Name: Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup Bailey’s (room temperature); 1/4 cup Bailey’s (for soaking); 20 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips; 12 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream; 8 ounces heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 71 reviews

If you’re looking for the perfect indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate with a luscious adult twist, then these Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Each cupcake is a moist, chocolatey delight infused with the smooth, creamy flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream, partnered with a decadent ganache frosting that’s whipped to fluffy perfection. These cupcakes aren’t just desserts; they’re a celebration in every bite, ideal for any gathering or just treating yourself to something wonderfully special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a tall dark bottle of Baileys Irish Cream placed in the center. Around it, there are several clear glass bowls: one filled with white flour, one with cocoa powder, one with chocolate chips in a white bowl, one with granulated sugar, one with a small amount of white powder, one with salt in a blue bowl, and two whole white eggs placed near the bottom right. Two glass measuring cups hold cream and a yellow liquid, likely oil, all spaced evenly. The overall setup is bright and clean, with a tidy and organized look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe requires simple, pantry-style ingredients that, when combined, create something truly extraordinary. Every component contributes purposefully—flour and cocoa powder bring the rich texture and color, the Bailey’s adds its sweet, creamy signature, and chocolate chips build the luscious frosting base.

2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cupcake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For a deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s not too sweet.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter, ensuring perfect balance.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture and softness while activating the leavening agents.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the richness.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 cup Bailey’s (room temperature): Infuses the batter with the distinctive creamy Irish cream flavor.
1/4 cup Bailey’s: For soaking the cupcakes to boost moisture and flavor intensity.
20 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips: The base of our heavenly frosting, providing intense chocolate goodness.
12 ounces Bailey’s: Mixed with cream to create the perfect ganache frosting.
8 ounces heavy cream: Gives the frosting a silky, smooth texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and Bailey’s notes in the frosting.

How to Make Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining 24 cupcake cups with liners—this ensures easy cleanup and perfect portions. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—these dry ingredients give your cupcakes body and color.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk sugar, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. This wet mixture is the magic base that ensures the cupcakes remain moist and tender.

Step 3: Combine and Add Bailey’s

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet, whisking until combined but not overmixed. Now add 1/2 cup of Bailey’s, stirring carefully—it’s this step that makes the batter glow with a creamy Irish spirit that you’ll taste in every bite.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner with about 3 tablespoons of batter. You might have a little leftover batter—that’s perfectly fine. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, checking with a toothpick towards the end to make sure it comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Soak the Cupcakes

While they’re still warm, poke holes all over the cupcake tops with a toothpick and brush with additional Bailey’s. This soaking step is pure genius—it locks in moisture and deepens the flavor for an incredible, melt-in-your-mouth texture once the cupcakes cool completely.

Step 6: Craft the Bailey’s Ganache Frosting

For the frosting, place your bittersweet chocolate chips in a large heatproof bowl. Warm the Bailey’s, heavy cream, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until just simmering. Pour this hot mixture over the chocolate chips and let it sit for five minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool for three hours at room temperature—whisk every ten minutes to speed the process—and then chill it in the fridge for an hour.

Step 7: Whip and Frost

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip the chilled ganache for three minutes until light and fluffy—this turns the rich ganache into the dreamiest frosting imaginable. Scrape the bowl sides to make sure everything is evenly mixed, then spread or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake. Now the real fun begins: adding your favorite garnishes!

How to Serve Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe

The image shows six steps of making chocolate batter in white bowls on a white marbled surface. The first bowl contains dry mix with a spoon. The second bowl has two cracked eggs on top of a yellow liquid with some white powder on one side. The third bowl layers the dry mix evenly over the yellow liquid and eggs. The fourth bowl shows the mixture mostly combined, thick and dark brown with a whisk inside. The fifth bowl has the dark brown mix with a splash of creamy tan liquid on top, and the whisk resting inside the bowl. The sixth bowl shows the smooth, dark brown batter fully mixed without bubbles or lumps, with a white bowl of chocolate chips placed behind each bowl in every image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe even more, consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a few chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of crushed toasted nuts. A small drizzle of caramel or a tiny chocolate curl perched on top looks stunning and adds extra texture and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a lightly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled Irish cream liqueur to echo the flavors inside the cake. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cupcakes into stars of any celebration by placing them on a tiered cake stand or spacing them out on a rustic wooden platter with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for color contrast. You could also serve them in cute cupcake boxes as delightful edible gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days since the frosting contains dairy and alcohol, which benefits from cooler storage.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cupcakes, it’s best to freeze them unfrosted, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw completely before frosting to keep the texture perfect.

Reheating

To reheat, allow frozen cupcakes to come to room temperature naturally. For an extra warm treat, microwave a single cupcake for about 10-12 seconds, but avoid heating the frosting to keep its creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute Bailey’s with another liqueur?

Absolutely! While Bailey’s gives its signature creamy Irish flavor, you can swap it with other cream liqueurs like Amarula or Kahlua for a unique twist. Just remember that the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

You can try substituting the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and coconut cream, but the texture and flavor might be less rich. Also, consider non-dairy chocolate chips to keep it consistent.

How long does the frosting take to set?

After making the ganache and stirring it smooth, it requires a few hours to cool and thicken properly before whipping, plus an additional hour in the fridge. Planning ahead definitely helps achieve the perfect frosting texture.

Can I use this recipe for a larger cake instead of cupcakes?

Yes, the batter and frosting work wonderfully in a layered cake form too. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and test with a toothpick. The ganache can be spread or piped between layers and on top for a luxe finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cupcake recipe that blends the cozy warmth of chocolate with the sophisticated crunch of Bailey’s, look no further. This Chocolate Bailey’s Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting Recipe is a total game changer—easy enough to make on a whim but impressive enough to wow any crowd. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise, your taste buds will thank you with every decadent bite!