Bailey’s Irish Cream Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Buttercream frosting just got better by adding Bailey’s Irish Cream. It’s perfect on top of chocolate cake for St. Patrick’s Day. 

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Last month we made some homemade Irish cream so it was only fitting to put that into some traditional buttercream frosting! I know it isn’t St. Patrick’s Day right now, but anytime is a good time for a Baileys buttercream frosting recipe. 

Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream is made from a blend of Irish whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, dark coffee, and maple syrup. I made a vegan version using coconut condensed milk and almond milk. It was delicious and dangerous because it was so smooth. 

What Should I Put Bailey’s Frosting On?

The first time I made this Baileys frosting, we used rich chocolate cake made into cupcakes to test the frosting. I also added some chocolate chips into the batter for that extra melted chocolate taste.

This would be a great frosting for:

• Guinness cupcakes or Guinness cake
• Vanilla cupcakes or sheet cake
• Coffee cupcakes
• Baileys cupcakes

What is Baileys Irish Cream Icing?

Baileys Irish Cream icing is a rich, boozy twist on classic buttercream. By blending smooth Irish cream liqueur with butter, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, you get a luscious frosting that carries both sweetness and warmth. This icing is creamy, spreadable, and perfect for adding a grown-up flair to your favorite baked goods. Whether you use it on cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies, it brings a luxurious flavor that instantly elevates simple desserts.

Tips for the Perfect Texture

When making Baileys Irish Cream icing, the key is to balance the sweetness of powdered sugar with the silky flavor of Baileys. To achieve a fluffy consistency, make sure your butter is softened but not melted before whipping. Gradually add the powdered sugar so the icing doesn’t become grainy. If you want a lighter frosting, whip the mixture for a few extra minutes to incorporate more air. For a thicker spread ideal for layer cakes, reduce the amount of liquid slightly until you reach the texture you prefer.

How to Use Baileys Irish Cream Icing

This versatile icing can be paired with many desserts. Spread it over a rich chocolate cake to highlight the deep cocoa notes, or pipe it onto vanilla cupcakes for a sweet contrast. It also works beautifully on brownies or sandwiched between cookies for an indulgent treat. Around the holidays, Baileys icing is especially popular as a finishing touch for celebration cakes or drizzled over baked donuts for a festive twist.

Flavor Variations to Try

While classic Baileys gives the icing its signature taste, you can experiment with flavored versions of Irish cream. Baileys Salted Caramel adds a buttery richness, while Baileys Espresso Creme pairs beautifully with mocha or tiramisu-inspired desserts. For a seasonal spin, Baileys Red Velvet or Pumpkin Spice can give your icing a unique twist. If you prefer a stronger flavor, add a splash of instant espresso powder or cocoa to enhance the depth of the frosting.

How to Store Baileys Irish Cream Icing

Since this icing contains dairy and liqueur, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for about 3–4 days. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes and give it a quick whip to restore its creamy consistency. If you’ve frosted a cake or cupcakes with Baileys icing, keep them chilled until serving, especially in warmer climates.

Can You Make It Without Alcohol?

If you want the same creamy flavor without alcohol, you can substitute Baileys with Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer. This swap gives you the taste profile of Baileys Irish Cream icing while keeping the frosting family-friendly. You can also mix in a splash of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the flavor if you want a little extra richness.

Simple Ingredients for Bailey’s Frosting

Unsalted Butter

I first made it with vegan butter since I wanted a vegan version of this frosting. You can also use regular unsalted butter for this recipe. Make sure you use soft butter so it will whisk correctly in the electric mixer. 

Salt

Adding just a bit of salt brings out the flavor in the recipe. Or, another option would be to use salted butter and then skip the salt. 

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is another way to add just a bit of flavor. It doesn’t take much vanilla extract to add a lot of taste to the creamy frosting. 

Powdered Sugar

The base of the frosting is powdered sugar. You don’t want to change this for anything else, although you may also find this called confectioners’ sugar at the store. Don’t substitute for regular sugar or any other dry ingredients or you won’t get the smooth consistency you want. 

Bailey’s Irish Cream 

This is where the Irish Cream flavor comes into play in the frosting. I prefer to use homemade Irish Cream since I was able to make it without dairy. But you can also use store-bought Irish Cream. 

Milk

Almost any milk will work for this since you are only using a small amount. Again, to keep it dairy free, I made this with almond milk the first time. It also worked well with whole milk. Another option would be to use heavy cream if you have that. It will make the buttercream just slightly thicker. 

Bailey’s Irish Cream Frosting Step by Step

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 tbsp milk

Preparation

Add the butter to a stand mixer bowl or large bowl and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute with a whisk attachment or paddle attachment

Stir in the salt and vanilla extract

Slowly add in the powdered sugar, alternating with the Bailey’s and almond milk

Whisk on low speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed

Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap flush to the frosting and refrigerate for up to 1 month

Baileys Irish Cream Frosting Leftovers

Storage: For the best results, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Make sure the plastic wrap is touching the top of the buttercream frosting. 

Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before using. Mix well before serving. 

Recipe

Bailey’s Irish Cream Frosting

Buttercream frosting just got better by adding Bailey's Irish Cream. It's perfect on top of chocolate cake for St. Patrick's Day. 

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Course:

Dessert

|

Homemade Staple

Cuisine:

American

Diet

Vegetarian

Keyword:

bailey’s irish cream

|

buttercream frosting

|

cake

|

cake frosting

|

dessert

|

frosting

|

Irish

|

Irish Cream

|

Irish Whiskey

Dietary Needs:

Egg-Free

|

Gluten-Free

|

Nut-Free

Servings: 3 cups

5 from 10 votes

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 tbsp milk

Recommended Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• Electric Mixer

Instructions

• Add the butter to a stand mixer bowl or large bowl and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute with a whisk attachment or paddle attachment
• Stir in the salt and vanilla extract
• Slowly add in the powdered sugar, alternating with the Bailey’s and almond milk
• Whisk on low speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed
• Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap flush to the frosting and refrigerate for up to 1 month

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Nutrition Facts

Bailey's Irish Cream Frosting

Amount Per Serving (2 tbsp)

Calories 76 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 10mg3%

Sodium 25mg1%

Potassium 2mg0%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 0.1g0%

Vitamin A 119IU2%

Calcium 2mg0%

Iron 0.01mg0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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