Tipsy Leprechaun Cakes: St. Patrick's no-bake tiny treats

While St. Patrick's Day celebrations offer all variety of vividly green treats, hearty Irish stews and generously spirited drinks, this year I thought I'd think small and whip up some tiny but tasty little leprechaun cakes, a perfect sweet treat for Ireland's Wee Folk.

Classic chocolate wafer cake, made from whipped cream and the  delightfully old fashioned Famous chocolate wafer cookies (born in 1924!) has been an ice box favorite for years.

 I found a fun modern mini sized version of the famous dessert on the wonderful site thekitchn. I simply adapted the easy recipe with a hint of cocoa and a splash of Irish Cream in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Like the classic original, these mini stacked cakes use the same simple ingredients and transform with elf like magic from cookie to cake-like layers overnight in your refrigerator, no oven required. They're a perfect Irish inspired confection for any friends or hungry leprechauns who might drop by.

You'll Need

1 box Famous chocolate wafers

 1 1/4 cup whipping cream
   2 tbs sugar
2 tbs cocoa or to taste

3 tbs Irish cream liqueur 

for a non alcoholic version simply omit the liqueur 
or try Irish Cream flavored coffee creamer, or any flavor extract to taste

garnishes: mint, green icing and berries or candy 

Whip the cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.
gradually add sugar, cocoa and liqueur, whipping until firm.

Arrange wafers on tray lined with parchment paper.

Spoon or pipe whipped cream mixture evenly onto wafers and top with another wafer

Repeat until the stacks are five wafers high.

 Frost tops and chill six hours or overnight.

The next morning they are ready to decorate!
I stored a bit of the leftover whipped cream overnight in the fridge 
for adding some decorative piping the next day.

Now for the fun part! I used chocolate chips, blackberries (a popular Irish pick), green mint M&M's and gel icing but any of your favorite candy, nuts or sprinkles will do. Or simply pipe a swirl of whipped cream and serve as is.

A variety of toppings add interest

Display with a palette of greens and items inspired by the Emerald Isle.

tiny doilies and a cupcake stand add festive flare

                                I brought last year's St. Patrick's Day Paper figures "Wee Folk" 
                                      out from their winter slumber for the celebration -

instructions to make your own here

St. Pat's Wee Folk

             These are perfectly sized for individual sweet treats with a cup of coffee or Irish Tea
                           Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator two - three days

                             Wishing Everyone  a Sweet St. Patrick's Day