Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes

Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist, and infused with Baileys Irish Cream, topped with a creamy Baileys buttercream frosting. These decadent cupcakes are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, holidays, or any special occasion where you want a boozy, chocolatey treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Infused with Baileys: Baileys Irish Cream is in both the cupcake batter and frosting.
  • Super Moist & Chocolatey: The addition of buttermilk and hot coffee makes these cupcakes extra rich.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Great for parties, holidays, or dessert lovers.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients with a gourmet taste!
  • Boozy Buttercream Frosting: A silky, Baileys-infused frosting for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Baileys Buttercream Frosting:

  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Cocoa powder (for a chocolate version)
  • Vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Cocoa powder dusting
  • Mini chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cupcakes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-count muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, eggs, Baileys, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee until combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling ¾ full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Baileys Buttercream Frosting

  1. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
  2. Mix in Baileys and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
  3. (For chocolate frosting, add cocoa powder and mix until combined.)

Step 3: Frost & Decorate

  1. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
  2. Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or mini chocolate chips.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 cupcakes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~35 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Boozy: Brush cupcakes with Baileys after baking for more flavor.
  • Baileys Caramel Cupcakes: Drizzle with caramel sauce.
  • White Chocolate Baileys Frosting: Use white chocolate instead of cocoa powder.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Coffee Lovers’ Cupcakes: Add espresso powder to the batter.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
  • Serving Tip: Let cupcakes sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use a different Irish cream brand?

Yes! Any Irish cream liqueur will work.

Do I have to add hot coffee?

No, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. You can use hot water instead.

Can I make these alcohol-free?

Yes! Replace Baileys with milk or heavy cream.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder?

Yes! It will give a darker, richer chocolate flavor.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

Use a large star tip for a bakery-style look.

Can I make this into a cake?

Yes! Bake in a 9-inch round pan for 30-35 minutes.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or a little extra butter.

What pairs well with these cupcakes?

A glass of milk, coffee, or Baileys on the rocks!

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes! Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.

How do I get smooth buttercream?

Beat the buttercream for 2-3 minutes to make it light and fluffy.

Conclusion

Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, decadent, and full of Irish cream flavor. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want a boozy chocolate treat, these cupcakes are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Try them today and enjoy a luxurious, chocolatey dessert with a Baileys twist!

Print
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Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist, and infused with creamy Baileys Irish Cream. Topped with a silky Baileys buttercream frosting, they’re perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, parties, or anytime you need a decadent boozy dessert!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot coffee or hot water

For the Baileys Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate version, optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Baileys drizzle

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2️⃣ Make the Chocolate Cupcakes

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Mix in Baileys Irish Cream.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee until smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling ¾ full.

3️⃣ Bake the Cupcakes

  • Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

4️⃣ Make the Baileys Buttercream Frosting

  1. Beat butter until creamy (2 minutes).
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  3. Mix in Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract.
  4. (For chocolate frosting, add cocoa powder).

5️⃣ Frost & Garnish

  • Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
  • Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  • Best served at room temperature with a glass of Baileys or coffee! ☕️🥃



Notes

🔥 Extra Boozy? Brush warm cupcakes with Baileys before frosting.
🍫 Want More Chocolate? Add mini chocolate chips to the batter.
🌱 Dairy-Free? Use Baileys Almande (dairy-free Baileys) + vegan butter.
Mocha Version? Replace Baileys with Kahlua for a coffee kick!

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