Baileys Irish Cream Brownies: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite

Baileys Irish Cream Brownies are the perfect treat for those who love the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and the smooth, creamy flavor of Baileys Irish Cream. These brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert by incorporating the distinctive taste of Baileys, making them the ultimate indulgence for any special occasion or just a cozy night in. I first experimented with this recipe when I was looking for a fun way to incorporate Baileys into a dessert, and I’ve never looked back. The deep, fudgy texture of the brownies, paired with the slight hint of Baileys in the background, creates an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just as an after-dinner dessert, these brownies are sure to impress.

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Ingredients Breakdown

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter: The base of these rich brownies is butter. It gives the brownies their moist, fudgy texture and enhances the overall flavor. Using unsalted butter ensures that you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Sugar: Granulated sugar adds the sweetness needed to balance the chocolate flavor. It also contributes to the chewy texture of the brownies.

Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and helping the brownies rise. They also add moisture to the batter, giving the brownies their tender crumb.

Baileys Irish Cream: The star ingredient in these brownies, Baileys Irish Cream, adds a unique flavor profile with its smooth, creamy taste. The alcohol cooks out while baking, leaving behind its rich, distinctive flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor. Be sure to use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best results.

Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the brownies. It’s important to measure the flour properly to avoid making the brownies too dense or dry.

Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the brownies rise slightly, giving them a soft, slightly cakey texture without losing the rich fudginess.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate and Baileys, creating a more complex taste profile. It adds depth and rounds out the sweetness.

Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of the sugar and Baileys.

Chocolate Chips (Optional): For extra chocolatey goodness, you can fold in some chocolate chips to the brownie batter. They’ll melt as the brownies bake, creating gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-second intervals, stirring after each one until it’s completely melted and smooth.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and eggs. Once combined, add the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Whisk again until smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the brownies too dense.
6. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.
7. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 brownies, depending on how large you cut them. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and the baking time is around 25-30 minutes. After allowing them to cool, the total time to make these brownies is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Equipment Needed

• Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
• Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
•  3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

1. 9×9-inch Baking Pan: This size is perfect for making brownies that are the ideal thickness. If you prefer thinner brownies, you can use a larger pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
2. Whisk: To combine your wet and dry ingredients smoothly, a whisk is essential for ensuring no lumps.
3. Spatula: A spatula helps you mix the batter without overworking it and allows you to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper helps ensure the brownies come out easily after baking.

Variations and Customizations

These Baileys Irish Cream Brownies are already a decadent treat, but there are several ways to make them your own:

1. Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to the batter. They’ll add a nutty flavor and texture that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy brownies.
2. Make Them Extra Boozy: If you want a stronger Baileys flavor, increase the amount of Baileys in the recipe by a tablespoon or two. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture of the brownies.
3. Use Different Chocolate: Instead of using cocoa powder, you could melt dark or semi-sweet chocolate and incorporate it into the batter. This would add a richer chocolate flavor and make the brownies even more indulgent.
4. Glaze the Brownies: For an even more decadent treat, top the brownies with a Baileys glaze made from powdered sugar, Baileys, and a little vanilla. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled brownies for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Dairy-Free Version: To make these brownies dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well. You can still enjoy the rich flavor of Baileys Irish Cream by opting for a dairy-free version of the liqueur.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein (g)	3
Carbs (g)	30
Fat (g)	14
Saturated Fat (g)	8
Fiber (g)	2
Sugar (g)	18
Sodium (mg)	80

Expert Tips & Customizations

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to dense and heavy brownies.

Check for Doneness: Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can make them dry.

Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool before cutting them into squares. This will help them set and prevent them from falling apart.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without Baileys Irish Cream?

While Baileys adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, or even vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze Baileys Irish Cream Brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.

Can I use milk chocolate in place of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can melt milk chocolate and use it instead of cocoa powder. However, it will make the brownies sweeter, so you may want to adjust the amount of sugar.

How do I make the brownies more fudgy?

For even fudgier brownies, reduce the flour slightly and ensure you don’t overbake them. The center should remain soft and moist.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the brownies a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Can I add a frosting or topping to these brownies?

Yes, you can top them with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or a Baileys glaze for an extra decadent treat.

What other alcohol can I use instead of Baileys?

Other creamy liqueurs, like Kahlúa or Amaretto, work well in place of Baileys.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

Baileys Irish Cream Brownies are a deliciously indulgent treat that takes classic brownies to a whole new level. With their rich, fudgy texture and subtle Baileys flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a decadent dessert for a special gathering or simply as a sweet snack, these brownies are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re a must-try for any chocolate and Baileys fan!

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