Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore rich, fudgy brownies with a little boozy twist, you’re going to absolutely love this Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe. Seriously, these brownies hit that perfect balance of dense chocolate goodness and the smooth, creamy flavor of Baileys that just lingers beautifully in every bite. I’ve made tons of brownie recipes, but this one has a special spot in my dessert lineup—perfect for cozy nights, celebrations, or when you just need a little luxe comfort dessert. Keep reading, because I’m going to walk you through every step and some tips so you can nail these brownies like a pro!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe uses straightforward ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, but combined in a way that delivers something quite extraordinary. I recommend using the best quality cocoa powder and real Baileys Irish Cream you can find — trust me, it makes a world of difference.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s unsalted to control the salt level perfectly and bring out the chocolate richness.
• Granulated Sugar: For that just-right sweetness and that classic chewy brownie crust.
• Cocoa Powder: Opt for natural unsweetened cocoa for deep chocolate flavor.
• Baileys Irish Cream: The star of the show! Adds a smooth, creamy note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to elevate the chocolate and balance the flavors.
• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help bind everything and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and complements the Baileys wonderfully.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: For gooey pockets of melted chocolate within the brownies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure but keeps brownies tender.
• Cream Cheese (for frosting): Room temperature for that perfect creamy texture.
• Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Also at room temp to cream smoothly with cream cheese.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a luscious consistency.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak this Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe depending on your mood and pantry. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just want to jazz it up, there are a few fun and simple ways to make it your own.

• Nutty Twist: I sometimes toss in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. My family goes crazy for the crunch against the fudgy brownie.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. It works surprisingly well!
• Extra Boozy: For adult parties, I add a splash more Baileys in both the batter and frosting — just be mindful not to overdo it to keep the texture spot on.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after frosting for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Make Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Mix the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper. I like to lightly spray the parchment — this makes lifting the brownies out a breeze later without any sticky situations. Next, melt your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until fully melted. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, cocoa powder, Baileys Irish Cream, and a pinch of kosher salt until the mixture is silky smooth. This step is key for that deep chocolate flavor melded with the Irish cream — if you rush it, you might get lumps or gritty sugar, so take your time whisking.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Dry Ingredients

After your chocolate base looks decadent and smooth, whisk in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. This ensures the batter binds nicely. Then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and all-purpose flour—just mix until incorporated. Overmixing here is a common mistake that leads to cakier, less fudgy brownies, so I always remind myself to stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 3: Bake Until Almost Set

Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. I like to start checking right at 22 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center — you want it to come out almost clean but with a few moist crumbs attached. This keeps the brownies perfectly fudgy and not dry. Once done, set the pan on a cooling rack and let them cool for at least an hour before frosting. Patience here really pays off because hot brownies and cream cheese frosting don’t mix well!

Step 4: Whip Up the Baileys Frosting

For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, and a pinch of salt on medium speed until creamy and smooth—about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, scraping down the bowl as you go so everything blends evenly. Then add a tablespoon of Baileys Irish Cream and beat again until light and fluffy. This frosting is absolutely dreamy — its richness complements the brownies perfectly without being too sweet.

Step 5: Frost and Slice

Once your brownies have cooled completely, turn them out onto a cutting board and spread the frosting evenly on top. Cut into 16 squares — this size hits the perfect balance; a little indulgent but not overwhelming. I like to refrigerate any leftovers, which keeps the texture of the frosting firm and fresh for a few days.

How to Serve Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep the brownies simple, but sometimes I add a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings on top of the frosting for a classy look. For parties, fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevate the flavor and presentation wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These brownies stand out on their own, but I occasionally serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a cooling contrast to the rich chocolate. A cup of strong coffee or Irish coffee pairs beautifully and rounds out the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like birthdays or St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve arranged these brownies on decorative platters lined with green napkins to highlight their Irish cream theme. Adding edible gold leaf or small chocolate coins makes them feel festive and unique. You could also stack them into little brownie towers tied with ribbon for gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Baileys Irish Cream Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. The frosting stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, and the brownies themselves maintain their fudgy texture without drying out.

Freezing

If I’m making these in advance, I freeze the unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. When ready to serve, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then add the frosting fresh. This keeps the texture and flavor at their best.

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat frosted brownies because the frosting can melt, but if you want warm brownies, gently warm unfrosted brownies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave then add frosting after. This keeps the frosting fresh but gives you that warm brownie feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe is one of those treats I’m so happy to have discovered and perfected over time. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and special—perfect for sharing with friends or just indulging yourself. I love how the Baileys adds that subtle boozy sweetness that pairs so naturally with chocolate, and the cream cheese frosting just takes it to another level. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming a go-to in your dessert rotation, just like it is in mine. Happy baking and savor every gooey, chocolatey bite!

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