Baileys Espresso Cream Cake is an indulgent layered dessert that combines deep chocolate flavor, bold espresso notes, and the smooth warmth of Irish cream liqueur. Moist chocolate cake layers are infused with espresso, filled with luscious Baileys cream frosting, and finished with elegant chocolate garnish for a stunning presentation.

This coffee flavored celebration cake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a sophisticated dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Baileys Espresso Cream Cake

Rich chocolate and espresso balance
Smooth Baileys-infused cream frosting
Elegant layered presentation
Perfect for coffee lovers
Ideal make-ahead celebration dessert

The combination of chocolate and coffee enhances depth and intensity, while Baileys Irish Cream adds creamy sweetness and subtle warmth.

Flavor Profile

This Irish cream chocolate cake delivers:

Deep cocoa richness
Bold espresso aroma
Velvety cream texture
Balanced sweetness
Slight caramel undertones from Baileys

Each bite melts smoothly with layered complexity.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Espresso Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tbsp espresso powder
1 cup brewed strong coffee (cooled)
½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
½ cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Baileys Cream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream
2–3 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

Chocolate shavings
Cocoa powder dusting
Whole espresso beans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix brewed coffee, Baileys, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
Alternate adding dry mixture and wet mixture into butter mixture.
Mix until smooth but do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake 30–35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make Baileys Cream Frosting

Beat butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Add Baileys and vanilla.
Add heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.

Step 7: Assemble Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate.
Spread even layer of frosting.
Add second cake layer.
Frost top and sides evenly.
Garnish with chocolate shavings and espresso beans.

Expert Tips for Best Results

Use High-Quality Cocoa

Dutch-process cocoa provides deeper flavor.

Don’t Skip Coffee

Coffee enhances chocolate without making cake taste like pure coffee.

Chill Before Slicing

Refrigerate 30 minutes before cutting for clean slices.

Measure Baileys Carefully

Too much liquid can thin frosting consistency.

Variations

Chocolate Ganache Drip

Add warm ganache over frosted cake for dramatic finish.

Mocha Buttercream

Add extra espresso powder to frosting.

Cupcake Version

Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes.

Alcohol-Free Version

Substitute Baileys with coffee creamer for similar flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled
Pair with espresso or cappuccino
Perfect for New Year’s celebrations
Ideal for adult birthday parties

This Baileys dessert recipe stands out as a luxurious yet approachable cake.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months.

Nutritional Overview (Per Slice Approx.)

Calories: 480
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 26g
Sugar: 42g

Why This Espresso Layer Cake Recipe Works

The key lies in balance:

Coffee intensifies chocolate
Baileys adds smooth creaminess
Butter-based frosting provides structure
Moist crumb holds layers beautifully

The result is a bakery-style cake with professional appearance and irresistible flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baileys Espresso Cream Cake delivers bold flavor, elegant presentation, and creamy indulgence in every slice. Perfect for celebrations or refined gatherings, this coffee flavored celebration cake offers rich chocolate depth with smooth Irish cream finish.

A true show-stopping dessert for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.