If you’re anything like me, the mere thought of rich, fudgy brownies is enough to bring a smile to your face. There’s a comforting sweetness that envelopes me as I envision the blend of chocolate and creamy, dreamy buttercream—especially when that buttercream is infused with delightful Baileys Irish Cream. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a little celebration in every bite!
On a particularly rainy afternoon, I found myself yearning for something indulgent to lift my spirits. That’s when I decided to give my traditional brownie recipe a delightful twist. Combining a classic favorite with the luxurious flavor of Baileys takes these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary, turning a simple treat into a rich, adult dessert that feels both cozy and extravagant.
Join me as I walk you through this easy-to-make Baileys Buttercream Brownies recipe that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, these brownies are sure to become your new go-to.
Why You'll Love This Baileys Buttercream Brownies
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch of these delightful brownies with minimal effort.
- The combination of rich chocolate and creamy Baileys buttercream creates a flavor explosion that is both indulgent and satisfying.
- These brownies are versatile enough to be served at gatherings, birthday parties, or even as an afternoon treat with coffee.
- Their stunning appearance, topped with smooth buttercream and a hint of elegance, makes them a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests.
Baileys Buttercream Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownies
• Unsalted Butter – for that rich, velvety texture we all love.
• Granulated Sugar – sweetens the brownies to perfection.
• Brown Sugar – adds a deep, caramel-like flavor to the mix.
• Large Eggs – bind the ingredients and provide moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour – forms the structure for your brownies.
• Cocoa Powder – the heart of the brownies, giving that chocolatey goodness.
• Salt – balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
For the Baileys Buttercream
• Unsalted Butter – must be softened for a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar – sweetens and thickens the buttercream to your desired consistency.
• Baileys Irish Cream – infuses the frosting with that delightful, rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream – adds extra creaminess and helps achieve a velvety texture.
Prepare to indulge in these Baileys Buttercream Brownies—where chocolate bliss meets a luxurious topping!
How to Make Baileys Buttercream Brownies
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies cook evenly to that perfect fudgy texture we all crave.
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Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until completely melted, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Mix Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Pour the warm melted butter over the sugars and mix until well blended, creating a smooth mixture that’s invitingly glossy.
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Add Eggs: Crack in the large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then drizzle in the vanilla extract for a hint of aromatic goodness.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—don’t overmix!
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Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan (9×13 inches is perfect). Spread it evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Prepare Baileys Buttercream: While the brownies cool, make the buttercream. In a bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Pour in the Baileys Irish Cream and a splash of heavy cream, mixing until the buttercream is fluffy and smooth.
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Frost Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the luscious Baileys buttercream evenly over the top with a spatula, creating a beautiful layer of indulgence.
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Cut and Serve: Finally, cut the brownies into squares. Serve immediately, or allow them to chill for a short while—the flavors will only get better!
Optional: Dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Baileys Buttercream Brownies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these brownies to suit your taste buds!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting.
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Chocolate Mint: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the brownie batter and top with crushed mint candies for a refreshing twist.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor—a little surprise that will leave your guests wanting more!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, like coconut oil for unsalted butter and almond milk for heavy cream, to create a rich, indulgent version.
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Flavored Frosting: Experiment with different liqueurs like Kahlúa or Frangelico instead of Baileys for a unique buttercream frosting that can elevate your brownie experience.
For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosting. This brings out both the sweetness and the richness of the chocolate, creating a satisfying, balanced flavor.
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Caramel Swirls: Drizzle caramel sauce into the brownie batter before baking, creating beautiful, gooey swirls that enhance the overall indulgence.
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Fruit Infusion: Fold in some fresh raspberries or blueberries into the brownie mixture for a fruity burst of flavor and a pop of color against the rich chocolate.
With these variations, you can create endless delicious possibilities with your Baileys Buttercream Brownies!
What to Serve with Baileys Buttercream Brownies?
These decadent treats are perfect for elevating any occasion, blending sophistication with comfort in each scrumptious bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy chill of vanilla ice cream complements the rich, fudgy brownies, creating a delightful contrast of textures. A scoop on the side can transform your brownies into the perfect sundae.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness, cutting through the sweetness. Their tartness accentuates the indulgent flavor of the Baileys buttercream, making each bite more dynamic.
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Espresso or Coffee: A warm, rich cup of espresso enhances the chocolate flavors, providing a cozy, cafe-like experience. The smooth warmth of the drink harmonizes beautifully with the fudgy brownie texture.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your brownies intensifies the chocolaty goodness. It creates an ooey-gooey experience that’s utterly irresistible and perfect for chocolate lovers.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can balance the density of the brownies. Top each piece for an added layer of creaminess that feels just right for a celebratory dessert.
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Baileys Cocktail: Sipping on a Baileys Irish Cream cocktail elevates the theme even further. The creamy and slightly boozy flavor will harmonize delightfully with each bite of your brownies.
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Nutty Brownie Crumble: For a textural twist, consider a nutty brownie crumble topping. The crunchy elements provide a contrast to the soft, rich base and elevate the overall dessert experience.
How to Store and Freeze Baileys Buttercream Brownies
Room Temperature: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain soft and fudgy.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep the brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
Freezer: Freeze brownies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, reheat brownies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm them without melting the Baileys buttercream.
Make Ahead Options
These Baileys Buttercream Brownies are perfect for those busy days when you need to plan ahead! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate to keep it fresh. Additionally, the Baileys buttercream can be made up to 3 days prior—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain the buttercream’s silky texture, allow it to come to room temperature before frosting the cooled brownies. When you’re ready to serve, bake the brownie batter as directed and let them cool completely before spreading on the delicious buttercream. This way, you’ll enjoy decadent brownies with minimal effort on the day of your event!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Baileys Buttercream Brownies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for the buttercream; this will help achieve that silky smooth consistency.
- Be careful not to overmix your brownie batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture.
- Always use a toothpick to test for doneness; slightly moist crumbs indicate that your brownies are perfectly baked.
- To maximize flavor, let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting and losing its shape.
Baileys Buttercream Brownies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the Baileys buttercream?
Absolutely! You should use unsalted butter for both the brownies and the buttercream. It allows you to control the saltiness in your dessert, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the buttercream to achieve that creamy, smooth texture that we all crave!
How should I store leftover Baileys Buttercream Brownies?
Very! After baking, you can store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature for the best flavor experience!
Can I freeze the Baileys Buttercream Brownies?
Of course! To freeze them, first ensure they are completely cool. Then wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours.
What should I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
Ah, that can happen sometimes! If you find your brownies dry, ensure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately—especially the flour, as too much can lead to overbaking. To rescue a batch, you can serve them with a scoop of ice cream or even drizzle some extra Baileys sauce on top to reintroduce moisture.
Are these brownies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Great question! The standard Baileys Buttercream Brownies recipe contains gluten and dairy due to the all-purpose flour and butter. For gluten-free alternatives, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, and for a dairy-free option, consider using vegan butter and a non-dairy cream liqueur. Always check labels to ensure everything is safe if someone has allergies.
What’s the best way to know when my brownies are done baking?
Definitely! The best way to check is using the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are perfectly baked! It’s essential to remember that the brownies will continue to cook a little as they cool, so don’t worry about it looking slightly underdone.
Baileys Buttercream Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until completely melted, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Pour the warm melted butter over the sugars and mix until well blended.
- Add the large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then drizzle in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan (9x13 inches). Spread it evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies cool, make the buttercream. In a bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Pour in the Baileys Irish Cream and a splash of heavy cream, mixing until fluffy.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the Baileys buttercream evenly over the top.
- Cut the brownies into squares. Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving.
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