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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-count muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, eggs, Baileys, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Baileys Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in Baileys and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- (For chocolate frosting, add cocoa powder and mix until combined.)
Step 3: Frost & Decorate
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or mini chocolate chips.
- 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!
PrintBaileys Chocolate Cupcakes
- 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
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
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in Baileys Irish Cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee until smooth.
- 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
- Beat butter until creamy (2 minutes).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract.
- (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!