Baileys Irish Cream Cake

This Baileys Irish Cream Cake is a rich chocolate cake that's moist and deeply chocolatey, with subtle warmth from Irish cream liqueur in every bite. A soft crumb, balanced sweetness and smooth Baileys frosting make it feel indulgent without being heavy.

This is the kind of cake you make when you want something that feels special but still approachable, whether that's for St. Patrick's Day, a holiday dinner or a low-key celebration at home. It works just as well as a casual dessert as it does as a centerpiece cake.

For more Baileys recipes, you have to try our Baileys Cheesecake and Baileys Truffles.

Ingredients

This delicious cake is worth the longer than typical list of ingredients.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Baileys Irish Cream: Adds warmth, depth, and a subtle boozy note without overpowering the cake.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Creates a deep chocolate base with rich flavor.
• Espresso Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
• Cornstarch: Softens the crumb and keeps the cake tender.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Work together to give the cake lift.
• Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens the chocolate flavor.
• Greek Yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds richness without heaviness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft, moist texture that stays tender.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
• Whole Milk: Helps loosen the batter for an even crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors.
• White Vinegar: Reacts with the cocoa and leaveners to enhance texture.

A few simple tools like a mixing bowl, 9" cake pan, measuring cups and spoons and a saucepan are all you need for this moist cake. For the frosting, you can use a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a electric hand mixer and a large bowl.

Variations

• Layer Cake: Double the recipe and stack with a thin layer of frosting between cake layers.
• Extra Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the batter for pockets of melted chocolate.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Swap Baileys for heavy cream and a teaspoon vanilla for a similar texture without the liqueur.

How to Make a Baileys Irish Cream Cake

This tasty cake is so easy, even for first-time bakers.

Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9" cake pan with cooking spray, set aside.

Heat Baileys on low in a small saucepan then stir in cocoa and espresso powder (it will be thick). Allow it to cool slightly.

In a medium bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, baking soda, sea salt and baking powder. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, egg, milk, vanilla and vinegar. Lastly, add in the Baileys mixture.

Add dry ingredients to the large bowl and mix well.

Pour batter to your prepared pan and bake for about 22-25 minutes (a toothpick should show moist crumbs from the center). Leave it to cool for about 15 minutes then carefully flip and transfer to a wire rack. 

Let your cake cool then make your frosting by adding everything to the bowl of a stand mixer and run on medium speed until well combined and smooth.

Frost cake with an offset spatula and enjoy.

Hint: Let dairy and eggs warm up slightly so the batter mixes smoothly.

Recipe Tips

• Cooling the Baileys Mixture: Allow the cocoa mixture to cool before adding it to avoid cooking the egg.
• Don't Overbake: Pull the cake when moist crumbs appear to keep it soft.
• Thin Frosting Layer: A light layer lets the chocolate cake shine without overpowering it.

For another dessert that leans into rich flavors and simple prep, our Rolo Brownies are always a hit.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover cake covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm Beverages Recipes: Irish Coffee with Baileys, Crockpot Hot Chocolate or Espresso Irish Coffee.
• Dessert Recipes: Chocolate Chunk Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars, Baileys Bundt Cake, Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies.

Baileys Irish Cream Cake Recipe FAQs