If you love chocolate, if you enjoy Baileys, and if you can’t wait to have dessert, then these triple-layer Baileys brownies are for you. These rich chocolate brownies are topped with a layer of yummy Irish cream frosting and ganache that will make you want to eat them all at once.
Baileys Brownies Ingredients
You’ll need:
For The Brownies:
- 1 package of boxed brownie mix plus the ingredients listed on the box to make the brownies (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For The Baileys Buttercream:
- ½ cup of salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2½ cups of powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons of Baileys Irish Cream
- 3-4 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream
PRO TIP:
The Baileys is not cooked in the buttercream layer, so there is a small alcohol content in the brownies but it is minimal.
For The Ganache:
- ⅓ cup of heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons of Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Substitutions And Additions
BAILEYS: Baileys is only one brand of Irish Cream. Any brand can be used in this Baileys brownie recipe.
You can substitute an equal amount of Baileys Irish Cream for the amount of water listed on the box mix instructions.
How To Make This Baileys Brownies Recipe
PRO TIP:
These fudgy brownies are rich, creamy, and so decadent. The Baileys flavor blends seamlessly with the chocolate – we have Baileys in all three layers, but you can, of course, put it in just one or two of the layers.
We would recommend including the Baileys in the buttercream frosting layer for the most impact if you don’t want to include it in the other layers.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven as indicated on the box of brownie mix. Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, and set it aside.
STEP TWO: Mix the brownie packet with the ingredients listed on the package instructions.
We substituted the indicated ¼ cup water for ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur in the brownie recipe.
STEP THREE: Bake brownies in the prepared pan according to the package instructions.
STEP FOUR: Cool brownies completely.
PRO TIP:
The brownies need to be all the way cooled before frosting so that they don’t melt the frosting.
STEP FIVE: Prepare the buttercream layer by beating together butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until combined.
STEP SIX: With the mixer running at low speed, pour two tablespoons of Baileys into the buttercream mixture and continue beating.
STEP SEVEN: Add the whipping cream one tablespoon at a time while continuously beating until a fluffy, smooth frosting forms.
STEP EIGHT: Use an offset spatula to spread the buttercream in an even layer over the top of the cooled brownies.
STEP NINE: Place brownies in the freezer while you prepare the ganache.
PRO TIP:
If you pop the frosted brownies in the freezer while preparing the ganache, the frosting will firm up so that the ganache can go on smoothly.
STEP TEN: Combine ⅓ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of Baileys in a heat-safe bowl.
Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until the cream mixture is just coming to a simmer.
STEP ELEVEN: Pour hot cream over one cup of chocolate chips. Let sit for three to four minutes.
STEP TWELVE: Stir the chocolate mixture until a smooth ganache forms.
STEP THIRTEEN: Spread ganache over the chilled, frosted brownies.
STEP FOURTEEN: Allow the ganache to set (either on the countertop for 45 to 60 minutes or in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes).
STEP FIFTEEN: Lift brownies from the tray by the flaps of parchment paper. Cut into even squares and serve immediately.
How To Serve These Baileys Irish Cream Brownies
These brownies are perfect on their own, but you could also try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
With the Baileys flavors, these would be a delightful adult dessert to serve for St. Patrick’s Day or for the holidays.
For more recipes celebrating this creamy liqueur, try our Bailey’s and coffee ice cubes and drunken Rudolph.
MORE BROWNIES RECIPES
Storing Irish Cream Brownies
IN THE FRIDGE: Store these boozy brownies, covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, on the countertop at room temperature or in the refrigerator for four to five days in an airtight container.
IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze these fudge brownies for up to three months.
Freeze in a single layer and then store with parchment paper between layers.
Devilishly rich and unapologetically chocolatey, that’s how we’d describe these Baileys brownies. They’re so decadent, so sweet, and so delicious: they will be a big hit, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions
This perfect dessert freezes really well and can be frozen for up to three months.
If you have a favorite brownie recipe, you can certainly make them from scratch instead of using a boxed brownie mix.
If you wanted to skip the Baileys completely in this recipe, you can. Just use water for the brownies and replace it in the buttercream and ganache with the same amount of cream instead.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Lemon Brownies
- Coconut Brownies
- Cheesecake Brownies
- Dr Pepper Brownies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Baileys Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients listed on the box to make the brownies typically eggs, oil, and water
Baileys Buttercream
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
- 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Ganache
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven as indicated on the brownie box. Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Mix the brownie packet with the ingredients listed on the package instructions. (We substituted the indicated ¼ cup water for ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur in the brownie recipe.
- Bake brownies in the prepared pan according to the package instructions.
- Cool brownies completely.
- Prepare the buttercream layer by beating together butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until combined.
- With the mixer running at low speed, pour two tablespoons of Baileys into the buttercream mixture and continue beating.
- Add whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time while continuously beating until a fluffy, smooth frosting forms.
- Use an offset spatula to spread the buttercream in an even layer over the top of the cooled brownies.
- Place brownies in the freezer while you prepare the ganache.
- Combine ⅓ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of Baileys in a heatproof bowl. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until the cream mixture is just coming to a simmer.
- Pour hot cream over 1 cup of chocolate chips. Let sit for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir the chocolate mixture until a smooth ganache forms.
- Spread ganache over the chilled, frosted brownies.
- Allow ganache to set (either on the countertop for 45 to 60 minutes or in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes).
- Lift brownies from the tray by the flaps of parchment paper. Cut into even squares and serve immediately.
Notes
- The Baileys is not cooked in the buttercream layer, so there is a small alcohol content in the brownies, but it is minimal.
- These fudgy brownies are rich, creamy, and so decadent. The Baileys flavor blends seamlessly with the chocolate – we have Baileys in all three layers, but you can, of course, put it in just one or two of the layers. I would recommend including the Baileys in the buttercream frosting layer for the most impact if you don’t want to include it in the other layers.
- The brownies need to be all the way cooled before frosting so that they don’t melt the frosting.
- If you pop the frosted brownies in the freezer while preparing the ganache, the frosting will firm up so that the ganache can go on smoothly.
Nutrition
Comments
Gloria says
These are so yummy!
Terri says
Just wondering if these can be frozen once complete to serve later?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Terri – here are the storage tips, enjoy!
IN THE FRIDGE: Store these boozy brownies, covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, on the countertop at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container.
IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze these fudge brownies for up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer and then store with parchment paper between layers.
Laurie says
These look amazing! I’m sure they are delicious!
Thanks for sharing them at the Homestead Blog Hop 386
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Nicole says
Omg these are incredible made them for Mother’s Day. In the ganache I even substituted 1 more tablespoon of baileys for regular cream to really have the baileys flavor pop. It was incredible!
Lisa Thompson says
I like brownies, but I’m a sucker for anything with buttercream frosting or ganache. The fact that you have both in this recipe makes me want to rush to the store to get everything I need to make this today!!! I can’t decide if I’m more excited about the frosting or the ganache.
Susan OLEARY says
I can’t wait to try this recipe! The only dessert using Bailey’s that I’ve “made” several times is Bailey’s over vanilla ice cream. Nice treat, and simple to fix. Your recipe looks delicious!
Lisa Stebbins says
Yummy I think my favorite part will be the brownie and frosting!!!
Susan D. says
I’ve made Bailey’s cheesecake for several years for St. Patrick’s dessert as well as Bailey’s chocolate chip cookies which are favorites in my house. I can’t wait to try these brownies!
Angel On Line says
This is a great recipe. I am making this for the homeless we cook for and feed. They will welcome these with open arms though I will need to leave the alcohol out. I just started using Stephanie’s recipes and am thrilled I found her.
Lawana Cheeks says
I like the ganache and the frosting that’s what I would eat first
Stephanie says
Sounds wonderful for Memorial Day treat! Yum!
patty says
never made any thing with bailey’s
Elizabeth White says
Yes I’ve made this devilish gorgeous recipe 3 times and every time I make it, it’s better than the time before! ♥️
Kelly Kardos says
Holy cow!! I’d serve these with ice cream for sure!
Bettsy Szabocsik says
Ooh these brownies with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream…and sprinkles!!!
Penny says
These will be made for the next family get together! Sounds amazing.
Robin K says
I would serve with ice cream and maybe some whipped cream for a delicious decadent dessert
Teri Norris says
I have a quick question, if I dont́ have Baileyś Irish Cream what other non alcohol flavors can I substitute it with?
Thanks I am excited to make these tonight.
Scott R Siegler says
Yes, I have Made things with Bailey’s before. My wife wanted a Bailey’s cheesecake for her birthday. so I made it. That lead to using alcohol in all kinds of recipes… there all kinds of them out there!
Erica says
I have used Baileys in this recipe and all I can say is ‘It smacks of goodness can’t stop eating the frosting ‘
Teresa Stopher says
Love using Bailey’s in recipes….
In this brownies recipe, I would use it in all layers
Serve with a big scoop of Coffee ice cream no sprinkles needed
A slight dusting of powdered sugar would elevate the brownies a notch.
YUM! Bailey’s is the best….I even like it over crushed ice….the ice actually becomes chewy!!!! 😋
Lindsay says
OMG! These look delicious! Especially the buttercream layer. Can’t wait to try these!
Patricia Serluco says
I love Bailey’s but I’ve never actually cooked with it! This recipe sounds absolutely fabulous!
Deborah says
I haven’t baked with Irish cream but I will make these. They look and sound delicious.
Laura Yarzebinski says
These sound delicious! Shared with my sister who loves Baileys!
Mary J Lewis says
I just made a Bailey’s Bundt cake 2 days ago. You can really taste the Bailey’s but it’s not overwhelming. These will be next because I have some Bailey’s left.
Amanda says
My family always vacationed near the beach in western Washington. There was a bakery in a little yellow house that made the MOST delicious cream cheese brownies. Sigh 🙂 Good memories of those brownies.
Linda says
These look amazing and I definitely will make them. I think adding a couple of tablespoons in the brownie batter would make the bars complete. I love the taste of Bailey’s and these sound so good. Can’t wait to make them.
Catherine Pahnke says
I have never made these Baileys brownies. My favorite layer would be the buttercream middle. I will have to buy some Baileys and try this recipe out.
Lynn says
Would serve these brownies with ice cream!!
Cassandra Cranmer says
This recipe sounds delicious. I would serve these brownies with some chocolate ice cream on the side.
Maegan says
These sound and look ah-mazing!! Would be the best with vanilla ice cream! ♡
Dan Radloff says
I would serve these brownies with ice cream. Ice cream would make these brownies taste very good.
Cari says
I would definitely love the brownie part to these. They look so good 😊
Bethany says
The creamy middle looks yummiest to me! 😋
Carol Jacobson says
Have not made yet, but sounds like a 5 star.
Vicki says
Could I make this in a 13by9 pan. and if I do should I double the recipe
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Vicki – you can double it in a 9×13, enjoy!
M Lynn Doane says
love the flavor in the icing