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Baileys Irish Cream Cupcakes – Baking A Moment


These Baileys Irish Cream Cupcakes feature a moist, chocolate cupcake as the based and topped with an Irish cream buttercream. If you love Irish cream liqueur, you’ll enjoy this fun dessert!

frosted irish cream upcakes on a tray.frosted irish cream upcakes on a tray.

Table of Contents

It’s been a bit since I picked up a bottle of Baileys (hello Irishman frosted brownies) so I was excited to pull this out and use it in the kitchen. If you aren’t familiar with it, Baileys Original Irish cream is made with Irish dairy cream and Irish whiskey. It has a smooth richness and sharp flavor and is often enjoyed on ice or with coffee. These cupcakes would be a fun dessert for St. Patrick’s Day, but they don’t need a special occasion to enjoy them.

Here’s Why You’ll Love These

  • Moist chocolate cupcakes as the base
  • The Baileys ties together the frosting and the cupcake perfectly
  • The perfect dessert for St. Patrick’s Day!
  • Can easily be made ahead of time

Grab These Ingredients

ingredients for Irish cream cupcakes.ingredients for Irish cream cupcakes.
  • Irish Cream Liqueur: You’ll need Baileys Irish Cream or a similar brand that you prefer.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of this recipe providing enough structure and sturdiness for the cookies.
  • Cocoa Powder: You need unsweetened cocoa powder which pairs with the flour to produce structure and sturdiness.
  • Butter: Used in both the buttercream and cupcakes. Like most of cake and cupcake recipes, I recommend using unsalted butter that way you have more control over the salt.
  • Eggs: You need 4 large eggs for the chocolate cupcakes which adds richness– just like in these brownies!
  • Heavy Cream: Helps pull the ingredients together and add richness in the cupcakes and frosting.
  • Sugars: Both granulated sugar and powdered are used in this recipe for the chocolate cupcakes and the buttercream.
  • Baking Powder: Key to giving the cupcakes the perfect rise while they bake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor.

Frequently asked questions

What flavor makes Irish cream?

Original Irish cream blends together whiskey with dairy cream with a touch of chocolate and vanilla flavor.

Does Baileys Irish Cream cake have alcohol?

Yes, the Irish cream is made with a mixture of whiskey and dairy cream.

Does leftover Baileys need to be refrigerated?

Yes, since the Irish cream containers dairy cream it’s recommended to refrigerate after opening. Prior it can be stored at room temperature.

More Cupcake Recipes

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frosted Irish cream cupcakes on a wire rack.frosted Irish cream cupcakes on a wire rack.

Irish Cream Cupcakes

These Baileys Irish Cream Cupcakes feature a moist, chocolate cupcake as the based and topped with an Irish cream buttercream. If you love Irish cream liqueur, you’ll enjoy this fun dessert!
  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Lightly spray each linger with nonstick spray– this is optional but helps prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners.

  • Make the cupcakes: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside. In another bowl (or liquid measuring cup for easy pouring), combine the cream, Irish cream liqueur and vanilla.
  • Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Reduce to medium-low speed and add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is incorporating before the next.
  • With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and wet ingredients, ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined. Do not over-mix. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared liners– fill about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

  • Make the frosting: With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. On low speed, add the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and Irish cream liqueur (2 Tablespoons at a time). Beat together, gradually increasing to medium-high speed and beat for 1 full minute. Add up to 1/4 cup more powdered sugar if frosting is too thin. Add a pinch more of salt if frosting is too sweet.
  • Frost the cooled cupcakes. Cover and store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  1. Make Ahead Instructions: Cupcakes can be made ahead 1 day in advance, covered, and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Frosting can be made 1 day in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using– you may also need to beat together.
  2. Freezing Instructions: Frosted or unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Calories: 315kcal, Carbohydrates: 81g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 78mg, Potassium: 148mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 539IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 2mg


  • Thumbnail pic of Jennifer Farley.Thumbnail pic of Jennifer Farley.



    Hi there, I’m Jen. From 2009 to 2021, I was a full time blogger at Savory Simple, a blog dedicated to well-tested recipes and tutorials for home cooks. In 2016, I published my cookbook, The Gourmet Kitchen. I now work full time as a freelance recipe developer and food photographer from my home in Olney, MD, where I live with my husband Jeff and our 3 cats. I’ve written a weekly newsletter for The Washington Post’s Voraciously, and I’ve also contributed to The Kitchn, Food52, Parade Magazine, and Better Homes & Gardens.

    Allie and I have been friends for years, and I’m thrilled to now be contributing to Baking a Moment!



    View all posts



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