St. Patrick’s Day Desserts: Green Velvet Layer Cake + Lime Sherbet Punch

March 2, 2016

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to break out the green foods and goodies! Make an arrangement of green grapes and apples, or a veggie spread with broccoli, cucumbers, green peppers, and celery. Desserts can include pistachio ice cream, green cupcakes, or the eye-catching, delicious cake (a spin on traditional Red Velvet cake) below. We’ve also included a delicious lime sherbet punch recipe. Together they are the perfect treats for a St. Patrick’s Day festivity!

Green Velvet Cake

Courtesy: Food Network

Cake Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch Process)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, well shaken
• 1 tablespoon green liquid food coloring
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Cake Directions

1. Butter three 8-inch round pans, line with parchment and butter the parchment; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. Whisk the buttermilk, food coloring and vanilla in a spouted measuring cup; set aside.
4. In a large bowl beat the sugar and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy.
5. Slowly add the eggs and beat until fully incorporated.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to lowest speed. With it running add 1/3 of the flour mixture, then 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture, then another 1/3 flour mixture, then the remaining buttermilk mixture, then the remaining flour mixture. Beat well until mixed thoroughly.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans.
8. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• Green liquid or gel food coloring, optional
• Green candies and sanding sugar for decorating, optional

Frosting Directions

1. Put the flour in a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of the milk and vigorously whisk until you have a smooth, thick paste.
2. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking continuously until mixture is very thick, about 5 minutes.
3. Put paste into bowl, cover with plastic wrap and cool in refrigerator until cool, about 45 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
5. Add the cooled flour mixture a tablespoon at a time and beat until smooth.
6. Add vanilla, salt and 3 to 5 drops of food coloring and whip until light and fluffy. (This could take 5 to 10 minutes).
7. Assemble cake frosting one layer at a time, decorate with candies and sanding sugar if desired.

Lime Sherbet Punch

Courtesy: Paula Deen

Ingredients

• 2 quarts lime sherbet
• 2 liters ginger ale
• 1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice
• Lemon slices
• Lime slices

Directions

1. Scoop out the 2 quarts of lime sherbet into a punch bowl.
2. Add ginger ale and pineapple juice.
3. Decorate with lemon and lime slices.

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