These cupcakes are just the kind of magical treat that makes me feel like I’m back in elementary school with green glitter on my cheeks and a paper leprechaun hat taped to my head!
Over the Rainbow St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat. They start with your favorite vanilla cupcakes - use a boxed mix or your homemade go-to (no judgment here, I’m all about the shortcut life when it means more time to actually enjoy the holiday!)

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Then we swirl on a generous helping of bright green frosting, pop a rainbow candy strip right on top, and finish with a pinch of gold sprinkles at each end. Boom. Dessert gold!
These little pots of gold are perfect for school parties, St. Paddy’s Day potlucks, or just a fun afternoon in the kitchen with your grandbabies. They’re easy enough that the kids can help with almost every step, and cute enough to impress even the crankiest church lady at the holiday bake sale (you know the one!)
I remember when my kids were little, they would get SO excited about anything green on St. Patrick’s Day. Green milk, green pancakes, and yes - green cupcakes. But these little rainbow-topped beauties? Instant favorite!
Ingredients List:
- 12 Vanilla cupcakes (homemade or boxed mix)
- 1 cup vanilla frosting
- 4 drops green food coloring
- 6 Airhead rainbow candy strips, cut in half
- Gold sprinkles

You will need:
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Piping bag
- 2A round frosting tip
- Cutting board
- Paring knife
Directions:
In a small bowl, stir together the frosting and food coloring until you have a solid green color.

Equip a piping bag with the tip, then add frosting, and pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.

Cut the rainbow candy strips in half, then place one piece to form a “rainbow arch” into the center of the frosted cupcake.

Add a tiny bit of gold sprinkles to each end of the rainbow.

Tips & Tricks:
- Use a piping bag with a 2A tip for that smooth, swirly frosting look.
- If you can’t find Airhead Extremes, any flexible rainbow candy strip will do.
- Want to make these ahead of time? Bake the cupcakes the night before and decorate the next day.
St. Pattys Day Over The Rainbow Cupcakes
These Rainbow Candy St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes are the cutest dessert for your lucky celebration!
Ingredients
- 12 Vanilla cupcakes
- 1 cup vanilla frosting
- 4 drops green food coloring
- 6 Airhead rainbow candy strips, cut in half
- Gold sprinkles
Instructions
- n a small bowl, stir together the frosting and food coloring until you have a solid green color.
- Equip a piping bag with the tip, then add frosting, and pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.
- Cut the rainbow candy strips in half, then place one piece to form a “rainbow arch” into the center of the frosted cupcake. Add a tiny bit of sprinkles to each end of the rainbow.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 399Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 241mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 0gSugar: 46gProtein: 2g
Fun Substitutions:
- Swap in chocolate cupcakes for a fun twist (hello, pot of gold vibes!).
- Use white or gold cupcake liners for an extra fancy touch.
- Add mini marshmallows or edible gold glitter for more fun flair.
Whether you’re making these for little ones, coworkers, or just because you need a little more color in your life, I promise they’ll bring some big smiles.
Here are some more great recipes you might love:
- Key Lime Pie Dip - No Bake, No Fuss, All Flavor!
- St. Patrick's Day Cookies - Cake Cookie Recipe
- Cucumber and Dill Pinwheel Appetizers (Like My Mom Used to Make!)





