If you’re looking to impress with a showstopper dessert that’s indulgently rich yet surprisingly approachable, look no further than this Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe. Picture moist, velvety chocolate layers infused with a hint of espresso, perfectly balanced by a luscious Baileys-spiked buttercream that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a celebration of luscious flavors and smooth textures that come together beautifully to create a cake that’s as festive as it is comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a vital role—from the cocoa powder delivering deep chocolate intensity to the Baileys Irish Cream adding that unmistakable creamy warmth that elevates this cake to something truly special.
- 2 cups flour: Provides the structure and base to hold everything together perfectly.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it tender and moist.
- 3/4 cup special dark chocolate cocoa powder: Brings rich, robust chocolate flavor and deep color.
- 2 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cake a light, airy crumb.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and chocolate.
- 2 large eggs: Add moisture, richness, and help bind the ingredients for a smooth batter.
- ¾ cup milk: Moisturizes the batter and contributes to a tender texture.
- ¾ cup warm water: Builds batter moisture and intensifies the cocoa’s chocolatey depth.
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder: Amplifies the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee note.
- ½ cup canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft with a neutral flavor.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the chocolate.
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened): The base for a creamy, dreamy frosting that’s luscious and smooth.
- 6 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream frosting perfectly.
- ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream: The star ingredient, infusing the frosting with that iconic creamy Irish flavor.
- 4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor complexity and aroma.
- 5-7 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: Adjusts frosting consistency for the perfect spreadable texture.
- 1 ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts between layers.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For optional garnishing or melting into drizzles.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: For optional ganache or decoration, adding extra richness.
How to Make Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, warm water, espresso powder, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing—you want tender layers, not dense ones. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.
Step 2: Make the Baileys Buttercream Frosting
While the cakes cool, it’s frosting time. Beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, mixing carefully to avoid a sugar cloud, then add the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Continue beating and slowly add heavy whipping cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable consistency that’s neither too stiff nor too runny. This frosting is the heart of the Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe, delivering that rich, creamy hug in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Layer Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, followed by a handful of mini chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in every forkful. Carefully place the second cake layer over the first and repeat the frosting and chocolate chip layering if you’re building more than two layers. Finally, frost the entire cake with the remaining Baileys buttercream, smoothing the sides and top. Feel free to sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top or melt some and drizzle over the cake for a pretty finishing touch.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For best results, refrigerate your assembled cake for at least an hour to set the frosting and let flavors meld. This step makes slicing cleaner and enhances the overall indulgence. Before serving, you can bring the cake back to room temperature for a softer slice or enjoy it chilled—it’s delicious either way!
How to Serve Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe visually stunning and even more decadent, try topping the cake with chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of edible gold flakes for a festive twist. Fresh berries, especially raspberries or strawberries, also provide a lovely bright contrast in flavor and color, cutting through the richness with their natural tartness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or Irish coffee to echo the cake’s espresso and Baileys notes. For a lighter accompaniment, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream, keeping the overall experience balanced yet indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take your Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe presentation up a notch? Try serving individual slices in elegant dessert glasses layered with a spoonful of crushed chocolate cookies and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Alternatively, cut the cake into squares and garnish each with a mini dollop of whipped cream and a chocolate chip to make party-friendly bite-sized treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, the Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, with flavors deepening and the frosting retaining its creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake ahead for a special occasion, you can freeze it either unfrosted or fully assembled. Wrap layers individually in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. For a frosted cake, chill it first until firm, then wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer your frosting a bit softer, let slices come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the ideal melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Baileys Irish Cream in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you want a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute Baileys with a mixture of vanilla extract and cream or use an Irish cream-flavored syrup. Just keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite as rich and authentic without the true Baileys.
What type of chocolate cocoa powder works best?
The recipe calls for special dark chocolate cocoa powder for its intense, robust chocolate flavor and deep color, which is crucial for the cake’s rich character. Dutch-processed cocoa is a popular choice here, but natural cocoa powder will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the structure. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are gluten-free as well.
How many layers does this cake have?
This Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe is typically prepared as a two or three-layer cake depending on your pan sizes and preference. Thicker layers provide a decadent bite, while thinner layers allow for more frosting between the layers.
Is espresso powder necessary?
While optional, espresso powder enhances and intensifies the chocolate flavor dramatically without adding a coffee taste. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference and really transforms the cake into something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe enough if you want a dessert that’s rich, elegant, and packed with layers of flavor. It’s the perfect cake to serve for celebrations, holidays, or any time you crave something heavenly with a little Irish-inspired magic. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Print
Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Description
This decadent Baileys Irish Cream Layer Cake combines rich chocolate cake layers with a luscious Baileys-spiked buttercream frosting. Moist and tender, the chocolate layers are enhanced with espresso powder and cocoa, perfectly complemented by a creamy, boozy frosting loaded with mini and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ideal for celebrations, this cake delivers bold flavors and a beautiful presentation with a smooth, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup special dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Frosting
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5–7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Decoration
- 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder to combine evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, warm water, canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Baileys Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and light. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Add the heavy whipping cream a tablespoon at a time until reaching a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of Baileys buttercream over the top. Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips across the frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Decorate: Garnish the cake by pressing the semi-sweet chocolate chips around the sides or sprinkling on top as desired. Optionally, whip the 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form to pipe decorative rosettes or accents.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set before serving. Bring to room temperature before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best cake texture.
- Use special dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but will not make the cake taste like coffee.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream in frosting to get the desired consistency for spreading or piping.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
- For a boozier frosting, you can increase the Baileys Irish Cream slightly but reduce heavy cream accordingly.
