-infused cake offers a strong yet balanced bitterness, perfectly complemented by the warmth of a whiskey-spiked buttercream. A sprinkle of cocoa powder on top completes it.
Pistachio Pudding Cake
A dessert that’s as soft as it is flavorful, this cake gets its moisture and distinct green color from the pistachio pudding mix. While pistachios are not traditionally Irish, the color makes them a popular choice for St. Patrick’s Day. The nutty, subtly sweet taste pairs well with a light vanilla frosting or some crushed pistachios for extra texture.
Mint Oreo Truffles
Chocolate and mint flavors mix well in these bite-sized truffles that require no baking. Crushed mint Oreos mix with cream cheese to form a smooth, creamy center, then get coated in a crisp chocolate shell. Add a drizzle of green-colored white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed cookies to give them an extra festive touch.
Baileys Tiramisu
This tiramisu swaps out traditional liqueurs for Baileys Irish Cream. While tiramisu originates from Italy, the addition of Bailey’s gives it a smooth Irish touch. Espresso-soaked ladyfingers provide a strong, slightly bitter contrast to the rich mascarpone filling. Each layer absorbs the flavors as it chills.
Irish Cream Panna Cotta
A silky, custard-like dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. The smooth base is lightly flavored with Irish cream, adding a subtle boozy depth to its delicate texture. Served chilled and topped with powdered cocoa or shaved chocolate, it’s an effortless yet elegant way to end a festive meal.
Potato Candy
Old-fashioned treats often have the best surprises; potato candy is no exception. Mashed potatoes create a smooth texture with powdered sugar for a dough that rolls like fondant. Peanut butter is the classic filling, but modern variations with chocolate or Nutella add a fun twist. It’s simple and a guaranteed conversation starter.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Bright citrus flavors lift the shortbread’s buttery richness and create a balance of crisp and melt-in-your-mouth textures. High-quality butter and a touch of cornstarch make all the difference. A sprinkle of lemon zest-infused sugar before baking brings out the natural zing, making them fresh and decadent.
Mini Bundt Cakes With Maple Whiskey Glaze
Elegant and personal-sized, these mini bundt cakes soak up the deep, caramelized flavors of maple whiskey glaze. The cake itself stays moist while the glaze seeps into the crevices to add warmth to every bite. Whether made with a vanilla or spice cake base, the flavors meld beautifully, making an irresistible dessert.
Pinwheel Cookies
Rolling two layers of dough into a swirl creates a visually pretty and delicious cookie. Almond and vanilla extracts add depth to the buttery base. Chill the rolled dough before slicing to keep the pinwheels crisp and defined. Whether dyed green or kept natural, these cookies add a playful touch to any spread.
Leprechaun Bait
While it has no traditional Irish roots, it has become a fun addition to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. A combination of popcorn, pretzels, and cereal gets coated in white chocolate and then tossed with green candies. The mix stays crunchy while offering sweet and salty flavors in every handful.
Lucky Charms Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cereal milk ice cream captures childhood nostalgia. It is great to pair it with soft sugar cookies to take it to another level. The ice cream gets mixed with Lucky Charms marshmallows for a sweet, creamy texture. Roll the edges in extra marshmallow bits to add crunch, making each bite a mix of creamy and crisp.
Baileys Poke Cake
Soaking cake with Baileys really is a game-changer. Poke cakes are a modern American dessert, but Baileys Irish Cream makes them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Once baked, small holes are poked into the cake for the rich Baileys-spiked filling to seep in. The result is an ultra-moist texture with deep flavor.
