Bailey’s Chocolate Cake is the ultimate grown-up dessert — a rich, moist, deeply chocolatey cake infused with Irish Cream and topped with a silky, boozy ganache that melts in your mouth. This recipe is a celebration of decadent flavors, where unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of espresso powder create an intensely chocolatey base, while Bailey’s Irish Cream adds a smooth, creamy, slightly boozy warmth that takes this cake to the next level. The magic begins with a simple one-bowl batter that comes together in minutes. Boiling water is added at the end, which blooms the cocoa and creates an exceptionally moist, tender crumb. The cake bakes up beautifully in a 9×13 pan, and while it cools, a luscious ganache is made from heavy cream, Bailey’s, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
The brilliance of this cake lies in its layers of chocolate and Irish Cream flavor — the cake itself is rich and chocolatey with a subtle hint of Irish Cream, while the ganache on top is silky, smooth, and intensely flavorful. It’s the kind of dessert that feels elegant and indulgent, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion that calls for something truly memorable.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey — the boiling water and oil create an incredibly tender crumb.
- Bailey’s in the cake and the ganache — double the Irish Cream flavor in every bite.
- Silky, boozy ganache — smooth, glossy, and absolutely irresistible.
- Easy to make — a simple one-bowl batter and a quick ganache.
- Perfect for any occasion — elegant enough for a celebration, easy enough for a weekend treat.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup Irish Cream
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer, beat until combined. If you’re adding the espresso powder, whisk it into the boiling water before adding it to the batter.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Add the dry ingredients into the wet and mix. Add in the Irish Cream and boiling water and mix until combined.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
Heat the heavy cream and Bailey’s in the microwave or on the stovetop until simmering. Add the chocolate chips and whisk until melted and smooth. Let cool for an hour, or place in the refrigerator to speed it up. It needs to be the consistency of peanut butter.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Spread the ganache over the top of the cake, cut, and serve!
TIPS
- Don’t skip the boiling water — it blooms the cocoa powder and makes the cake extra moist.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk — they blend more smoothly into the batter.
- Let the ganache cool — if it’s too warm, it will run right off the cake. Wait until it’s thick and spreadable.
- Add espresso powder — it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Chill before slicing — for clean, beautiful slices, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before cutting.
STORAGE OPTIONS
Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: This cake freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Bailey’s Chocolate Cake is a rich, decadent, and utterly delicious dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its moist chocolate crumb and silky Irish Cream ganache, it’s a cake that everyone will love. Enjoy!
