It’s almost time to raise a glass to the Emerald Isles, and with it comes an array of St Patrick’s Day invitations. If you’re hosting or a guest at one of these events, you might be wondering which dessert to make the evening extra special.
Get ready to add some Irish charm to your sweet tooth with our round-up of St. Patrick's Day-themed sweet treats! From traditional Irish desserts to embracing the fun and flavours of the holiday, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the country of Ireland and some brilliant St. Patrick’s Day recommendations so you can bake the showstopping dessert that will delight your guests.
Traditional Irish dessert ideas
Are you looking to bring a taste of Ireland to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Our ideas here will add some magic to your festivities.
Here are some of our recommendations to bring the luck of the Irish to your door.
Apple cake
This simple yet flavoursome dessert is a must-have for any St. Patrick’s Day event. More modern recipes involve sultanas and alcohol like whiskey, but the truly traditional ones are all about making the most of the wonderful apple flavour.
Bake in a thin dish for a truly authentic Irish apple cake experience. Serve warm with custard for a small (or large!) slice of heaven.
Soda bread pudding
A twist on the classic bread pudding recipe, soda bread is a favourite bake of Ireland. Basic recipes will involve pouring a mix of cream, sugar, eggs and vanilla over cubed soda bread but you can add in whatever you like. Sultanas, raisins and apples work well.
If you want to add some pizzazz, bake chocolate chips into the soda bread and sprinkle with sugar for a sweeter finish. Serve with custard or Irish cream for a decadent dessert.
Porter cake
This traditional cake is made for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, so it’s definitely one to try if you’re looking for a more authentic celebration. It’s a fruit cake that’s loaded with stout (hence the name) that delivers a dense, delicious sweet treat.
This is the type of cake that gets even better if the flavours are left to develop, so make it a couple of days ahead to make the most of the wonderful taste.
Barmbrack
This enriched bread is stuffed to the brim with sultanas, mixed spices and raisins for a dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth any time of the day.
The twist is that the fruit mix is soaked in whiskey and tea the night before to give the fruit an extra punch - and a hidden ring is inside for the lucky finder!
Serve either warm or cold with butter, cream or custard. This is sure to be a hit at any St. Patrick’s Day celebration you’re hosting or invited along to.
Fun St. Patrick’s Day dessert ideas
Are you after a set of sweet treats that are in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day? Then we’ve got the perfect mix of dessert ideas to satisfy any sweet tooth and be the showstopper at every celebration.
Let’s dive in.
Guinness chocolate cake
Stout and chocolate are a wonderful flavour combination, so it’s no wonder there are a thousand different recipes for Guinness chocolate cake. This rich and decadent cake is moist, dense and wonderful enjoyed with some whipped cream.
It can be served as a dessert for a special occasion or an after-dinner treat for a cosy night in. This unique cake is sure to set your tastebuds alight and have your guests wanting more.
Shamrock sugar cookies
Sugar cookies are a versatile and flexible recipe that works for various occasions. These sweet and buttery biscuits are shaped like shamrocks and decorated with green royal icing - add some sparkle for an extra touch.
While we’ve suggested shamrocks here, you can make and decorate your sugar cookies with any St. Patrick’s Day-themed imagery you like. Leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold are also fun!
Whiskey truffles
These bite-sized sweets are perfect for anyone looking for a sophisticated, adult-oriented treat for St. Patrick's Day. Whiskey is a key export from Ireland that pairs wonderfully with chocolate, so it’s a win-win situation.
These little balls of delight are smooth in the centre and encased in a hard chocolate shell. Give them as gifts or indulge with fellow whiskey lovers - whatever the case, you’re sure to enjoy these boozy treats.
Baileys cheesecake
Carrying on with the alcohol theme, another specialty from the Emerald Isle is Irish cream. This makes a brilliant addition to a plain cheesecake recipe that elevates the taste and puts it perfectly on theme for St. Patrick’s Day.
You can let the Irish cream flavour shine on its own or pair with a complementary one - chocolate, orange and mint are all great combinations with Baileys. Garnish with sweets to make your cheesecake the best dessert on the table!
Leprechaun cupcakes
These fun-filled mini desserts are sure to impress at any St. Patrick’s Day event. Stick with a classic vanilla cupcake mix or switch things up - a few ‘green’ flavours you could go for are mint, pistachio and Granny Smith apple.
There are a few ways to decorate these delicious treats: icing a leprechaun face and hat onto the cupcakes or going for 3D model leprechauns made from icing; the choice is up to you.
Lucky Charms treats
These sweet cereals are perfect for a quick and easy St. Patrick’s Day dessert. Mix the Lucky Charms with melted marshmallows and chill in the fridge for your crispy, delicious treat.
If you’re feeling fancy, add popping candy or chocolate pieces for an extra crunch!
Wrapping up
These St. Patrick's Day sweets are the perfect way to add some festive flair to your holiday celebration. Whether you're looking to celebrate with friends and family or just looking for a delicious dessert to enjoy, there are plenty of St. Patrick's Day sweet treats to choose from.
Looking for some extra sweet treats for your Irish celebration? Our wholesale American sweets have a varied range of chocolates and candy for your perusal.