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A Sweet Slice of Luck: The Shamrock Surprise Pound Cake

A delightful pound cake with a hidden green shamrock inside, this festive treat is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Flavored with a hint of peppermint and topped with a sweet glaze, every slice reveals a lucky surprise. Fun to make and even more exciting to serve!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10 -12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packages 16 ounces each pound cake mix
  • 10 drops green food coloring
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 3 to 5 teaspoons 2% milk

Method
 

Prepare the First Cake:
  1. Preheat oven according to the pound cake mix package instructions.
  2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  3. Prepare one package of cake mix as directed, then mix in green food coloring and peppermint extract.
  4. Pour into the prepared pan and bake as instructed on the package.
  5. Let the cake cool completely.
Create the Shamrock Center:
  1. Slice the cooled cake into 1-inch thick pieces.
  2. Use a 2 1/2-inch shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shamrock shapes from each slice.
  3. Save any remaining cake scraps for another use.
Assemble the Final Cake:
  1. Stand the shamrock cutouts at an angle inside a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Prepare the second package of cake mix according to the package directions.
  3. Carefully pour the batter around and over the shamrock cutouts, ensuring they stay in place.
  4. Bake according to the package instructions and allow to cool completely.
Glaze & Serve:
  1. In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, peppermint extract, and enough milk to reach the desired consistency.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, letting it flow down the sides.
  3. Slice to reveal the hidden shamrock surprise inside!

Notes

  • Be gentle when placing the shamrock cutouts to keep them aligned.
  • Let the cake cool fully before slicing to get a clean reveal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Add festive sprinkles to the glaze for extra decoration!

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