Some recipes just stick to your memory in a strangely sentimental way. This moist Baileys chocolate cake recipe is one of mine. I remember the first time I made it—it was late on a chilly evening, I was still in my pajamas, and the whole kitchen smelled like melted chocolate and warm Irish cream. Honestly, the scent alone felt like a hug.
The batter looked almost glossy, like pudding before it sets, and I had this moment where I thought, There’s no way this won’t be good. I was right. When the cake came out of the oven, slightly domed and smelling like a chocolate truffle just walked into an Irish pub, I knew it would become one of my “forever recipes.”
It’s deeply chocolatey without being too sweet. The Baileys flavor isn’t harsh or artificial—it’s soft, cozy, and somehow nostalgic. The type of flavor that makes you close your eyes for a second. Maybe that’s just me, but every bite makes me feel like I’m celebrating something, even on a random Tuesday.
The frosting—oh my goodness. This best Baileys frosting recipe is velvety, whipped, and the kind of thing you’ll want to eat with a spoon when no one’s looking. I always save a tiny bowl for myself “for testing,” even though we all know it’s not testing—it’s snacking.
Every time I make this cake, someone asks for the recipe. Not once has it failed me, even when I rush it a little or get distracted mid-bake. It’s forgiving, rich, and ridiculously satisfying. And the best part? It’s stupidly easy for how impressive it looks.
If you love chocolate, Baileys, and desserts that taste like celebration, this one’s for you.
Recipe Resume (Why You Need This Now)
- Deep, dark chocolate flavor with a silky crumb.
- Gorgeous Baileys Irish cream aroma.
- Zero complicated steps—just mix and bake.
- Works for birthdays, holidays, or midnight cravings.
- The frosting is simply outrageous.
- Stays moist for days.
- Pairs beautifully with coffee or espresso.
- Guaranteed “Can you share the recipe?” moments.
Why This Baileys Chocolate Cake Is The Only One You’ll Ever Need
Last winter, I baked this cake for my cousin’s birthday. She’s not a big dessert person, so I was honestly nervous. She took one bite, paused, then said, “Okay… I want this for every birthday forever.” That’s when I knew it wasn’t just good—it was iconic.
Cuisine: American with Irish-inspired flavors.
What You Really Need to Make This Amazing Baileys Chocolate Cake (Simplified)
- Flour, sugar, cocoa
- Baking powder + baking soda
- Eggs
- Oil or melted butter
- Strong brewed coffee
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Vanilla
- For the frosting: butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, Baileys
How to Master the Perfect Baileys Chocolate Cake (My Secret Method)
Whisk your dry ingredients together first—this helps create that tender crumb. In another bowl, mix the eggs, oil, Baileys, and coffee (trust me on the coffee; it boosts the chocolate flavor). Pour wet into dry and stir gently until smooth.
When baking, don’t overdo it. Pull the cake when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Frost only when fully cool, and whip the frosting long enough so it’s airy and cloud-like.
Chef’s Notes and Tips For A Flawless Baileys Chocolate Cake
Use good cocoa powder—the darker, the better. Also, room-temperature ingredients help the batter blend smoothly. If your frosting feels too thick, add a tablespoon of Baileys until it’s just right.
If sweetness scares you, reduce the powdered sugar slightly. This cake is flexible, forgiving, and responds well to personal tweaks.
Get Creative! Easy Substitutions and Fun Variations
Swap Baileys for coffee liqueur, hazelnut cream liqueur, or even peppermint liqueur for a holiday twist. Add chocolate chips for a molten texture. You can also turn this into cupcakes—just reduce baking time.
Lighten It Up! Simple Swaps for a Healthier Baileys Chocolate Cake
Use Greek yogurt instead of some oil, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese frosting, or replace half the flour with whole-wheat pastry flour. For a lower-sugar version, use monk fruit sweetener in both cake and frosting.
And there you have it!
A rich, indulgent Baileys chocolate cake that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Don’t forget to tell us how yours turns out, and check out our other irresistible dessert recipes!
Are You Curious About Anything Else? FAQs
1. Can I make this moist Baileys chocolate cake recipe without alcohol?
Yes! You can replace Baileys with heavy cream, half-and-half, or even vanilla coffee creamer. The cake will still be tender and chocolaty. The flavor will shift slightly, but the texture stays perfect. For frosting, replace Baileys with milk or cream until the consistency is smooth.
2. Does Baileys bake out in chocolate cake?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind that distinct creamy, warm flavor. The result is a rich chocolate cake with hints of Irish cream—not boozy. If you want a stronger flavor, brush a tablespoon of Baileys over the cake layers while they cool.
3. How do I store a chocolate cake with Baileys frosting?
This cake stays wonderfully moist at room temperature for up to 3 days when covered. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it. Chilling firms the frosting but keeps the crumb soft. Bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
4. Can I freeze Baileys chocolate cake?
Yes, both frosted and unfrosted layers freeze well. Wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and fluff the frosting with a warm spatula if needed.
5. Can I turn this into a layer cake?
Absolutely. The batter divides beautifully into two or three pans. Just reduce baking time and rotate pans halfway through for even baking.
6. What’s the best Baileys frosting recipe for piping?
Add extra powdered sugar for stiffness and chill the frosting for 15 minutes before piping. It holds its shape extremely well and tastes like a Baileys truffle.
7. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free blend with xanthan gum. The cake stays moist because of the oil, Baileys, and coffee.
8. Why does coffee make chocolate taste better?
Coffee deepens cocoa flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. It intensifies the richness and enhances the overall depth, especially in a rich Baileys chocolate layer cake.
Baileys Chocolate Cake
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
Flour, sugar, cocoa
Baking powder + baking soda
Eggs
Oil or melted butter
Strong brewed coffee
Baileys Irish Cream
Vanilla
For the frosting: butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, Baileys
Directions
- Whisk your dry ingredients together first—this helps create that tender crumb. In another bowl, mix the eggs, oil, Baileys, and coffee (trust me on the coffee; it boosts the chocolate flavor). Pour wet into dry and stir gently until smooth.
- When baking, don’t overdo it. Pull the cake when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Frost only when fully cool, and whip the frosting long enough so it’s airy and cloud-like.
