If you are looking for a vibrant and delicious treat to celebrate the season with a twist, the St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups Recipe is exactly what you need. These mini delights combine the rich, silky smoothness of dark chocolate with the earthy, bright flavors of matcha green tea, offering a pleasing contrast in every bite. Thanks to their natural ingredients, they feel indulgent yet wholesome, perfectly suited for a festive gathering or a cozy personal treat. Plus, they are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making these cups accessible to many diets without compromising on taste or presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up these little green wonders is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet pivotal to achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that beautiful pop of color that matcha provides.
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (1 cup): Use high-quality chocolate to ensure a rich cocoa taste and smooth melting texture.
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): This helps the chocolate and matcha filling set perfectly with a silky sheen and subtle coconut undertone.
- Coconut butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and a mild sweetness, serving as the creamy base for the matcha filling.
- Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): A natural sweetener that blends beautifully with coconut butter and matcha, bringing just the right level of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor complexity and complements the matcha’s earthiness.
- Matcha powder (1 teaspoon): For that signature vibrant green color and a beautiful, delicate tea flavor—ceremonial-grade is ideal.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base
Start by lining a mini muffin tin with 12 paper liners. Then, melt the dark chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals. Stir well between each interval until everything is silky smooth. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each paper liner, tilting the tin gently so the chocolate coats the bottom evenly. Pop the tray into the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate base harden nicely, forming a sturdy shell for the filling.
Step 2: Create the Matcha Filling
While the chocolate crisps up in the freezer, mix the matcha filling. Combine the softened coconut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, matcha powder, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended with a vibrant green hue. This filling will offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate shell.
Step 3: Assemble the Cups
Once the chocolate bases have set solid, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the matcha filling into each cup. Gently flatten the tops for an even layer. Then, cover each filled cup with another teaspoon of the melted chocolate, smoothing it carefully to seal the filling inside. Place the tray back in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the entire cup is firm and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups Recipe
Garnishes
To really make these cups stand out when serving, you can sprinkle a touch of matcha powder on top or dust with edible gold glitter for an extra festive touch. Shredded toasted coconut or finely chopped pistachios also add delightful texture and a beautiful color contrast.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple by pairing these St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups with a light mint tea or a cold glass of almond milk. They go wonderfully with fresh fruit slices such as kiwi, which balances the richness with a juicy acidity. For gatherings, a small plate of assorted nuts can also be a lovely complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your creativity by arranging these lucky green delights in a decorative box or a rustic wooden platter lined with banana leaves. You can also place each cup in a colorful mini cupcake wrapper to amp up the festive cheer. Another lovely idea is to stack them in a tiered dessert stand for a party centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cups keep best in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and maintain their texture for up to one week, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for celebrations or gifting.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cacao matcha cups later or keep extra batches on hand, they freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When properly stored, they can last around one month without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled or slightly softened, avoid reheating in the microwave. Instead, take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to allow them to soften gently to the ideal, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of coconut butter?
While regular butter can be used, coconut butter gives the filling its unique creamy texture and subtle sweetness, keeping the recipe vegan and dairy-free. Using regular butter will change the flavor profile and texture slightly, so it’s best to stick with coconut butter if possible.
What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
No worries! You can use silicone candy molds or even a shallow dish lined with parchment paper, then cut into bite-sized pieces after setting. Just be sure the chocolate layer is thick enough to hold the filling without breaking.
Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, you can swap maple syrup for honey if you’re not vegan or for agave nectar or rice syrup for other vegan-friendly options. Each sweetener will impart a slightly different sweetness and flavor, but the cups will still turn out delicious.
Why is ceremonial-grade matcha recommended?
Ceremonial-grade matcha provides a brighter green color and a smoother, more vibrant flavor compared to culinary-grade. Since the matcha flavor is front and center in this recipe, using the highest quality matcha will make a noticeable difference in both appearance and taste.
Are these cups suitable for kids?
Yes! These are naturally healthy treats without refined sugar and contain no caffeine beyond a very small amount in the matcha. However, keep portions small as matcha does contain some caffeine, and always check for any allergies to ingredients like coconut.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your friends or add a special touch to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups Recipe is a fantastic choice. They are simple to put together, full of luscious flavor, and showcase that gorgeous green color we all love this time of year. Trust me, once you taste these creamy, crunchy little treats, they will quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make over and over again!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these festive St. Patrick’s Day Cacao Matcha Cups, featuring a rich dark chocolate base and a creamy, vibrant matcha filling. Perfect as a healthy, vegan, and gluten-free treat, these no-bake mini cups combine the earthy flavors of matcha with decadent chocolate for a deliciously refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
For the chocolate base:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
For the matcha filling:
- 1/4 cup coconut butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the muffin tin: Line a mini muffin tin with 12 paper liners to make handling and serving the cups easy and mess-free.
- Melt the chocolate base: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Create the chocolate base layer: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each paper liner. Tilt the muffin tin gently to coat the bottom evenly with chocolate. Place the tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the base to set firmly.
- Make the matcha filling: While the chocolate base firms, mix coconut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, matcha powder, coconut oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cups: Once the chocolate base is set, spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the matcha filling into each cup. Gently flatten the filling to create a smooth surface.
- Top with remaining chocolate: Cover each filled cup with another teaspoon of melted chocolate, smoothing the tops for a neat finish.
- Final chilling: Return the filled cups to the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes or until completely firm.
- Storage and serving: Store the finished cups in the refrigerator. Serve them chilled or allow them to soften slightly at room temperature before enjoying.
Notes
- Use ceremonial-grade matcha for the most vibrant green color and superior flavor.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey if not following a vegan diet.
- These cups are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars.
