Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration

St. Patrick’s Day dessert ideas to integrate the Irish holiday into the family’s after-dinner treat time

Try these St. Patrick's Day desserts this March 17

Dawn Miller
By

Even the desserts go green on St. Patrick’s Day, but if you’re looking to introduce the kiddos to Irish culture with more than the “wearin’ of the green,” think food instead. Food is a simple and tasty way to expose kids to different cultures. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Most schools have some type of green snack to celebrate the luck of the Irish.

Skip the green bagels and jello this year and try traditional St. Patrick’s Day desserts instead. St. Paddy’s Day dessert ideas are plentiful and delicious. Baking is also a fun activity to include the kids in. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, try one of these tasty and simple Irish desserts.

A plate of Irish bark in honor of St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day desserts

There are certainly enough St. Patrick’s Day-inspired desserts in the bakery or supermarket, and let’s not forget the green doughnuts. If you want an easy St. Patrick’s Day dessert, go for cupcakes. Baking cupcakes with some green icing and sprinkles is a quick and easy St. Patrick’s Day treat; as is a plate of leprechaun bark. For something different, there are quite a few yummy St. Patrick’s Day dessert ideas to whip up and enjoy on March 17.

Apple crumble

Just like many Irish dishes, most families have their own special twist on a traditional apple crumble. This dessert is a popular and delicious one in Ireland. An apple crumble is relatively easy to make and is typically ready to serve in less than an hour. Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking shares her mum’s traditional Irish apple crumble recipe on her blog.

Irish apple cake

Another traditional Irish dessert earmarked for St. Patrick’s Day is apple cake. The holiday dessert takes a bit more time than an apple crumb, but it’s worth the effort. Delish has a mouthwatering Irish apple cake recipe to cap off a St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

Irish bread pudding

Pudding has a different meaning in Ireland than it does in America. A pudding isn’t a type of dessert. It means dessert and an Irish bread pudding is a classic. Irish Central offers a traditional bread pudding recipe that doesn’t take all day to make. This Irish bread pudding takes about 90 minutes, including prep and baking time, to make.

Sticky toffee pudding

This dessert is an Irish and an English favorite. Be sure to whip up the sauce because it makes the dessert. Most sticky toffee pudding recipes do call for a splash of Irish whiskey or beer, but it’s not a must. The Irish Cook has a yummy recipe that yields enough pudding for a festive end to a St. Patrick’s Day dinner with leftovers to enjoy on March 18.

Chocolate clover cupcakes

While not a traditional Irish dessert, these chocolate clover cupcakes are easy and fun to make, especially with kids. They’re a great topper for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner or for the kids to bring to school for a special snack.

Irish scones

You may think scones are English, but the Irish are known for their scones, too. Irish scones are not quite the same as their English cousin. Scones traditionally made in Ireland have less sugar and are flatter. Serve with jam, butter, or cream. Irish scones make for a perfect St. Patrick’s Day after-school snack or a breakfast treat to start the day. Simply Recipes has an easy Irish scone recipe that’s warm from the oven in 30 minutes.

Making a traditional Irish dessert on St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful way to celebrate and explore a different culture through food. With these St. Patrick’s Day dessert ideas, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for March 17.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
9 healthy air fryer recipes that will replace fast food and takeout
Forget expensive and unhealthy takeout - try tasty air fryer cooking
Mom making dinner using an air fryer

Busy afternoons following work and school often result in fast food or takeout for dinner. It's quick and convenient when the family is rushing around with activities and playdates, but it's not healthy. Of course, the kids love the takeout, especially when it's pizza night. Parents, however, understand the lack of nutritional value in fast food, not to mention the toll eating out takes on the family budget. Instead of opting for takeout on those busy nights, save eating out for special occasions and embrace air fryer cooking.

Making family favorites like fries, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and more in an air fryer are healthier than conventional frying in a pan or deep fryer. Even better is the plethora of healthy air fryer recipes that will make the kids forget about their favorite fast-food and takeout stops. If you haven't tried air fryer cooking, now is the time. So, what is an air fryer and why is it healthier? Let's find out.

Read more
6 healthy sheet-pan dinners that make cleanup a breeze
Learn to love your oven with sheet-pan cooking
Delicious sheet-pan dinner for busy families

Making home-cooked dinners is a lot healthier for the family and certainly budget-friendly, but it can be hard for busy parents to find the time. Dinner preparations and cleanup can be difficult when you're running off to practices and other after-school activities. Who wants to clean a sink full of dishes and pans after soccer and hockey practice? Lack of time is often why many on-the-go families opt for the convenience of takeout on those crazy weeknights.

Ultimately, home-cooked dinners are best for the family because they are healthier. However, not everyone wants to invest in an Instant Pot or a slow cooker to help get evening meals on the table quicker. There are other dinner options that don't take a lot of time or effort.

Read more
6 easy muffin recipes for kids to make with or without your help
Healthy muffin recipes that are so easy to make, your kid can be the chef
Two kids having fun baking in the kitchen.

While kids would prefer to eat dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets partnered with mac and cheese for every meal, sometimes parents want to see their children eat something a bit healthier. That’s where we'll help. If you thought all muffins have to be either loaded with sugar or taste like dry cardboard, you're going to love us.

We found six healthy muffin recipes for you to make with your younger kids, but they are also simple enough that your older kids could make them for you. Eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice when it comes to flavor. Make one (or all) of these delicious easy muffin recipes that your kids will enjoy as much as you will.

Read more