Description
This Lucky Charm Cake is a whimsical and festive treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! A fluffy vanilla cake, layered with rich buttercream frosting, topped with a smooth white chocolate ganache drip, and adorned with colorful Lucky Charms marshmallows—this cake is a guaranteed showstopper for your holiday gathering.
Ingredients
For the cake base: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter (softened), granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, full-fat vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular), and buttermilk.
For the vanilla buttercream frosting: butter (softened), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (if needed).
For the white ganache drip: heavy cream and white chocolate or white candy melts.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter – Preheat oven to 350°F and line three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, yogurt, and buttermilk, mixing until smooth. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
- Create the Ombre Layers (Optional) – Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Add green food coloring in varying amounts for an ombre effect. Pour each batter into a separate cake pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Prep for Frosting – Let cakes cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and freeze for at least one hour before frosting.
- Make the Vanilla Buttercream – Whip butter until fluffy, then slowly add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla extract, then beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes. If needed, add heavy cream for a smoother consistency.
- Assemble the Cake – Stack the cake layers with buttercream frosting between each. Coat the entire cake in a smooth layer of frosting.
- Add the Ganache Drip – Freeze the frosted cake for 10 minutes. Melt white chocolate with heavy cream and drizzle down the sides for a beautiful drip effect.
- Garnish with Lucky Charms Marshmallows – Decorate the top with colorful marshmallows for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant ombre layers.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or Irish coffee for a perfect pairing.
Enjoy this magical and delicious Lucky Charm Cake to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration even sweeter!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American