Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake With Baileys Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Dreamy Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake Recipe with Magic Frosting

Mixing baileys irish cream into a decadent chocolate cake creates an irresistible dessert that whispers pure indulgence.

Rich cocoa blends seamlessly with smooth liqueur notes, promising a sophisticated treat.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration.

Soft crumbs melt against creamy buttercream, delivering complex flavors that dance on your palate.

Unexpected depths emerge from this classic dessert reimagined with irish charm.

Chocolate lovers and cocktail enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by this delightful fusion.

Let the magic of this recipe inspire your next baking adventure.

Baileys Cake with a Frosting That’s Rich and Boozy

  • Boost Indulgence: Discover a decadent chocolate cake infused with rich Baileys Irish Cream, creating an irresistible flavor combination that elevates classic dessert experiences.
  • Simplify Baking: Enjoy an easy-to-follow recipe with straightforward mixing and baking steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to impress without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Serve this show-stopping cake at gatherings, celebrations, or special occasions, guaranteeing smiles and compliments from friends and family who will love the luxurious Baileys-infused treat.
  • Versatile Celebration Cake: Ideal for adult parties, holiday events, or weekend get-togethers, this cake brings a sophisticated twist to traditional chocolate desserts with its creamy Irish cream essence.

Baileys Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cake rise.
  • Baking Soda: Assists with leavening.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together.
  • Milk: Adds moisture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake soft and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Baileys Irish Cream: Adds signature liqueur taste.
  • Boiling Water: Creates a moist cake texture.

Frosting Ingredients:

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates creamy frosting base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and texture.
Flavor Ingredients:
  • Baileys Irish Cream: Infuses frosting with liqueur flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic complexity.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Adjusts frosting consistency.

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake How to Prepare and Frost

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and coat them with grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Pour into the dry mixture:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed until the batter becomes smooth and silky.

Step 4: Add Boozy Moisture

Gently stir in boiling water and Baileys Irish Cream. The batter will become wonderfully thin and liquid.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Craft the Creamy Frosting

Cream softened butter until it’s fluffy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar. Mix in Baileys and vanilla extract. If the frosting seems too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Build Your Masterpiece

Once the cakes have completely cooled, generously spread the Baileys buttercream between layers and over the entire cake. Enjoy your boozy chocolate creation!

Tips That Help with Baileys Chocolate Cake

  • Boost Moisture Magic: Add extra Baileys Irish Cream to the cake batter for a richer, more intense flavor profile that keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
  • Temperature Trick: Let all ingredients reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even baking, preventing potential lumps or uneven texture.
  • Frosting Finesse: Chill the buttercream for 10-15 minutes before frosting to achieve a more stable and spreadable consistency that creates cleaner cake layers.
  • Alcohol Adjustment: For a non-alcoholic version, replace Baileys with strong coffee or chocolate milk to maintain depth of flavor without alcohol content.
  • Serving Suggestion: Dust the finished cake with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation that enhances the chocolate and Baileys flavors.

Chocolate Cake With Baileys Frosting Storing Made Easy

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep frosted cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent buttercream from melting.
  • Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, and store in freezer bags. Keeps frozen for 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw first, then warm gently to prevent drying out.

Baileys Cake Flavor Matches

  • Complement Baileys Chocolate Cake with Rich Coffee Pairing: Strong espresso or dark roast coffee intensifies the chocolate and Baileys flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience that enhances the cake's deep, complex notes.
  • Serve with Irish Whiskey Accompaniment: Pour a small glass of smooth Irish whiskey alongside the cake, allowing the spirits to harmonize and elevate the dessert's rich, creamy profile with complementary warmth.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop premium vanilla bean ice cream next to the cake slice, providing a cool, smooth contrast that balances the cake's intense chocolate and liqueur characteristics, creating a delightful sensory experience.
  • Garnish with Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle high-quality dark chocolate shavings over the frosting, adding a sophisticated touch that deepens the chocolate undertones and provides a delicate, elegant texture to each bite.

Ways to Enjoy Baileys Chocolate Cake with Buttercream

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender. Use xanthan gum for better structure.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk. Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil in both cake and frosting.
  • Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Use coffee or strong brewed tea instead of Baileys. For the frosting, add coffee extract or vanilla syrup to maintain flavor depth.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Swap some sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use dark cocoa powder for richer chocolate taste without extra sweetness.

FAQs

  • Can I substitute Baileys with another liqueur?

You can replace Baileys with other coffee or chocolate-based liqueurs like Kahlúa or Amaretto, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

  • Is this cake suitable for children?

No, since the recipe contains alcohol in both the cake and frosting. Consider making a non-alcoholic version by replacing Baileys with milk or coffee.

  • How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Ensure you’re measuring ingredients accurately, don’t overmix the batter, and use room temperature ingredients for a lighter texture.

  • What makes the chocolate cake moist?

The combination of oil, milk, and boiling water helps create a tender and moist cake crumb, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly.

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Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake With Baileys Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake With Baileys Buttercream Frosting Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake delivers rich, indulgent flavors that dance between deep cocoa and smooth liqueur. Creamy buttercream frosting crowns this luxurious dessert, inviting you to savor each delectable, boozy bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water

Leavening and Seasoning Agents:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons (340 milliliters) heavy cream (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Carefully grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust with flour to prevent sticking, ensuring even coating.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl to eliminate potential lumps.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, blending thoroughly until a smooth, consistent batter forms.
  4. Gently fold boiling water and Baileys Irish Cream into the mixture, creating a delicate, liquid-like consistency that might appear slightly thin.
  5. Evenly distribute the batter between prepared pans, using a spatula to spread smoothly and eliminate air pockets.
  6. Position pans in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  7. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool completely on wire racks, preventing moisture accumulation underneath.
  8. Cream softened butter until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the frosting.
  9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the butter, mixing at low speed to prevent sugar cloud formation.
  10. Blend Baileys and vanilla extract into the buttercream, adjusting consistency with heavy cream if needed.
  11. Once cakes have cooled, carefully layer and frost, creating an even, luxurious coating of Baileys buttercream between and around cake layers.

Notes

  • Enhance the cake’s moisture by replacing some oil with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and gluten-free flour mix.
  • Reduce the alcohol content by using Baileys-flavored coffee syrup for a kid-friendly alternative that maintains the signature flavor profile.
  • Intensify the chocolate depth by adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients, which amplifies the cocoa’s richness without adding coffee taste.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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