Green Velvet Cake

Green Velvet Cake is a stunning twist on the classic red velvet cake, featuring the same soft, moist crumb and subtle cocoa flavor but with a vibrant green hue. Perfect for celebrations like birthdays, St. Patrick’s Day, or festive gatherings, this cake is as delicious as it is eye-catching. The signature tang from buttermilk and vinegar, combined with a smooth and creamy frosting, creates a perfectly balanced flavor that keeps everyone coming back for another slice.

This recipe delivers a rich, tender cake with a hint of cocoa, complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Unlike artificial-tasting green cakes, this version maintains the traditional red velvet flavor profile while adding a unique visual appeal. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to try a fun and festive dessert, this Green Velvet Cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Green Velvet Cake is the perfect combination of soft, moist texture and rich yet balanced flavor. The slight hint of cocoa adds depth without overpowering the delicate sweetness, while the buttermilk and vinegar ensure a tender, velvety crumb. The creamy frosting pairs beautifully with the cake, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It can be made as a layer cake, cupcakes, or even a sheet cake, depending on the occasion. The bold green color makes it a showstopper, while the classic flavor ensures it’s just as delicious as it looks. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, with easy-to-follow steps that guarantee perfect results every time.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

• Yield: 12 servings

• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 32g

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 tbsp green food coloring (gel recommended)

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

Optional decorations:

• Green sprinkles

• White chocolate shavings

• Edible gold dust

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the cake batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

2. Add wet and dry ingredients

• Mix in the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

• Stir in the vinegar, then add the green food coloring and mix until fully incorporated. Adjust color as needed.

3. Bake the cake

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

• Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the frosting

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.

• Stir in vanilla extract and add heavy cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

5. Assemble and decorate

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

• Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.

• Decorate with green sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or edible gold dust for a festive touch.

Ingredient Background

Green Velvet Cake maintains the signature elements of a traditional velvet cake while introducing a striking green color. The combination of buttermilk and vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a tender, airy crumb. Cocoa powder provides a subtle depth of flavor without making it a full chocolate cake. The food coloring enhances the visual appeal, making it perfect for themed celebrations. Cream cheese frosting adds a creamy contrast that complements the cake’s texture and mild cocoa undertones.

Technique Tips

To achieve the smoothest batter, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Beating the butter and sugar until fluffy incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake. When adding food coloring, gel is preferred over liquid for a more vibrant color without altering the consistency. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Chilling the cake before frosting helps create a neater, smoother finish.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Instead of a layered cake, try making cupcakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins and baking for 18-20 minutes. For a more dramatic look, create an ombre effect by using different shades of green in each cake layer. A bundt cake version drizzled with cream cheese glaze provides a more casual presentation while still maintaining the rich flavor. You can also use a sheet pan and cut out mini square cake bites for easy serving at parties.

Additional Tips for Success

Use cake strips around the pans while baking to ensure even layers without doming. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, substitute brown sugar for half of the granulated sugar. When slicing the cake, clean the knife between cuts for a professional-looking presentation. Store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and fresh.

Recipe Variations

For a nutty flavor, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking. Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to add a subtle, aromatic depth. A white chocolate cream cheese frosting can be used instead of traditional frosting for a sweeter contrast. If you prefer a lighter cake, use oil instead of butter for added moisture without the density.

Freezing and Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers and frost them fresh when ready to serve.

Healthier Twist Ideas

For a lighter version, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content. A lower-sugar frosting can be made by reducing powdered sugar and adding a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Greek yogurt can replace part of the cream cheese for a tangy yet healthier alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Green Velvet Cake is perfect for themed celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day, spring gatherings, or birthdays. Pair it with a citrus mocktail or a vanilla bean latte for a complementary flavor experience. For an elegant dessert table, serve with fresh berries or white chocolate truffles. If making cupcakes, arrange them in a circular pattern with gold sprinkles for a festive touch.

Special Equipment

• Two 9-inch cake pans

• Parchment paper

• Hand or stand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Cooling rack

• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake without food coloring?

• Yes, you can make Green Velvet Cake without food coloring, but it will lose its signature vibrant color. The flavor, however, will remain unchanged, offering the same soft, moist texture with a hint of cocoa and tangy buttermilk. If you prefer a more natural alternative to artificial food coloring, you can try using spinach puree or matcha powder to achieve a light green hue while maintaining a wholesome ingredient list.

2. What type of food coloring is best?

• Gel food coloring is the best option for this recipe because it provides a deep, rich green color without altering the cake’s consistency. Unlike liquid food coloring, which requires larger amounts to achieve the desired shade, gel-based coloring is more concentrated, meaning you only need a small amount. If using powdered food coloring, dissolve it in a small amount of buttermilk before adding it to the batter to ensure even distribution.

3. Can I use a different frosting?

• Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is the classic choice for any velvet cake due to its tangy contrast to the sweet cake, you can experiment with other frostings. A vanilla buttercream adds a rich, smooth texture, while a whipped cream frosting offers a lighter alternative. If you want a more decadent touch, try a white chocolate ganache frosting or a lemon-infused glaze for a citrusy twist that enhances the cake’s subtle cocoa flavor.

4. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

• Yes, Green Velvet Cake can be made dairy-free by using plant-based substitutes. Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil, replace the buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious and suitable for those with dairy restrictions.

5. How do I store leftover cake?

• Store any leftover Green Velvet Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If storing a frosted cake, place parchment paper between slices to prevent the frosting from sticking. For the best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, as the frosting and cake will soften slightly for a better eating experience.

6. Can I use natural food coloring?

• Yes, you can use natural alternatives for food coloring if you prefer to avoid artificial dyes. Matcha powder provides a subtle green hue with an earthy flavor, while spinach puree adds color without altering the cake’s taste. To use spinach puree, blend fresh spinach with a small amount of water, strain, and add it to the batter. Be mindful that natural colorants may result in a more muted shade than artificial food dyes.

7. Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?

• Yes, this recipe can be adapted to make Green Velvet Cupcakes. Simply divide the batter evenly into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Frost with cream cheese frosting and top with green sprinkles or edible gold dust for a festive touch. These cupcakes are perfect for individual servings at parties and gatherings.

8. How do I keep my cake moist?

• To ensure your Green Velvet Cake stays moist, follow these tips:

  • Use room-temperature ingredients, as cold butter and eggs can affect the batter’s ability to hold air, resulting in a denser cake.

  • Avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop too much gluten and make the cake tough.

  • Bake at the correct temperature, and avoid opening the oven door too often, as sudden temperature changes can dry out the cake.

  • Store the cake properly by wrapping it in plastic wrap or an airtight container to retain moisture.

9. Can I freeze Green Velvet Cake?

• Yes, Green Velvet Cake freezes well, whether frosted or unfrosted. To freeze unfrosted cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. If freezing a fully frosted cake, place it in the freezer for about 1 hour to firm up the frosting, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

10. What occasions are best for serving Green Velvet Cake?

• Green Velvet Cake is perfect for many occasions, especially themed events and holidays. It’s a showstopping dessert for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, baby showers, or any festive gathering. You can also serve it at weddings with a unique green color scheme or as a fun twist on traditional velvet cake for an elegant dinner party.

Conclusion

Green Velvet Cake is an exciting and vibrant twist on a classic dessert, offering the same soft and tender texture with a festive green hue. The subtle cocoa flavor combined with creamy frosting makes it a delicious treat that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty.

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for different occasions, whether in the form of cupcakes, a layered cake, or even a sheet cake. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, anyone can achieve a bakery-quality dessert at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a unique sweet treat, Green Velvet Cake is a delightful choice that will impress both visually and in flavor.

Green Velvet Cake

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp green food coloring (gel recommended)

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

Optional decorations:

• Green sprinkles
• White chocolate shavings
• Edible gold dust

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

2. Add wet and dry ingredients

• Mix in the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

• Stir in the vinegar, then add the green food coloring and mix until fully incorporated. Adjust color as needed.

3. Bake the cake

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

• Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the frosting

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.

• Stir in vanilla extract and add heavy cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

5. Assemble and decorate

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

• Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.

• Decorate with green sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or edible gold dust for a festive touch.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 32g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g