The luck of the Irish was with me when I attempted this cake! A festive twist on a traditional red velvet cake — with all the same smooth texture and rich flavor — except in a hue of deep Irish green. Hope it adds just a wee bit more fun to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Cake Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons liquid green food color
• 3 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 1/4 cups Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
• 1 cup buttermilk

Cake Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8″ pans, then line the bottom with parchment rounds, and lightly grease the parchment.
• Beat the butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
• Stir in the food color, cocoa, salt, baking soda, and vinegar.
• Beat in the flour alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour.
• Scoop the stiff batter into the pans; wet a rubber spatula and spread it to cover the bottom of the pans, smoothing the top in the process.
• Bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tops feel set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove the cakes from the oven, and allow them to cool for 10 minutes before turning them out of the pans onto a rack to cool completely.

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk

Frosting Instructions:

• Beat together the butter and shortening until fluffy.
• Stir in the salt and vanilla.
• Add the confectioners’ sugar and milk, and beat thoroughly.
• Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Adjust the consistency of the frosting as needed by adding more sugar or milk.
• When the cake is cool, place one layer on a serving plate, and spread it generously with frosting. Top with the second layer, and frost the top.