Top 35+ Best Green Desserts for St. Patrick's Day and Beyond

My guide to the best green desserts for St. Patrick's Day is filled with beautiful and delicious sweet treats from trusted recipes and tutorials that will teach you how to make them yourself. I chose these easy green desserts for St. Patrick's Day because of their easy-to-follow, thorough recipes, as well as their festive colors and flavors, from pistachios to matcha, lime, and so on.

This collection of recipes was first posted on the blog in 2023. Making green desserts offers endless possibilities, and I’ve been updating this article regularly with new recipes to keep my readers inspired!

Katalin's Key Take On What The Best Ingredients Are to Make Green Desserts

While vibrant green desserts often rely on food coloring due to the limited natural options, there are a few natural alternatives that can create a beautiful green hue.

Pistachios offer a nutty taste and a lovely green shade - if the pistachios are used without their purple-ish skin on. They work well sliced up as a garnish and incorporated into the dessert itself! I love pairing pistachios with raspberries, strawberries, and cherries, as well as vanilla and chocolate.

Matcha, with its earthy flavor, adds both color and depth and works especially well with sweeter flavors like white chocolate. Matcha is probably the best ingredient that allows you to achieve a stunning green color without the need for artificial dyes.

Lime, key lime, and mint are great natural options for adding a fresh green touch to desserts, bringing a zesty flavor; however, the lime is not that green without food coloring, as some might expect.

For truly vibrant green shades, food coloring is often necessary, as the natural greens from fruits and herbs tend to be on the lighter or muted side. So, if you're aiming for that striking, bold green, a little food coloring can be a helpful addition. I always recommend using good-quality powder or gel food coloring rather than liquid.

Pistachio flavor green desserts

Using pistachio flour or pistachio butter is the best way to make desserts green with pistachios. Store-bought ground pistachios (pistachio flour) are expensive but save you a lot of hassle! To make your own, blanch and peel them first, and then let them dry before blending. If you leave the skins on, the green color will not be as vibrant.

1. Pistachio Ice Cream Bar

If you're a pistachio lover who has been disappointed by store-bought pistachio ice creams, this recipe is going to be a total game changer. My no-churn pistachio ice cream bars are extremely simple to make, indulgent, delicious, and loaded with true pistachio flavor. In addition, they come together in only 10 minutes, and all without the use of an ice cream machine!

2. Pistachio Macarons

Macarons is one of the most iconic French pastries! These pistachio macarons are as delicious as they are beautiful. While macarons have a reputation for being difficult to make, there's no reason to be intimidated by this recipe. My step-by-step instructions will help give you confidence in the kitchen as you create classy St Paddys desserts that are sure to impress.

3. Pistachio Butter

Pistachio butter might be less common than hazelnut butter or cashew butter, but once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites. Made with roasted pistachios, this versatile ingredient with a beautiful green color has a wide range of flavor variations, whether you want it to taste savory or sweet. Homemade pistachio nut butter makes an excellent topping for ice creams and elegant desserts.

Whether you're interested in its nutritional benefits or simply want to add unique flavor to your green desserts recipes,  pistachio butter is definitely worth trying out!

4. Pistachio Cheesecake

This is the easiest pistachio cheesecake you'll ever make. My no-bake recipe includes an easy two-ingredient cheesecake crust and a wonderfully creamy filling featuring my homemade pistachio butter. If you think your celebration might need a St Patricks Day Cheesecake, look no further than this eye-catching and irresistible green dessert. 

5. Strawberry Pistachio Tart

This incredible tartlet comes in a melt-in-your-mouth Pate sablee (sweet shot crust pastry) shell, filled with creamy pistachio ganache, and garnished with a strawberry decoration that also perfectly complements the flavors. Technically, these are red and green desserts, but you definitely don't want to leave out the strawberries.

Even if you're a beginner, this is the tart to make if you're looking for a St. Patrick's Day dessert that will show off your skills and have all of your guests begging you for the recipe.

6. Pistachio Financiers

These easy-to-make pistachio financiers are delicious teacakes that come loaded with pistachio flavor. From the pistachio flour in the batter all the way to the chopped roasted pistachios on top, the strong nutty flavor and the subtle green color make this the perfect recipe to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day.

7. Raspberry Pistachio Yule Log

Who said that Yule log is for Christmas only? Make this delicious and showstopper cake roll with silky pistachio whipped ganache. One of the most delicious ways to celebrate St Patrick´s Day!

8. Pistachio Muffins

If you like pistachios, you will love these delicious bakery-style pistachio muffins! This easy muffin recipe uses 100% natural ingredients and combines oil and butter to make the most flavorful, moist, and fluffy muffins; they are then topped with homemade pistachio butter. Pistachio muffins without pudding or artificial flavors and color!

9. Watergate Salad

Unique yet refreshing, this classic American dessert is made with pistachio pudding, whipped cream, marshmallows, and pineapple. This green pudding dessert is sweet and creamy, and as an added bonus, it comes together in no time. The origin of its name may be up for debate, but this fruity dessert salad is sure to be a hit at any St. Patrick's Day gathering.

10. Pistachio cornetto

Here’s a recipe you can make easier by using store-bought croissants or making homemade cornetti yourself for more of a challenge! The green pistachio filling tastes so amazing alongside the flaky, buttery pastry. No one will be able to stop eating after just one.

11. Pistachio Panna Cotta 

This is such an indulgent dessert! This luxurious and rich Panna Cotta has a light nutty flavor and an elegant pastel green color from the homemade pistachio butter. This classic Italian dessert is so simple to make yet tastes so refined. I like making panna cotta for dinner parties as you can throw it together in minutes that morning and then just serve and go at the right time!

12. Dubai Chocolate Bar

The viral Dubai chocolate bar had to get a place on this updated list green of green desserts! It has the most amazing texture and flavor with crispy, toasted kataifi pastry, smooth pistachio cream, and rich tahini all in a chocolate shell. The texture is out of this world, and you can make it in your own home without traveling to Dubai!

13. Pistachio truffles

I love homemade no-bake truffles. This green truffle recipe is deliciously sweet, soft, and creamy on the inside, with a white chocolate shell. There are just 5 ingredients, and they can be ready in under an hour! What’s more, they are vegan, so you can serve them at any event, and no one has to miss out.

Matcha flavor green desserts

Matcha or green tea comes in a powder and can be sifted into flour or mixed into cake or brownie batters. It has a strong taste and a very vibrant green hue!

1. Matcha Brownies

These dense and fudgy matcha brownies are a decadent twist on the classic chocolate treat. Besides using high-quality matcha, one key to making these brownies truly amazing is including melted white chocolate right in the batter. This creamy, complementary flavor helps make these indulgent St Paddy's Day desserts a rich, go-to recipe for any green tea matcha lover.

2. White Chocolate Matcha Cookies

These soft and chewy cookies are bursting with the delicate flavor combination you didn’t know you needed in your life: earthy matcha green tea and creamy white chocolate chips. The addition of matcha powder adds a festive natural green hue and a subtle caffeine kick to these easy-to-make St Patrick's desserts. You can also look forward to a gooey, fudge texture in every cookie.

Even if you’re not typically a fan of matcha, give these cookies a try and let them change your mind.

3. Matcha Tiramisu

My twist on the classic Italian tiramisu! Layers of delicate homemade ladyfingers with a creamy matcha mascarpone filling. The combination of ceremonial-grade matcha tea and sweet, fluffy mascarpone cream creates a unique and delicious flavor that is a must-try for tiramisu lovers.

Perfect for a St. Patrick's Day dinner party or any special occasion, this Matcha Tiramisu (also known as Matchamisu) is a truly delightful one of the green desserts St Patrick's Day lovers can appreciate.

4. Mochi Donuts

These mochi donuts are my take on the delicious Japanese classic, and they're absolutely delicious. The green for this dessert actually comes from one of my favorite ways to enjoy this treat: dipped in a mixture of white chocolate, heavy cream, and matcha powder. While there are many ways to coat mochi donuts, if you're a matcha lover, you're in for a serious treat.

Plus, the green-colored desserts make them very fitting to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day.

5. Matcha Panna Cotta

This recipe for Matcha Panna Cotta is a creamy and elegant way to impress your friends while also treating their tastebuds to something unique. The matcha delivers a complex flavor that is both rich and delicate, and the fresh whipped cream on top provides the perfect contrast for each luxurious bite. This is another one of the naturally green desserts; no food coloring is necessary.

6. Matcha Lava Cake

The green in this dessert comes as a rich and luscious surprise. Cut into one of these Matcha Chocolate Lava Cakes and watch the delicious ganache ooze right out of the center and right into your heart. This decadent treat will make the perfect addition to your St. Patrick's Day table and impress anyone lucky enough to partake in the festivities.

7. Matcha Madeleines

How pretty are these French madeleines? I highly recommend investing in the special tray to bake them, as the shell-shaped pan does all the work for you, making them look so uniform. The green matcha white chocolate coating adds the perfect sweet bite to the soft sponge underneath.

Lime flavor green desserts

Lime juice and lime zest (and key limes, too) offer a bright and zingy flavor as well as a light green color. You can incorporate lime and other citrus into desserts so easily, from using it in cake batters to grating the zest on top as a garnish. As the color is less obvious, using slices of fruit and a dusting of zest are great ways to boost it at the service stage.

1. Key Lime Pie

Indulge in a slice of citrus bliss with this easy and delicious key lime pie recipe. The bottom is lined with a thick graham cracker and macadamia nut crust, which is then loaded up with a tangy filling made from key lime juice. This baked dessert is topped with whipped cream and fresh limes to create the perfect balance of fluffy texture and lightly creamy flavor.

2. Avocado Cheesecake with Lime

Avocado Lime Cheesecake is one of the healthy green desserts that taste as wonderfully decadent as anything else. The avocado adds a rich and smooth consistency to the creamy vegan treat, and the zesty lime flavor is combined with the satisfying crunch of pistachios on top to enhance the experience of every bite.

Additionally, if you're someone who avoids consuming dyes, this is one of the naturally green desserts you can enjoy on St. Patrick's Day with confidence.

3. Key Lime Bars

A fun spin on the classic key lime pie, these bars are the perfect balance between sweet and sour. The green color of the lime zest garnish and filling adds to the festive spirit of the holiday. Plus, they're perfect for transporting to and serving at any St Patrick's Day theme evening get-togethers or daytime office parties.

4. Lime Poke Cake

This light and airy cake is infused with lime Jello for a bright green color and tangy flavor. Topped with whipped cream and vanilla pudding mix, it's a perfect dessert for St Patty's Day parties or any time you want to add a pop of color and citrusy flavor to your dessert table. If you're looking for an easy green dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further!

5. Key Lime Pie Macarons

These delicate macarons are filled with a tart and tangy key lime pie filling as well as a creamy toasted marshmallow fluff. The outside is drizzled in white chocolate and sprinkled with the perfect finishing touch: graham cracker crumbs. Made with almond flour, they're a gluten-free, bite-sized treat with a bright green color that makes them perfect for any St. Patrick's Day celebration.

6. Lime Pistachio Matcha Madeleines

French Madeleines are found at the intersection of elegance and ease. These tasty French pastries come together relatively quickly, making them a green dessert you'll want to make over and over again, even after St. Patrick's Day is behind us. A madeleine eats like a cookie, but it's actually a delicate sponge cake.

Added to the party are matcha powder, ground pistachios, and lime zest to ensure each bite has a satisfying crunch and citrusy flavor.

Mint flavor green desserts

For the most authentic flavor, always use mint extract, rather than mint essence in baking green desserts with mint. The color is very mild, so you may need to use good-quality green food coloring to boost it! I also like to garnish with fresh mint leaves. Mint works wonderfully with chocolate; they are a match made in heaven!

1. Oreo Mint Cheesecake

This creamy mint chocolate cheesecake is bursting with rich Oreo flavor! Furthermore, it's simple to make, stunning to look at, and delicious to eat, and this no-bake green dessert for St Patty's Day is the perfect way to celebrate with chocolate mint flavor. Additionally, you can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge!

2. Mint Chocolate Macarons

These Mint Chocolate Macarons will add a touch of magic and delight to your St. Paddy's Day festivities. What's more, the mint chocolate ganache filling is the perfect balance of rich dark chocolate and refreshing mint flavor. Also, if you're looking for a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, simply swap it out for coconut cream in the ganache.

3. Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s hard to find a dessert recipe that satisfies quite like chocolate chip cookies. However, with the classic flavor combination of subtly sweet mint and rich chocolate chips, these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect dessert for St. Patrick's Day. Unlike some green sweets that turn brown when baked, these cookies stay a beautiful green color even after they come out of the oven.

Bake up a batch, and you’ll see them gobbled down just as quickly as they were made!

4. Mint Kiss Meringue Cookies

These delightful meringue cookies contain a hidden chocolate surprise that every dessert lover will appreciate. While originally developed as a Christmas recipe, their beautiful green color makes them a perfect addition to any St. Patrick's Day spread. In addition, these light cookies only take a few ingredients and some careful piping to make adorable and delicious treats for your holiday festivities.

More green dessert recipes

1. Easy Leprechaun Shortbread Bites

These bite-sized treats are the perfect fit for your St Patrick's Day desserts table. They're adorable and festive and also make for an excellent homemade gift. All things considered, you should make a double batch to package up half and spread the St. Patrick's Day cheer by sharing with a friend!

2. St. Patrick's Day Puppy Chow

This classic snack mix gets a St. Patrick's Day makeover with the addition of green food coloring and an extra touch of magic through the gold sprinkles. Puppy chow, also known as muddy buddies, is a crunchy treat that is hard to put down once you start snacking on it. And this version is also enhanced by the use of sugar cookie mix in the coating, making for a thick and extra sweet layer of goodness on every piece!

3. Green Velvet Cupcakes

These cupcakes may be green on the outside, but the most fun part might just be the hidden gold sprinkles inside of each cupcake. This recipe is a fun take on the classic red velvet cake and pink velvet cake, but green velvet cake certainly fits the festive theme! Soft, moist, and topped with cream cheese icing, these cupcakes will be a huge hit for kids and adults alike.

4. St. Patrick's Day Rice Krispie Treats

You can't beat a green dessert with marshmallows! This recipe is a super fun spin on classic Rice Krispies treats. Moreover, it makes a batch of gooey and craveable St Patrick's Day dessert bars that are sure to attract all the leprechauns this holiday season.

Crispy rice cereal topped with Lucky Charms marshmallows may just tempt you to enjoy them with your St. Patrick's Day breakfast. At the same time, no one would blame you if you sneaked one or two to get your day started!

5. Copycat Shamrock Shake

The classic McDonald's Shamrock Shake is indeed a St. Paddy’s Day staple. But this homemade version is here to save you time and money, showing you how to make your own copycat glass of frothy goodness in just 5 minutes. While others are waiting in a drive-thru line, you’ll be mixing up these minty treats all March long.

6. St. Patrick's Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

Hot chocolate bombs are the star of Christmas, but it might still be cold enough in your region to enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa on St. Patrick’s Day, too. These festive bombs are made from chocolate bark shells filled with a homemade hot cocoa mix complete with mini marshmallows. Additionally, to include a St. Patrick's Day touch, the outsides are decorated with plenty of green and gold sprinkles to make dessert time extra fun.