If you’re looking to add a little magic to your festive celebrations, these St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups are about to become your new holiday obsession! This dessert is the perfect blend of luxurious chocolate and vibrant, earthy matcha, layered together in a silky, creamy bite-sized cup. With naturally sweetened, dairy-free ingredients, each cup delivers a decadent treat that just so happens to look as iconic as St. Patrick’s Day itself. The zing from ceremonial matcha and a touch of lemon wakes up every tastebud, making these cups as memorable in flavor as they are in eye-catching, emerald-green color. Whether you’re Irish by blood or just for the day, indulge in these gems and let the St-inspired cheer flow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by their pretty looks—these cups are all about simple, wholesome ingredients, each serving an important role. Every element layers bold flavors, creamy texture, and a pop of St-worthy color, coming together in easy-to-find vegan goodness anyone can pull off at home.
- Coconut oil: Forms the rich, melt-in-your-mouth base for the chocolate layer. Try to use unrefined for a delicate coconut aroma.
- Cacao powder: Gives a deep, earthy chocolate flavor; raw cacao is best for a more natural, nutrient-packed treat.
- Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens both chocolate and matcha layers, keeping the treat refined-sugar free and adding subtle caramel notes.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors with just a hint of vanilla sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch heightens the chocolate and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Raw cashews (soaked): The secret to a creamy, dreamy matcha layer; they blend up silken-smooth after a quick soak.
- Coconut cream: Brings luscious, dairy-free body and a subtle tropical undertone to the matcha filling.
- Matcha powder: Ceremonial-grade is best, lending bold green color and a fresh, grassy pop that’s simply St perfect.
- Honey or maple syrup (for matcha layer): Sweetens the green layer—choose honey for floral notes or maple for a vegan spin.
- Lemon juice: Just half a teaspoon adds brightness and balances the earthy matcha.
How to Make St
Step 1: Prep Your Molds
Start by lining a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grab those silicone molds you’ve been waiting to use. This simple prep guarantees your St cups pop out perfectly and makes clean-up a breeze. Trust me—future you will thank you!
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the coconut oil until liquid. Remove from heat and whisk in the cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth and glossy. This chocolate base is utterly luscious and sets the vibe for the whole St treat.
Step 3: Create the First Chocolate Layer
Carefully spoon or pour about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate mixture into each liner or cavity. Tap the tray on the counter to settle the chocolate evenly. Slide the tray into the freezer for 10 minutes, just until set. This forms a sturdy foundation for the vibrant St matcha middle.
Step 4: Blend the Matcha Cream
While the chocolate chills, grab your high-speed blender. Combine the soaked cashews, coconut cream, matcha powder, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice. Blend until sumptuously creamy—scrape the sides down if needed. You’re looking for a filling that’s silky-smooth and vibrant St green.
Step 5: Layer and Finish
Once the chocolate bottoms are set, spoon about 1 teaspoon of your matcha cream over each one, gently smoothing out the top. Finish by pouring another thin layer of chocolate (use about a teaspoon or so) to fully cover the matcha. Gently spread it to the edges to seal in the color—and the St magic!
Step 6: Freeze Until Firm
Return your tray to the freezer and chill for about 30 minutes, until the cups are completely set and easy to pop out. Before serving, let the St cups sit at room temperature for five minutes for the dreamiest texture. Now, they’re ready to star at any St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
How to Serve St
Garnishes
If you want to add a wow-factor, dust each cup with extra matcha powder, a sprinkling of cacao nibs for crunch, or even a sliver of edible gold leaf—because why not go full-on St? For extra festivity, tiny paper shamrocks or bits of chopped pistachio will make every cup look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Turn your dessert table into a true St feast by pairing these cups with fresh fruit platters—think juicy kiwi slices, green grapes, or even tangy pineapple wedges for that pop of contrast. Matcha pairs beautifully with herbal teas or even a cold glass of oat milk for a cool, creamy finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your St cups in a rainbow-inspired arc, or nestle them in a bed of edible shamrocks for a whimsical centerpiece. For a party, place them in mini treat boxes as take-home favors or stack on a tiered stand for eye-catching height—and plenty of St spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The beauty of these treats is how well they store! Place your St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to a week. The texture stays velvety, and the flavors just get deeper—if they last that long.
Freezing
Need to make St ahead of time? You’re in luck! Freeze the finished cups in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Before serving, let them thaw in the fridge or sit at room temperature for five minutes—instant St magic.
Reheating
These delights are best served chilled or at just room temp, so there’s really no reheating necessary. If you want that just-made texture, simply let the St cups rest on the counter for a few minutes straight from the fridge or freezer to soften slightly before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of cacao?
Definitely! While raw cacao gives a richer taste and more nutrients, classic cocoa powder works just fine for your St cups. The flavor will be just a touch milder, but still absolutely delicious.
What’s the best way to soak cashews quickly?
If you’re short on time, pour boiling water over the cashews and let them sit for 20 minutes—that’s all it takes. Drain and rinse before blending to ensure a creamy St filling with zero grittiness.
Can I make these fully refined sugar free?
Absolutely. Swap out honey for extra maple syrup or even date syrup for a different twist. Every option will keep your St. Patrick’s Day treat perfectly sweet and wholesome.
Is there a substitute for coconut cream?
If coconut cream isn’t your thing, try a thick non-dairy yogurt (like cashew or almond-based). It’ll keep the St layer silky, and still complement that beautiful matcha flavor.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
For sure! The recipe scales up beautifully—simply double every ingredient and use a standard muffin tin if you want bigger cups. Just be sure to add an extra few minutes of chill time per layer for perfectly set St-inspired treats.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says festive delight quite like these St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups. They’re stunning to look at, packed with feel-good ingredients, and perfectly easy for celebrating with friends or making just because. Don’t wait for March 17—go ahead and surprise someone (or yourself) with a little St magic today!
