The moment I opened my pantry to discover an unopened bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream, inspiration struck like lightning! I had been searching for a festive dessert to elevate my St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and this luscious liqueur promised a delightful twist. Enter my Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies – a decadent treat that marries rich chocolate with the creamy notes of Irish cream.
With each bite, you’ll experience the indulgent layers of a fudgy brownie base, topped with a smooth Irish Cream frosting and a glossy ganache finish. Perfect for gatherings or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up, these brownies are incredibly easy to whip up, utilizing pantry staples while delivering a gourmet experience. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create a dessert that will dazzle your friends and family – you won’t believe how simple it is to make something so indulgent!
Why are Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies a Must-Try?
Decadent flavors come together for a treat that’s simply unforgettable.
Layered textures featuring fudgy brownie bliss, creamy frosting, and luscious ganache make every bite a delight.
Easy to make using pantry staples, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Festive vibes ensure it shines at any gathering, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
Customizable options let you play with flavors or toppings, adding your personal touch.
Crowd favorite guaranteed to wow family and friends, making it a go-to dessert for celebrations!
Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies Ingredients
Get ready to indulge with these deliciously layered treats!
For the Brownie Base
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup) – Use Kerrygold for the richest flavor that enhances your brownies.
- Granulated Sugar (2½ cups) – Domino sugar helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
- Canola Oil (2 tablespoons) – Adds moisture without heaviness, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) – Pure vanilla elevates the overall flavor; skip artificial for best results.
- Large Eggs (5) – These bind and provide structure to your chewy brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – King Arthur flour is recommended for quality and consistency.
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder (½ cup + 1 tbsp) – Ghirardelli cocoa gives this dish a rich chocolate flavor.
- Black Cocoa Powder (¼ cup) – Optional for an intense chocolatey color and taste; can be swapped with more Dutch cocoa.
- Malted Milk Powder (2 tablespoons) – Adds a unique malt flavor dimension; however, it’s not essential.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon) – Balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors beautifully.
- Chopped Baking Chocolate (4 ounces) – Creates rich pockets of chocolate; use mini chocolate chips as a fun substitute.
For the Frosting
- Salted Butter (1 cup) – Soft grass-fed butter is preferable for a creamy frosting base.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups) – Sifted to avoid lumps, giving you a perfectly smooth frosting.
- Irish Cream Liqueur (2 ounces) – Infuses delightful festive flavor into your creamy topping.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) – This adds depth to the frosting, marrying flavors seamlessly.
For the Ganache
- Bittersweet Chocolate (4 ounces) – Finely chopped for easy melting and a rich topping result.
- Heavy Cream (3 ounces) – Acts as an emulsifier, making ganache silky smooth.
- Irish Cream Liqueur (2 ounces) – Ties all flavors together and enhances the overall experience.
- Salted Butter (1 tablespoon) – Adds an extra layer of richness to the ganache.
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you’re all set to create these delightful Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies that promise to be the star of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
How to Make Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies
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Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a metal cake pan (8×8, 9×9, or 9×13) with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This ensures your brownies come out seamlessly!
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Make Brownie Base: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are combined. Cool for a few minutes, then mix in the canola oil and vanilla. Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, black cocoa powder (if using), malted milk powder (optional), and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the butter-sugar blend, then gently fold in the chopped chocolate or mini chips until just combined.
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Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan, or 40-45 minutes if using a smaller pan. The brownies should have a firm top and slightly underbaked center. Let cool completely in the pan.
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Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, Irish cream liqueur, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth.
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Frost Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, evenly spread the Irish cream frosting over the top, allowing some frosting to peek at the edges.
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Make Ganache: In a bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, and Irish cream liqueur. Microwave in short bursts until melted, whisking until smooth. Stir in salted butter for added richness and pour the ganache over the frosted brownies.
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Set and Slice: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift brownies out of the pan and slice into bars.
Optional: Garnish with festive sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies?
Imagine a cozy gathering filled with laughter, where every bite of these brownies elevates the joy of your celebration. Pair them with these delightful sides and drinks for a truly festive experience.
- Irish Coffee: The rich, creamy flavors of coffee blended with Irish whiskey complement the liqueur notes of the brownies. It creates a warm embrace for your taste buds.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to your brownies’ rich texture, melting slightly with each delightful spoonful.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries serve as a vibrant, fresh counterpoint to the indulgent flavors of the brownies, brightening up each bite.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce enhances the decadence, intensifying that chocolatey goodness and creating a beautiful presentation.
- Mint Tea: Refreshing mint tea is a light option that balances the richness of the brownies, making for a soothing end to a festive meal.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture and offers a lovely visual contrast, making your dessert even more inviting.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream Milkshake: Celebrate the flavors of the brownies by blending them into a creamy milkshake. It’s a fun way to indulge further!
- Toasted Nuts: Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the overall experience.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce infuses a buttery richness, enhancing the brownies while adding another layer of flavor.
Expert Tips for Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation and an airy texture in your brownies.
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate to give the ganache and brownie depth of flavor. Chop it finely for even melting.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
- Cool before Frosting: Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting and losing its shape.
- Chill for Clean Cuts: For neat slices, chill the brownies before cutting or use a hot knife, wiping it with a cloth between cuts for a polished finish.
- Layer Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings! Add crushed nuts or festive sprinkles atop the ganache for extra flair on your Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies.
How to Store and Freeze Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture.
Fridge: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container to prolong freshness; just note that chilling may slightly alter the brownie texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Cut into bars before freezing for easy access.
Reheating: To enjoy at room temperature after freezing, let brownies thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. For a warm treat, heat them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Make Ahead Options
These Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the brownie base and frost it up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply bake the brownies, let them cool completely, and spread the frosting over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the ganache, you can make it up to 3 days ahead; just reheat gently before pouring it over the frosted brownies for a velvety finish. This way, you can easily slice and serve your decadent dessert with minimal effort, ensuring they remain just as delicious as the day they were made!
Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies Variations
Feel free to put your spin on these delightful brownies and let your creativity shine!
- Chocolate Liqueur: Swap Irish cream liqueur for chocolate liqueur for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter to add a satisfying crunch and depth.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a splash of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted brownies for a decadent flavor boost that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the brownie batter for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make these brownies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Sweetened Dairy: Replace the heavy cream in the ganache with sweetened condensed milk for a creamier, sweeter topping that adds extra indulgence.
- Berry Topping: After frosting, top the brownies with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness.
Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best flavors, choose the freshest ingredients. Look for unsalted butter that is soft but not melted, and ensure your eggs are fresh and large. For the chocolate, opt for high-quality bittersweet baking chocolate, as it greatly enhances the flavor in your brownies.
How should I store my brownies, and for how long will they last?
You can keep your Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal fudginess. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just keep in mind that chilling may slightly change their texture.
Can I freeze Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies, and how do I do it?
Very! Freezing is a fantastic option. Cut the brownies into bars and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or warm them up in the microwave for a cozy treat!
What can I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
If your brownies end up drier than expected, it may be due to overbaking or inaccurate oven temperature. For next time, ensure to check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. You could also try adding a simple syrup or a cream glaze on top to enhance moisture in leftover brownies.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that Bailey’s Irish Cream contains alcohol and chocolate, both of which can be harmful to pets. If you’re serving these brownies to guests with dietary restrictions or allergies, consider alternatives like using a non-alcoholic Irish cream or substituting gluten-free flour to cater to those who may have gluten sensitivities.
Can I customize the flavors or toppings for my brownies?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely play with flavors by swapping out the Irish cream liqueur with chocolate liqueur for a different taste. Don’t forget to add festive sprinkles, crushed nuts, or other toppings to the ganache before it sets for a personalized flair!
Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies for Festive Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a metal cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in granulated sugar until smooth.
- Cool for a few minutes, mix in canola oil and vanilla. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powders, malted milk powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry mixture into the butter-sugar blend, then fold in the chopped chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
- Beat the softened salted butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, Irish cream, and vanilla.
- Spread the Irish cream frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Combine bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, and Irish cream. Microwave until melted, whisking smooth.
- Stir in salted butter and pour the ganache over the frosted brownies.
- Let the ganache set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Lift brownies out of the pan and slice into bars.