St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Ideas: 15 Sweet Treats for a Festive Celebration

Ginny in Food & Drink Feb 18 • 29 min read

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious treats inspired by the luck of the Irish. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to enjoy some festive flavors at home, desserts in shades of green, featuring classic Irish ingredients, or shaped like shamrocks can add a touch of sweetness to your celebration. From traditional Irish-inspired recipes to creative green-themed delights, here are some fantastic St. Patrick’s Day dessert ideas to make your festivities extra special.

1. Shamrock Sugar Cookies

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without shamrock-shaped sugar cookies. These classic cookies can be made using a simple sugar cookie dough, then cut into shamrock shapes with a cookie cutter. Decorate them with royal icing in vibrant shades of green or add sprinkles for extra flair. To enhance the flavor, try adding a hint of almond or peppermint extract to the icing.

2. Irish Cream Cheesecake

For a rich and decadent dessert, an Irish cream cheesecake is a perfect choice. Made with a creamy filling infused with Irish cream liqueur, this dessert is both indulgent and festive. You can add a chocolate cookie crust for a delicious contrast and drizzle the top with a layer of chocolate ganache or whipped cream for an elegant finish.

3. Leprechaun Bark

Leprechaun bark is a simple yet eye-catching treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Melt white chocolate and spread it onto a baking sheet, then swirl in green food coloring for a marbled effect. Sprinkle with green candies, gold sprinkles, and crushed mint cookies for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Once hardened, break into pieces and serve.

4. Mint Chocolate Brownies

Mint and chocolate are a classic combination that works beautifully for St. Patrick’s Day. Bake a batch of fudgy brownies and top them with a creamy mint frosting tinted green. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle them with chocolate ganache and sprinkle with crushed mint candies or chocolate chips.

5. Pistachio Pudding Parfaits

Pistachio pudding parfaits are a light and flavorful dessert option that brings a festive green hue to the table. Layer pistachio pudding with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbles for a deliciously creamy treat. Garnish with chopped pistachios and a sprig of mint for an extra special touch.

6. Rainbow Cupcakes

Celebrate the colors of the rainbow with fun and vibrant cupcakes. Prepare a vanilla cupcake batter and divide it into different bowls, dyeing each portion a different color of the rainbow. Layer the colored batters in cupcake liners before baking, then top with a swirl of fluffy white frosting and gold sprinkles to complete the festive look.

7. Irish Soda Bread Pudding

Give traditional Irish soda bread a sweet twist by turning it into a comforting bread pudding. Cube the soda bread and soak it in a mixture of eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla before baking until golden brown. Serve warm with a drizzle of Irish whiskey caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.

8. Matcha Green Tea Macarons

For a sophisticated take on St. Patrick’s Day desserts, try making matcha green tea macarons. These delicate French cookies are made with almond flour and filled with a luscious matcha-flavored buttercream. Their naturally green hue makes them perfect for the occasion, and they pair beautifully with a cup of Irish tea.

9. Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats

Put a St. Patrick’s Day spin on classic marshmallow treats by incorporating Lucky Charms cereal. Melt butter and marshmallows together, then stir in the cereal for a fun and colorful dessert that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Cut them into shamrock shapes for added festivity.

10. Green Velvet Cake

A twist on the classic red velvet cake, green velvet cake is a stunning choice for St. Patrick’s Day. This moist and flavorful cake is made with cocoa powder and buttermilk, then tinted green with food coloring. Frost with a rich cream cheese frosting and decorate with gold sprinkles or shamrock-shaped cake toppers.

11. Bailey’s Irish Cream Truffles

For a bite-sized treat with a boozy kick, Bailey’s Irish Cream truffles are a must-try. Blend melted chocolate with heavy cream and Bailey’s, then chill until firm. Roll into small balls and coat with cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or green sprinkles. These truffles are perfect for gifting or serving as a party dessert.

12. Grasshopper Pie

Grasshopper pie is a creamy, no-bake dessert that combines the flavors of mint and chocolate. Made with a chocolate cookie crust and a fluffy mint-flavored filling, this pie is both refreshing and indulgent. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an irresistible finish.

13. Irish Apple Cake

If you want to incorporate traditional Irish flavors into your dessert spread, Irish apple cake is a great choice. This moist and spiced cake is made with tart apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then served with a rich custard sauce for a comforting and authentic treat.

14. Gold-Dusted Cake Pops

For a playful and portable dessert, cake pops dusted with edible gold shimmer are a fantastic option. Bake a vanilla or chocolate cake, crumble it, and mix with frosting before forming into bite-sized balls. Dip in green or white chocolate and finish with a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a magical touch.

15. Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

Inspired by the famous seasonal Shamrock Shake, these cupcakes feature a light mint-flavored cake topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Add a splash of vanilla or mint extract to the batter and frosting for a refreshing flavor that perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer rich and decadent desserts, light and refreshing treats, or classic Irish flavors, there are plenty of options to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration extra sweet. From festive green desserts to traditional Irish-inspired bakes, these treats are sure to bring luck and joy to everyone at your gathering. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and may your day be filled with delicious desserts and good fortune!