Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your brownie game with a boozy, creamy twist, you absolutely have to try this Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe. I love this because it’s rich, fudgy, and just the right amount of decadent thanks to the addition of Baileys Irish Cream both in the batter and the frosting—trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these brownies hit all the right notes and are surprisingly easy to make.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe plays its part in building rich chocolate flavor with a lovely boozy twist, and shopping for good-quality items really makes a difference in the final bake.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly; plus, butter gives that tender, fudgy crumb you want.
• Granulated sugar: It balances the bitterness of the cocoa and keeps the brownies sweet without getting grainy.
• Cocoa powder: Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Baileys Irish Cream: The star ingredient! Adds flavor both in the batter and frosting, so don’t skimp on it.
• Kosher salt: A pinch sharpens the sweetness and helps deepen the chocolate notes.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure while keeping the brownies moist.
• Vanilla extract: I like to add vanilla to round out all the flavors for a warm, inviting brownie.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate in every bite – always a crowd favorite.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to hold the brownies without making them cakey; it keeps that fudge factor.
• Cream cheese (for frosting): Brings a tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for smooth, silky frosting with no grittiness.

Variations

This Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe is super flexible, and I love making little tweaks depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own!

• Nut Addition: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of added crunch – my family loves the texture contrast.
• Chocolate Swap: Replace the semisweet chips with chunks of dark chocolate for a richer, intense experience.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives; just expect a slightly different texture but still delicious.
• Extra Boozy: Add a splash of espresso or coffee to the batter along with the Baileys to amplify the mocha notes.

How to Make Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Combine Cocoa

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 pan with parchment paper (spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray so the brownies release easily). Then, melt the butter gently in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, cocoa powder, Baileys Irish Cream, and salt until you get a smooth, glossy mixture. This step is crucial because melting the butter and sugar together builds a silky base for your brownies.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Chocolate Chips

Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is just combined—you want a shiny batter but avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender. Then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and flour gently with the whisk or a spatula until there are no streaks of flour left. This is where your brownies start to come to life!

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to test with a toothpick at 22 minutes: it should come out almost clean, with just a little fudgy batter clinging (that’s perfect!). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this takes about an hour and is key before you add the frosting, so it doesn’t melt or slide off.

Step 4: Whip Up the Baileys Frosting

While your brownies cool, make the frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, and salt together using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or hand mixer. Beat for about 3 minutes on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat on low until incorporated. Then pour in the Baileys Irish Cream and increase speed to medium, beating 1 to 2 more minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost and Cut

Flip your cooled brownies onto a cutting board (carefully peel off the parchment), then spread the Baileys frosting evenly on top using an offset spatula for smooth coverage. Cut into 16 squares and serve. If you’re not eating right away, keep the brownies refrigerated—this frosting keeps beautifully chilled.

How to Serve Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love to add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder right before serving for a little crunch and extra chocolate punch. Fresh whipped cream or a few shaved chocolate curls also make fantastic, elegant toppers that pair perfectly with the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or some fresh berries to balance their richness. A cozy cup of coffee, Irish coffee, or even just a glass of milk complements the flavors beautifully and rounds out a satisfying dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these brownies on a rustic wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cheeky little label letting guests know about the Baileys inside. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and pop them on decorative toothpicks for an easy-to-eat finger food dessert tray.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover brownies tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the frosting from sticking together. This recipe actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these brownies successfully both frosted and unfrosted. Cut the brownies into squares first and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Since the frosting has cream cheese, I recommend serving these brownies cold or at room temperature. If you want them slightly warm, take off the frosting and warm the brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add the frosting back on fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe holds such a special place in my heart—not only because it tastes amazing, but because it’s the perfect way to impress loved ones with something a little extra special that’s still super approachable to make. Whenever I bake these, the aroma fills the kitchen with cozy warmth and the rich, boozy chocolate flavor brings instant smiles. I can’t recommend trying these enough if you want a brownie recipe that’s anything but ordinary. Go ahead, make a batch and watch your crowd light up with delight!

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