Baileys Irish Cream Brownies (Best Ever!)

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Baileys Irish Cream Brownies are delectable bites from heaven! These brownies have three layers and a helping of velvety Irish cream liqueur in each. Layer one is a thick rich chocolate brownie that is both moist and fudgy. Layer two is decadent buttercream frosting blended with raw (uncooked) Baileys to give it a tiny “kick.” And layer three is a smooth chocolate ganache glaze to round off the ultimate brownie experience. These sweets are a showstopper to be sure, but for adults only! The Baileys alcohol content in the buttercream is not cooked off.

One of the pluses of this recipe is that you can mix and match these scrumptious layers into different treats. Want to pep up plain vanilla cupcakes for adults? Simply top with Baileys Buttercream Frosting! Need a unique chocolaty topping for your basic cheesecake recipe? Spread this phenomenal Baileys Ganache over the top! There are so many variations to choose from.

Baileys Irish Cream Brownies make the perfect party food or ending to an Irish meal. Whether cooking dinner for friends and family on St. Patrick’s Day, or wanting something special for a quiet meal in, you will love Irish Boiling Bacon and Cabbage served with a creamy side of Parsley Sauce. Add my Irish Soda Bread with Whiskey Soaked Raisins for a feast that includes a main course, bread, and dessert!

Delicious Baileys Flavor Options

I usually make these delectable brownies with Baileys original flavor, however; you may use any flavor you desire. Have you tasted Baileys Strawberries and Cream?? Oh my word! If you use this Irish cream blend, be sure to toss some chopped strawberries into your buttercream frosting. The Espresso and the Salted Caramel would be fun to experiment with, as well. If you try any of these variations please leave comments. I would love to read about your creations.

How to make Baileys Irish Cream Brownies with Buttercream Frosting and Chocolate Ganache

Baileys Irish Cream Brownies are rich and luscious. Each layer is splashed with silky Irish cream, making this a tipsy, adult treat only. If you would like to make them safe for children, simply leave the Baileys Irish Cream out of the buttercream frosting and the chocolate ganache. The Baileys in the brownie mix will cook off its alcohol content, leaving you with only the flavor.

Equipment Used

Ingredient List

This recipe may seem intimidating because it requires three separate recipes, but each one is very simple. To make this treat easier to prepare, have all of the ingredients for each layer out and ready to go ahead of time.

• Baileys Irish Cream Brownies – Chocolate brownie mix, Baileys Irish Cream, water, vegetable oil, eggs
• Baileys Buttercream Frosting – Baileys Irish Cream, powdered sugar, butter
• Baileys Ganache – Baileys Irish Cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream

Recipe Preparation

Although there are three layers in this brownie recipe, they are all very easy to prepare. I will go over each separately, and then we’ll put them all together to form your brownie masterpiece. If you can’t find Baileys Irish Cream, or you prefer a different brand, that is fine. Any brand of Irish Cream will do.

Baileys Brownie Prep (First…throw out those box instructions!)

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium mixing bowl, add the eggs and whisk until well blended. Add the water, oil, and Baileys, whisking until fully combined. The instructions on the brownie box will instruct you to dump all ingredients into one bowl, at one time, and stir. This can leave clumps, which means your batter is not fully blended to produce moist, smooth, fudgy brownies.

• Next, slowly add in the brownie mix a little at a time. This will prevent the batter from clumping as discussed in the above instruction. You want to whisk until the batter is velvety smooth. Air bubbles from mixing are okay.

• Pour batter into a lightly greased baking dish. I used a 9×13-inch dish and it was the perfect size. Just note that a bigger dish will yield smaller brownies, while a smaller baking dish will yield thicker brownies.

• Bake brownies for 25 to 35 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. I used a 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish and my brownies were ready at 35 minutes. Non-stick baking pans will shorten the baking time by about 5 minutes. Over baking the brownies will make them dry, so keep an eye on them at the 20 minute mark.
• Allow brownies to cool completely.

Baileys Buttercream Frosting Prep

• In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and Baileys. Using an electric mixer, beat until well blended. A little at a time, add in the powdered sugar and beat on low until frosting is smooth and fluffy. I know what you’re thinking and the answer is YES…you CAN lick those beaters! 😉 If the frosting is too thin, add more sugar. If it’s too thick, add more Baileys.

• Using a silicone spatula, smooth on the Baileys Buttercream Frosting over the cooled baked brownie. Place frosted brownie in the refrigerator to keep cool until the next step.

Baileys Chocolate Ganache Prep

• Pour chocolate chips into a small bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream and Baileys over medium/high heat. Heat just until boiling, stirring constantly.

• Remove Baileys mixture from heat and pour into the bowl of chocolate chips. Allow to sit for 5 minutes undisturbed. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

• Smooth chocolate ganache over the frosted brownie and allow it to sit out for 30 minutes until placing back in the refrigerator.

• Refrigerate Baileys Irish Cream Brownies for at least an hour before cutting into squares! Enjoy!