30 Best St. Patrick's Day Desserts for Leprechauns of All Ages
They're magically delicious.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
St. Patrick's Day is such a fun food holiday! There's the salty corned beef and cabbage, the Irish beer (or green beer!) and, of course, all the other traditional Irish dishes that'll make you feel like taking a trip to the rolling green hills of Ireland. But here at home, you can also get in the spirit of the holiday with any one of these fun St. Patrick's Day desserts to finish your meal.
You'll certainly find a few traditional Irish desserts like an Irish apple cake drizzled with custard and classic soda bread. But you'll also find tons of cute ideas like gold-colored cupcakes, green food ideas like homemade shamrock shakes, or rainbow-inspired recipes like healthy-ish fruit skewers that are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. They'll be the perfect finishing touch to your St. Patrick's Day party spread!
Grownup leprechauns can check out the whiskey-maple ice cream sundaes or opt for something like the Guinness brownies or Irish cream poke cake. However, if you'd rather leave the booze for your St. Patrick's Day drinks, don't worry! Here are plenty of alcohol-free desserts that are just as celebratory. Your kids will go crazy for the potato candy and the Lucky Charms bars (and so will you!). But no matter which you choose, these easy St. Paddy's Day desserts will make anyone feel lucky.
Chocolate Guinness Cake
Surprisingly, Guinness beer isn't just for drinking! It also pairs nicely with rich chocolate. And if that weren't enough booze for you, there's also a Baileys icing poured right over the top.
Get the Chocolate Guinness Cake recipe.
Lucky Charms Bars
Your kids' favorite cereal becomes the base for these adorable treats! Dip them in melted green candy coating and decorate with gold sprinkles and marshmallows for even more adorable sweetness.
Get the Lucky Charms Bars recipe.
Irish Apple Cake
Coffee cake meets apple crumble with this traditional Irish dessert. There are tons of warm spices, tender fruit, and a buttery crumb topping. Not to mention, there's vanilla custard to make it extra decadent.
Get the Irish Apple Cake recipe.
Irish Soda Bread
You don't need to be a pro baker to make Irish soda bread—heck, you don't even need to be Irish! The simple recipe gets a touch of sweetness from the golden raisins and dried cranberries. Serve it up warm with butter or jam.
Get the Irish Soda Bread recipe.
Irish Cream Poke Cake
Poke cakes are so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This version starts with a boxed cake mix and then gets a hearty dose of Irish cream and sweetened condensed milk.
Get the Irish Cream Poke Cake recipe.
Guinness Brownies
Calling all Guinness fans! The stout beer made from malted and roasted barley is a surprising ingredient in a chocolate dessert. But the slightly bitter flavor and notes of coffee actually make it pair perfectly with the richness from the brownies.
Get the Guinness Brownies recipe.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Traditional Irish shortbread gets a springtime twist with this recipe that features bright lemon juice and zest. You can decorate the top with a cookie stamp in various prints, including flowers or even shamrocks!
Get the Lemon Shortbread Cookies recipe.
Homemade Irish Cream
Did you know you can make Irish cream? It's actually pretty easy and then all you have to do is pour it over ice and sip your dessert. Adults only, of course!
Get Ree's Homemade Irish Cream recipe.
Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Pie
You only need four ingredients to make this minty green-colored ice cream pie. Along with the mint chip ice cream, there's also mint chocolate sandwich cookies layered in!
Get Ree's Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Pie recipe.
Potato Candy
Yes, you can actually make candy with a potato! Though it's quite an American recipe, you can't argue about making it with such an Irish ingredient. (Don't worry, it doesn't taste like a potato.)
Get the Potato Candy recipe.
Mint Fortune Cookies
The bright green color of these homemade fortune cookies makes them perfect for any St. Patrick's Day party. You can even include some Irish sayings on the messages inside.
Get the Mint Fortune Cookies recipe.
Millionaire's Shortbread
This treat might have originated in Scotland, but it's a classic dessert in Ireland as well. That's because the base starts with Irish shortbread, then layers on caramel, chocolate, and flaky sea salt.
Get the Millionaire's Shortbread recipe.
Homemade Shamrock Shake
It's easy to put your own twist on this recipe! It's made with vanilla ice cream, mint extract, and as much whipped cream as your heart desires. Add a sprig of mint or maraschino cherries to the top for a festive flourish.
Get the Homemade Shamrock Shake recipe.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
There's a treat at the end of this rainbow of fruits. It's a special sprinkle-covered donut hole! Get your kids to help build the skewers as a fun St. Paddy's Day activity.
Get the Rainbow Fruit Skewers recipe.
Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet
The sweet-sticky apple topping actually starts out on the bottom of the cake pan. After baking, you flip the cake over to reveal the caramelized topping that's perfect for serving with vanilla ice cream.
Get Ree's Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet recipe.
Grandma's Oatmeal Cake
Oats are just as popular in Ireland as they are in the States. And yes, they bake cookies and cakes with them, too! This version is a little more American, but homey, rustic, and perfect for a little celebration.
Gold Champagne Cupcakes
These cupcakes are boozy enough for the holiday thanks to the champagne. Plus, they look like cute little pots of gold!
Get the Gold Champagne Cupcakes recipe.
Whiskey-Maple Ice Cream Sundaes with Bacon
Ree Drummond knows a thing or two about great bacon combos. Her creative bacon sundae goes the extra St. Paddy's mile with a homemade whiskey sauce! The sweet, sticky drizzle is bold and perfect for pairing with smoked bacon.
Get Ree's Whiskey-Maple Ice Cream Sundaes recipe.
Guinness Float
For a spiked treat, try this super easy Guinness float, perfect for the day. Make it with chocolate or coffee ice cream for extra flavor!
Get the Guinness Float recipe.
Irish Hills Cupcakes
Not only will the kids love decorating these cuties with sprinkles, but the green cream cheese frosting also mimics the hills of Ireland.
Get the Irish Hills Cupcakes recipe.
Famous Irish Actors and Actresses Right Now
How Do You Wear a Claddagh Ring Correctly?
Make a Reuben Sandwich for St. Paddy's Day Dinner
Irish Baby Names for Girls and Boys
