Heavenly Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe: A Sweet Escape

Decadent chocolate cupcakes with Baileys Irish cream dancing through the batter create an irresistible dessert that sparks pure joy.

These rich, moist treats blend deep cocoa flavors with smooth liqueur undertones.

Every bite promises a luxurious experience that melts in your mouth.

Soft, velvety crumbs carry a delightful hint of whiskey-infused sweetness.

The delicate frosting adds a creamy finish that complements the intense chocolate base.

You’ll love how these cupcakes transform an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of indulgence.

Prepare to be enchanted by this irresistible recipe that elevates dessert to an art form.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 12

What Goes Into Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cupcake's tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the dessert.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and airy texture by helping the cupcakes rise.
• Baking Soda: Helps neutralize acidic ingredients and promotes browning.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the cupcakes.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create moisture in the cupcakes.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide richness and structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, tender crumb and prevents dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complex flavor to the chocolate base.
• Baileys Irish Cream: Infuses a luxurious, creamy liqueur flavor throughout the cupcakes.
• Hot Coffee: Intensifies chocolate flavor and creates a more sophisticated taste profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the buttercream.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Baileys Irish Cream: Adds a delightful boozy note to the buttercream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
• Cocoa Powder (Optional): Transforms the frosting into a chocolate variation.

Tools That Help You Infuse Cupcakes With a Kick

• Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and whipping buttercream to fluffy perfection.
• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for baking cupcakes evenly.
• Cupcake Liners: Essential for easy removal and neat presentation.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for separating ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for baking success.
• Piping Bag or Spatula: For spreading or decoratively frosting cupcakes.
• Toothpick: Helps check cupcake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.

How to Bake Baileys Cupcakes That Feel Grown-Up and Fun

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a muffin tin, tucking in some cupcake liners for a cozy baking adventure.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, creating a chocolatey powder mixture.

• Blend Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whip together sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until silky smooth. Splash in some Baileys for that extra kick of flavor.

• Create Batter Magic

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, then gently stir in hot coffee until the batter looks glossy and rich. Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cupcakes are done. Let them cool completely.

• Whip Up Buttercream

Beat butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Splash in Baileys and vanilla, creating a dreamy frosting. Optional: Add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

• Decorate and Delight

Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Serve at room temperature and enjoy with a cheeky glass of Baileys!

Add Mocha, Mint, or More Chocolate for a Twist

• Boozy Baking Brilliance: Expert Tips for Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes
• Coffee Depth Trick: Use freshly brewed hot coffee to enhance chocolate flavor and create a richer, more intense cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Frosting Consistency Magic: Ensure butter is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to create a smooth, silky buttercream that pipes perfectly without air bubbles.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Replace Baileys with strong brewed coffee or milk for a family-friendly version that maintains the rich chocolate flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Genius: Cupcakes can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen unfrosted for 2 weeks – perfect for advance party planning.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to create a delicious alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

Serve at Parties With a Hint of Class

• Decadent Date Night Dessert: Pair these cupcakes with a romantic evening, serving them alongside a glass of Baileys on the rocks for a luxurious after-dinner treat.
• Irish Coffee Companion: Serve warm alongside a freshly brewed Irish coffee, creating a delightful combination of rich chocolate and smooth Irish cream flavors that complement each other perfectly.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a beautiful platter with a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, and small liqueur glasses for a stunning presentation that will impress guests at dinner parties or special celebrations.
• Indulgent Afternoon Delight: Enjoy these cupcakes with a mid-afternoon coffee break, letting the Baileys-infused chocolate treat provide a delicious moment of pure bliss and relaxation.

Store So They Keep That Baileys Kick

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they stay moist and delicious.
• Refrigeration Tactics: Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore softness.
• Freezing Friendly: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before adding frosting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcake batter or frosting 1-2 days in advance. Store batter in the refrigerator and frosting in an airtight container, giving you flexibility for quick baking.

Indulgent Baileys Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Heavenly Baileys chocolate cupcakes merge rich Irish cream liqueur with indulgent chocolate for an unforgettable dessert experience. Chocolate lovers will savor these moist, flavorful treats that promise pure deliciousness in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g / 12.7 oz) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) vegetable oil
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) Baileys Irish Cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) hot coffee or hot water
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) Baileys Irish Cream
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
• Mini chocolate chips
• Baileys drizzle

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredient Blending: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry mixture.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth, then integrate Baileys Irish Cream thoroughly.
4. Batter Creation: Gently fold dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, then pour in hot coffee, stirring until the batter becomes silky and well-combined.
5. Baking Process: Fill cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake for 18-22 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test.
6. Cooling Stage: Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature, preparing for frosting.
7. Buttercream Development: Cream butter until light and fluffy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, then blend in Baileys and vanilla extract to create a smooth, rich frosting.
8. Optional Chocolate Variation: For chocolate lovers, mix cocoa powder into the frosting for an intensified flavor profile.
9. Decoration and Presentation: Artfully pipe or spread Baileys buttercream over cooled cupcakes, garnishing with delicate chocolate shavings or a light cocoa powder dusting.
10. Serving Suggestion: Present at room temperature, ideally paired with a glass of Baileys or a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.

Notes

• Control Coffee Temperature: Add hot coffee carefully to prevent scrambling eggs and ensure smooth, rich chocolate batter integration.
• Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Do not overbake; check doneness with toothpick test at 18-minute mark to maintain moisture and tender crumb.
• Manage Buttercream Consistency: Add Baileys gradually to frosting, adjusting liquid to prevent separation and maintain ideal piping texture.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute vegetable oil with applesauce for lower-fat version, and use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly cupcakes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg