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6 St. Patrick's Day Desserts That Taste Better Than Green Beer

Including Guinness Chocolate Whoopie Pies and more.

By Rachel Baron
chocolate whoopie pies next to a glass of dark guinness dark beer
Mike Garten

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a fairly low-key event. Instead of pints of beer and shamrock-colored treats, the centuries-old Catholic holiday is traditionally marked by attending mass and sharing a home-cooked meal with family.

Here in the U.S., the celebrations tend to be a bit more indulgent (and much greener). Beyond the pints and festive fare, it's also a great excuse to break out some seriously delicious desserts. From buttery shortbread squares and apple cake to Guinness chocolate whoopie pies and mini grasshopper pies, these sweets nod to classic Irish flavors while leaning into the playful spirit of the holiday.

Serve these treats after a hearty St. Patrick's Day dinner—or enjoy them any time you're craving something sweet.

1

Mini Grasshopper Pies

mini mint pies with chocolate drizzled on top
mike garten

The green hue of these desserts makes them perfect for St. Patrick's Day. The delicious combination of marshmallow creme, peppermint extract and dark chocolate will have everyone fighting for the last one.

Get the Mini Grasshopper Pies recipe.

2

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

chocolate whoopie pies next to a glass of dark beer
Mike Garten

Inspired by Chocolate Guinness Cake, these handheld desserts are the definition of crowd-pleasing. The splash of stout added to the batter introduces a rich, complex flavor.

Get the Chocolate Whoopie Pies recipe.

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3

Vegan Apple Cake

apple cake with white frosting on a cake stand
Mike Garten

Make an Irish-inspired apple cake that everyone can eat, no matter their dietary restrictions. The frosting is made from vegan butter!

Get the Vegan Apple Cake recipe.

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4

Shortbread Squares

chocolate shortbread squares on a wooden table

These decadent cookies make the most of Irish butter. Top them with a chocolate-peppermint spread, a toffee-pecan combination or a red currant crumble—the options are practically endless.

Get the Shortbread Squares recipe.

5

Soda Bread

fresh soda bread cooling off on a wire rack

While this classic Irish bread isn't typically dessert, it can easily be made into a sweet treat with the addition of homemade jam or a chocolate hazelnut spread.

Get the Soda Bread recipe.

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6

Irish Cream

irish desserts homemade irish cream
mike garten

Say "Sláinte!" with a glass of this sweet and creamy beverage. You can sip it over ice, pour it over ice cream, or add it to your hot cocoa for a cozy treat.

Get the Irish Cream recipe.

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