Baileys Irish Cream Cake

This Baileys Irish Cream Cake is the ultimate indulgence for lovers of rich, moist pound cake with a hint of boozy sophistication. Infused with smooth Irish Cream and a duo of sugars, the crumb is tender, buttery, and perfectly dense the kind of texture that makes every bite melt on your tongue. The velvety glaze, with its whisper of Baileys, adds an extra dimension of sweetness and makes this cake a standout centerpiece for any dessert table.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, dinner party, or just treating yourself to a special moment, this cake delivers every time. It’s easy enough for home bakers but elegant enough to wow your guests. Best of all, it stores well and even freezes beautifully though chances are it won’t last long once you slice into it.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
3 tablespoons water (plus more as needed)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with baking spray or grease and flour it thoroughly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a small measuring cup, mix Baileys and whole milk. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 6 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating just until each yolk disappears. Do not overmix.
Gradually add half the flour mixture, then half the milk mixture. Repeat until both are fully incorporated.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate and cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, Baileys, and water until smooth, adding more water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
Drizzle over cooled cake and let set before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 676 kcal | Servings: 12

Baileys Irish Cream Cake: A Decadent Dessert with Timeless Charm

There’s something inherently comforting about a classic pound cake rich, buttery, and dense with just the right crumb. Now, take that nostalgic treat and infuse it with the velvety essence of Irish cream liqueur, and what you have is a show-stopping dessert that’s equal parts elegant and indulgent: Baileys Irish Cream Cake.

This cake isn’t just a dessert it’s an experience. Every slice is a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness, with subtle notes of whiskey and cream woven throughout. It’s ideal for the holiday season, St. Patrick’s Day, family gatherings, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something a little luxurious.

Let’s dive into the magic that makes this cake so irresistible.

The Inspiration Behind the Cake

The Baileys Irish Cream Cake is a modern twist on a beloved tradition. Classic pound cakes have been a staple in American and European baking for centuries, known for their simple ingredients and satisfying texture. By introducing Irish cream liqueur into the mix, this cake becomes something entirely new a grown up version of a childhood favorite.

Irish cream, famously represented by the Baileys brand, is a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa. It’s smooth, sweet, and carries a gentle alcoholic warmth that pairs beautifully with rich desserts. When folded into a buttery cake batter, it imparts a flavor that’s subtly boozy and decadently creamy without being overpowering.

This cake is a testament to how just one ingredient can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

What Makes This Cake Unique?

One of the standout qualities of Baileys Irish Cream Cake is its moist, dense crumb. Unlike airy sponge cakes or fluffy layered confections, this cake has a grounded texture hearty yet tender. It’s the kind of cake that holds together beautifully on a dessert plate, perfect for slicing and serving with flair.

The Irish cream isn’t just thrown in for novelty it’s well balanced and thoughtfully incorporated into both the batter and the glaze. This twofold usage ensures that the flavor isn’t lost during baking. While some liqueur cakes only taste like alcohol in the glaze, this one carries the flavor throughout, giving every bite a whisper of Irish indulgence.

Another feature that makes this cake special is the simple but stunning glaze. A mixture of powdered sugar, Irish cream, and water creates a silky drizzle that hardens slightly upon setting, adding a lovely finish and just the right amount of sweetness to complement the buttery cake base.

Flavor and Texture Profile

From the first bite, you’ll notice a luscious medley of flavors. The cake begins with the familiar richness of butter and brown sugar there’s a molasses depth that elevates it above your standard vanilla pound cake. Then comes the Baileys, bringing in its signature notes of cocoa, vanilla, and whiskey, mellowed by the smoothness of cream.

The texture is undeniably satisfying: dense enough to feel substantial, but with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It has enough structural integrity to hold up under a generous glaze without getting soggy, which makes it great for slicing and serving in elegant portions.

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, this is it.

Perfect for Every Occasion

While this cake might feel fancy, it’s actually incredibly versatile. You can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion:

Holidays & Celebrations: Its boozy undertones and festive flavor make it a hit at Christmas, New Year’s, and of course, St. Patrick’s Day.
Brunches & Showers: Its sweet-yet-mild profile works well with coffee or tea, making it a lovely addition to a brunch buffet or bridal shower.
Casual Gatherings: Serve it as a cozy dessert at your next family dinner it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn’t demand frosting or decorations.
Gifting: Wrapped in parchment and a decorative tin, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift for the dessert lover in your life.

Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, this cake always feels special.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cake

To get the best results when making Baileys Irish Cream Cake, keep these baking insights in mind:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for smoother incorporation and a better final texture.
Don’t Overmix: While you want to beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, once you add the eggs and flour, be gentle. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
Watch the Bake Time: Because of its density, pound cakes can easily become dry if overbaked. Use a skewer to test the center around the 75-minute mark when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Use a Quality Bundt Pan: Not only does a Bundt pan give the cake its beautiful shape, but it also helps with even heat distribution. Be sure to grease it thoroughly either with baking spray or the old-school butter-and-flour method to prevent sticking.

Variations and Customizations

If you like to play around with your bakes, this cake gives you room to get creative. Here are a few fun ways to adapt the original:

Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in mini chocolate chips to amplify the cocoa notes in the Baileys.
Coffee Infusion: Replace some of the milk with strong brewed coffee for a mocha twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for texture.
Layered Version: Bake it in loaf pans or cake tins and frost with Irish cream buttercream for a layer cake experience.
Boozy Glaze Variations: Switch up the glaze by adding a splash of coffee liqueur or hazelnut liqueur for a unique finish.

Pairing Ideas

What you serve with Baileys Irish Cream Cake depends on the vibe you’re going for:

Beverages: Pair it with a cup of espresso, a latte, or even a glass of Baileys on the rocks. A bold Irish coffee is a natural match.
Toppings: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream will take this dessert over the top.
Fruit: Serve with fresh raspberries or a drizzle of berry compote to add a bit of tart contrast to the sweet, creamy notes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best parts about this cake is how well it stores. You can:

Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Refrigerate it for up to a week just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and let sit at room temp before enjoying.

It’s also an excellent make-ahead option for holidays or dinner parties. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making it even more delicious.

Conclusion:

Baileys Irish Cream Cake is the kind of dessert that speaks to every kind of baker whether you’re a novice experimenting with Bundt pans or a seasoned pro looking for a new favorite. It’s elegant yet accessible, comforting yet luxurious, and simple enough to let you enjoy the process without stress.

It’s not just the flavor that sets this cake apart it’s the experience. The act of slicing into a perfectly glazed pound cake, the aroma of Irish cream mingling with brown sugar, the way each bite feels like a celebration.

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of sophistication to your table, this cake is it. And once you’ve made it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your household.

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