The Baileys brownies are a seriously indulgent treat. The chocolatey, rich, fudgy brownie is laced with Baileys and drizzled with a simple, delicious Baileys icing.
Making the brownies is really easy. You'll melt dark chocolate and butter together, whisk in eggs, Baileys and vanilla, fold in flour and then bake.
Once cooled, you'll whip icing sugar and Baileys together to create a beautifully simple Baileys frosting, then drizzle it all over your brownie.
Cut into 12 pieces and the result is sure to send any Baileys lover to heaven.
Who will you make these for?
Ingredients
For the Baileys chocolate brownies
- 400 g (14 oz) dark chocolate (bittersweet) 70%, roughly chopped
- 280 g (2½ sticks) slightly salted butter cubed
- 450 g (2½ cups) white caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 6 medium free range eggs room temp, beaten
- 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 170 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
For the Baileys icing
- 65 g (½ cup) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 tbsp Baileys Original Irish Cream
Equipment
- Rectangle 20x28cm (8"x11") nonstick cake tin
Instructions
Make the Baileys chocolate brownies
Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan). Grease and line a 20cm x 28cm (8 inch x 11 inch) non-stick shallow rectangular cake tin.
Put the butter and chopped dark chocolate in a large, heatproof bowl.
Gently melt the chocolate and butter until smooth. You can do this in the microwave in 30 second blasts (it will take 1.5-2 minutes in total) or you can place the bowl over a pan of boiling water and stir until melted.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then add the caster sugar.
Whisk through.
Add the beaten eggs, vanilla and Baileys.
Whisk together.
Sift in the flour.
Fold through.
Fill the greased and lined tin with the brownie batter and level off.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and shiny all the way across. A skewer pushed into the centre should reveal sticky crumbs.
Place on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then turn out to cool completely.
Transfer to a board.
Make the Baileys icing
Sift the icing sugar into a bowl, then add in the Baileys.
Whisk until you have a thick icing.
Drizzle all over the top of the Baileys brownies.
Once the icing has set, cut the brownies into 12 pieces in a 3x4 pattern.
Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Baileys brownies
Are Baileys brownies easy to make?
These Baileys brownies are really easy to make and totally worth it. The batter uses simple ingredients, whisked together in a single bowl. The brownies then take just 30 minutes to bake and the icing is a super straightforward combination of Baileys and icing sugar, whisked together and drizzled on top.
These indulgent sweet treats can be made by bakers at any skill level and are sure to go down a storm with friends and family.
Will I need any special equipment to make Baileys brownies?
A typical home kitchen will probably have all that you need to make this recipe, such as a heat proof mixing bowl, medium roasting tray, baking paper and a wire cooling rack.
You might like to use an electric whisk to combine the ingredients but a manual one will work just as well, without the need for much effort.
There is a full list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below.
What is Baileys?
Baileys is a type of “Irish cream” - a sweet,cream-based, alcoholic liqueur with hints of vanilla and cocoa. It’s made in Ireland with Irish whisky and milk from Irish cows, and is often served over ice or in various cocktails. It’s also great to bake with!
Baileys is a brand name, so you can find Irish cream by other brands, too. If you decide to use another brand, check the ingredients to make sure it’s made with whisky rather than just “alcohol” as that really affects the flavour.
Where can I buy Baileys?
In the UK, Baileys Original Irish cream is stocked in pretty much all supermarkets, as well as off-licences and many smaller stores. It’s also commonly stocked in the US (e.g. Target) and Australia (e.g. Woolworths).
If you can’t find it in-store, you should be able to order Baileys online.
How can I tell if my Baileys has gone off?
Baileys is 17% ABV (alcohol content by volume), which helps preserve it and give it a far longer shelf-life than cream alone.
When you buy a bottle of Baileys, you’ll find a Best Before end date on the label that is often a year or more beyond the date of purchase. Unlike Use By dates, which are essential safety markers and should never be exceeded, Best Before End dates are more indicators of best quality. This means that food can be safely consumed beyond their “Best Before” date, provided there are no signs of spoilage.
The label on Baileys suggests storing in the fridge but beyond that, does not suggest that spoilage time is shortened once the bottle is opened.
When checking on your Baileys, here are some key things to look out for:
- Smell. If your Baileys has a sour or unpleasant smell then it should not be used.
- Colour. Pour a little into a glass, it should be a creamy light caramel colour. If it is darker, more akin to milky coffee, or streaky, then it has started to go bad.
- Texture. Your Baileys should be smooth and pour like cream. If you can see any signs of curdling or splitting in the liquid, it should be discarded.
- Taste. Any change in taste is a sign that your Baileys is past its best and shouldn’t be used.
Is chocolate safe to use if it has a white powdery film?
As long as you’re sure they’re not mould then yes, it is safe to eat chocolate with chalky patches on it. The white patches appear when the sugar or fat particles separate and rise to the surface, creating a ‘bloom’ on the surface.
Chocolate that has bloomed isn’t harmful to eat, but you may notice a slight difference in taste.
To avoid bloom, try to store your chocolate in a sealed container somewhere consistently cool and dry.
Are Baileys brownies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Baileys brownies are suitable for vegetarians as they contain no meat, fish or poultry.
At the time of writing (October 2021), Baileys Original Irish Cream is suitable for vegetarians, but you should always double check the labels on all of your ingredients to make sure that they are suitable.
Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve the recipe with.
Are Baileys brownies suitable for vegans?
This Baileys brownies recipe calls for butter, eggs and Baileys, which are not suitable for vegans. It also contains dark chocolate, which sometimes contains dairy.
You can certainly try making this recipe with vegan alternatives, although I haven’t yet tried out a vegan version of this particular recipe.
To replace the butter, look for a dairy-free baking block or spread with a fat with a content of around 80% as this will be similar to butter (lower fat spreads have a high water content and won’t work as well in this recipe).
For the Baileys, you could try using their vegan product, Baileys Almande, which is made with almond milk but has a similar fat content.
For the chocolate, you could purchase some dark chocolate specifically marketed as vegan, or you could check the labels on any dark chocolate, as some are naturally dairy free.
Finally, you’ll need to replace the eggs. In general, in vegan baking, I tend to swap each for one of the following (each = 1 egg, so just multiply for the correct amount):
- 180g plant-based yogurt (unsweetened)
- 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- ½ mashed banana - this will add more sweetness, but also will give you a hint of banana flavour which may not be for everyone
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, crushed with 2 tablespoons of water, left to sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
This might take some experimentation to get right, so let me know how you get on.
Double check all of your ingredients labels to make sure to check that they are suitable for vegans. Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve your Baileys brownies with.
Are Baileys brownies gluten-free?
Plain flour is used in this recipe, which contains gluten, but it could be substituted for gluten-free flour with no likely problems. Aim to use a good quality gluten free flour, if you can, for best results.
Baileys isn’t officially labelled as gluten-free, but it also isn’t mentioned as an allergy on the label and so as of Oct 2021 many do consider it suitable for a gluten-free diet. Ultimately, it’s a judgement call that only the person affected should make, so if you’re cooking these brownies for someone else, check with them first.
Double check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve the brownies with.
Are Baileys brownies keto-friendly?
The high sugar content and use of flour in this recipe means that it is not a keto-friendly dessert.
Are Baileys brownies healthy?
Dessert absolutely can have a place in a healthy lifestyle, especially if you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and have an active lifestyle.
These Baileys brownies are a decadent chocolate dessert, rich in sugar and fat, so they’re more suited as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday snack.
Are Baileys brownies safe to eat while pregnant?
Whenever you are cooking, you should always ensure all the ingredients are in good condition and the recipe is prepared safely and hygienically. This especially applies if the dish will be consumed by pregnant people.
Baileys brownies are made with alcohol. There is a total of 115ml of Baileys in this recipe, equivalent to 0.15 units per brownie.
As of October 2021, the NHS advice on drinking alcohol during pregnancy is as follows: “Experts are still unsure exactly how much – if any – alcohol is completely safe for you to have while you're pregnant, so the safest approach is not to drink at all while you're expecting.”
For this reason, it’s best to avoid eating these brownies while pregnant.
A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.
What goes well with Baileys brownies?
These Baileys brownies are amazing with a hot cup of cocoa (added shot of Baileys optional) or a glass of milk. They are also rather special served with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
If you like, you can warm your brownie on a plate in the microwave for 15-30 seconds to get them extra soft and gooey then pair with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast in textures and temperature is sublime.
Can I eat Baileys brownies warm?
Yes. You can enjoy your Baileys brownies warm.
You’ll need to let them cool completely after they come out of the oven so that you can ice them and cut them neatly into 12. However, once they’re portioned, just pop your brownie on a microwave safe plate and into the microwave. 15-30 seconds should do the trick!
Can I make this recipe without Baileys?
The Baileys in this recipe is key to the flavour, but if you don’t have it, can’t use it, or don’t like it, you can leave it out.
To still get that fudgy, rich brownie texture, you’ll need to use 100ml of single cream in the batter as that has a similar fat content to Baileys and so should give similar results.
For the icing, you can use cream or milk.
Can I make Baileys brownies without chocolate?
If you want to leave out the dark chocolate, you’re probably looking to make Baileys blondies. Luckily, I have a recipe for that! My Baileys blondies recipe is similar to my Baileys brownies in method and ingredients, but it’s been fully tested to ensure you’ll get perfect blondies.
The most noticeable difference between a brownie and a blondie, other than the colour, is the taste. A brownie is chocolatey, whereas a blondie tends to be more vanilla flavoured.
Can I make Baileys brownies with white chocolate or milk chocolate?
It’s not quite as simple as a straight swap when it comes to chocolate in brownies. This is because different types of chocolate (white, milk, dark) have different cocoa content and fat content.
This Baileys brownies recipe has been tested with dark chocolate, adding lots of cocoa richness offset by a good helping of butter and sugar - and, of course, Baileys - for a balanced flavour and a perfectly squishy yet set texture.
If you sub in milk or white chocolate, you may find that your brownies don’t quite set properly. If you decide to experiment, let me know how you get on!
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
This recipe is pretty chocolate-strong already, but if your preference is to add more then go ahead.
There’s just the right amount of melted dark chocolate in the batter, so I wouldn’t recommend changing that. However, you could fold some white, milk or dark chocolate chips into the batter but don’t go overboard - 100g (3.5oz) would be plenty.
How should I store Baileys brownies?
Cut your brownies into squares and then transfer to an airtight container with a little baking paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
How long do Baileys brownies keep?
If properly stored in a sealed container somewhere cool and dry, or in the fridge, these Baileys Brownies should keep for up to five days.
Can I leave Baileys brownies out on the counter?
Don’t leave these Baileys brownies out on the counter uncovered, other than for serving. If they’re left at room temperature uncovered they will quickly dry out.
Make sure you store them in a sealed container, out of direct sunlight.
Can I make Baileys brownies ahead?
You can’t really make the batter ahead of time as it needs to go into the oven soon after making.
However, once your brownies have completely cooled, you could wrap them as one big slab and store in a cool dry place or in the fridge overnight, ready to ice and cut into portions the next day.
Can I keep Baileys brownies in the refrigerator?
Yes, you can certainly keep your Baileys brownies in the fridge, if you like. Just make sure that they’re in a sealed container.
If your brownies are kept in the fridge, they will be quite firm and cold, so you might like to get them out 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come up to room temperature and achieve a more fudgy texture and better flavour.
Remember, you brownies will also be fine in a sealed container in a cool cupboard or pantry, if you prefer.
Can I freeze Baileys brownies?
Yes, you can freeze Baileys brownies. In fact, freezing brownies is a great thing to do when you have some time on your hands because you can freeze them in their sliced portions and only pull out the amount you require when the time comes.
To do this, make sure your brownies have cooled completely and the icing has set. You then have two choices. You either double wrap the whole slab and place in the freezer or you can cut into squares, transfer to an airtight container with a little baking paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and then pop the container in the freezer.
Don’t forget to label your brownies with the date so you know how long they’ve been stored for.
What is the best way to defrost Baileys brownies?
When you’re ready to enjoy your brownies, remove them from the freezer and transfer them straight to the fridge to defrost overnight.
If you froze your brownies in one big slab, leave the slab wrapped when you place it in the fridge. If you’re defrosting a container full of brownies, transfer the whole container to the fridge. And finally, if you’re only defrosting one or two brownies, remove them from the freezer container and place them in a fresh container to defrost in the fridge.
Can I make Baileys brownies in a different quantity?
This recipe will make 12 generously-sized Baileys brownies.
If you’d like to make more or fewer, look for the recipe card below. You'll see the servings near the top left. To change this to the number you want to make just click on it and a little slider will pop up. You can move the slider up or down to get the amount you want to make.
All the ingredient quantities will update automatically for you so that everything is in the right ratios.
Bear in mind that if you increase or decrease the amount of batter, you’ll need to adjust the tray size accordingly. Aim for a batter depth of about 2.5cm (1 inch) to ensure your brownies are able to cook through to the centre without burning the edges or leaving the middle liquid.
A small batch of brownies may take less time to bake while a large tray may take a little more time.
If you’re baking multiple batches, try not to have more than two trays in the oven at once as overcrowding can prevent heat from circulating properly.
Can I make Baileys brownies in individual portions?
Think of the texture of a corner piece of brownie versus the centre. The inner pieces will be squishy all the way across, while the outer two edges of the corner pieces will probably be a little more baked and therefore a little more cakey.
If you bake brownies as individual portions (in a muffin tray, for example) they will have heat all the way round a small amount of batter and so can easily turn out cakey all the way around.
If you love the corner piece, then you can of course give it a go, but aim to get them out of the oven as soon as they look just baked.
Can I make Baileys brownies in a different shaped tin/tray?
You can use any shaped tray that allows the batter to sit about 2.5cm (1 inch) deep.
If you use a circular tray, you might like to cut the brownies into wedges as you would a cake.
Can I make these Baileys brownies in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?
You only need to mix the batter ingredients just enough to combine them fully, so a manual whisk is the best option. However, if you prefer to use a stand mixer, you certainly can.
Fit the mixer with the balloon whisk attachment, mix in short bursts so that you don’t overwork the batter, and scrape down the sides between ingredient additions to make sure that everything is fully incorporated.
Can I make Baileys brownies with a food processor?
You only need to mix the batter ingredients just enough to combine them fully, so a manual whisk is the best option. However, if you need to use a food processor, you certainly can.
Pulse the blender only briefly so that you don’t overwork the batter, and scrape down the sides between ingredient additions to make sure that everything is fully incorporated.
How can I make sure my Baileys brownies turn out perfectly?
Whenever you make a dish for the first time, I highly recommend starting by reading the recipe all the way through. That way there are no surprises!
Next, set your oven so that it has plenty of time to come up to temperature before the batter goes in, then gather all the equipment (there’s a list on the recipe card below) and weigh out all of your ingredients so that the cooking process can run super smoothly.
It’s also a good idea to grease and line your tray right at the start so that the batter isn’t waiting around when it’s ready to bake.
When you melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, make sure to use 30 second blasts so that you don’t burn the chocolate. Add the sugar next as this gives it the best chance of dissolving in the chocolate mixture, which in turn helps ensure your brownies get a nice shiny top.
Be sure to beat your eggs and add to the batter at the same time as the vanilla and Baileys to avoid developing cooked strands of egg in the warm chocolate. Fold the flour in last, making sure to fully combine everything while avoiding overworking the batter.
Pour your batter into the tin and level off for an even rise. Place the brownie on the middle shelf so that the heat can circulate evenly around the tin.
Set a timer and check on your brownies through the glass door, especially towards the end of the cooking time. Your brownies are ready when the top looks shiny and set, and a skewer pushed into the centre comes out with sticky crumbs attached, but no liquid batter. If the skewer comes out totally clean, the brownies are overbaked.
Why did Baileys brownies turn out dry/crumbly or cakey?
Brownies differ from cakes in that they have a lower flour content and a higher chocolate content, which allows them to become the fudgy, dense treats we know and love.
A key factor in achieving the ideal brownie consistency is baking time. If you bake your brownies for too long, they will dry out all the way to the centre and seem dry and cakey instead. That’s why it’s important to preheat your oven to the correct temperature and set a timer so that you don’t over bake them.
If you’re not sure if your brownies are cooked or not, push a skewer pushed into the centre of the tin. If it comes out with sticky crumbs attached, but no liquid batter, your brownies are done.
Why did my Baileys brownies turn out soft and runny?
If your brownies are runny and you’re sure you didn’t make a mistake with the ingredients quantities, then it’s likely that the oven wasn’t hot enough or they didn’t bake for long enough.
Make sure you set your oven to preheat before you start making the brownies. It’s really important that the oven is fully up to temperature when the brownies go in or they simply won’t cook properly.
Secondly, make sure to set a timer to take the guesswork out of knowing when your brownies are done. When they seem done, push a skewer pushed into the centre of the tin. If it comes out with sticky crumbs attached, but no liquid batter, your brownies are done.
Why didn’t my Baileys brownies rise?
Brownies are made with plain flour so don’t expect them to rise as much as a cake. They do contain eggs, though, which will help with a gentle, even rise.
If your brownies are very flat, it might be that a mistake was made with the quantities or the oven wasn’t sufficiently hot.
Why did my Baileys brownies taste bitter?
These Baileys brownies are made with dark chocolate but that’s balanced with plenty of butter, sugar and Baileys, so the final product shouldn’t taste bitter.
In the recipe, I recommend using 70% cocoa solids chocolate. If you use chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa, the resulting brownies will taste less sweet, but are still unlikely to taste bitter.
Of course, burnt food can taste bitter. If your brownies are burnt, this is a sign that the oven was too hot, the brownies were cooked too close to the top of the oven, or they were baked for too long.
How can I add/change the flavours in these Baileys brownies?
There are lots of ways that you can change up the flavour of these Baileys brownies.
You could try swapping the Baileys Original for one of the brand’s other flavours. Baileys Salted Caramel would be pretty amazing in this recipe, I suspect!
Alternatively, you could add a few drops of flavour extract to the batter. Peppermint, orange or coffee would all work well.
Finally, you could try adding some chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter - there are so many possibilities!
Who invented Baileys?
Baileys was invented by Tom Jago for Gilbeys of Ireland in 1971, using surplus cream from a local dairy and the whiskey from their distillery. It was based on an original whiskey and cream concoction made by one of the researchers that ‘didn’t taste punishing’ and hit the market in 1974 as the very first “Irish cream liqueur”.
Who invented brownies?
The legend of the brownie differs from source to source.
There is a tale that they were first created in 1893 by Bertha Palmer who asked her pastry chef at the Palmer House Hotel for a dessert suitable for ladies attending the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. She requested a confectionary similar to cake only smaller and suitable to be included in boxed lunches. As a result, the Palmer House Brownie was created, served with walnuts and an apricot glaze.
Print this Baileys brownies recipe
Luxurious Baileys Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Baileys chocolate brownies
- 400 g (14 oz) dark chocolate (bittersweet) 70%, roughly chopped
- 280 g (2½ sticks) slightly salted butter cubed
- 450 g (2½ cups) white caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 6 medium free range eggs room temp, beaten
- 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 170 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
For the Baileys icing
- 65 g (½ cup) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 tbsp Baileys Original Irish Cream
Equipment
- Rectangle 20x28cm (8"x11") nonstick cake tin
Instructions
Make the Baileys chocolate brownies
- Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan / 360F). Grease and line a 20cm x 28cm (8 inch x 11 inch) non-stick shallow rectangular cake tin.
- Grease and line a 20cm x 28cm (8 inch x 11 inch) non-stick shallow rectangular cake tin.
- Put the butter and chopped dark chocolate in a large, heatproof bowl. Gently melt the chocolate and butter until smooth. You can do this in the microwave in 30 second blasts (it will take 1.5-2 minutes in total) or you can place the bowl over a pan of boiling water and stir until melted.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then add the caster sugar. Whisk through.
- Add the beaten eggs, vanilla and Baileys. Whisk together.
- Sift in the flour and fold through.
- Pour the brownie batter into the greased and lined tin and level off.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set all the way across. A skewer pushed into the centre should reveal sticky crumbs.
- Place on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then turn out to cool completely.
Make the Baileys icing
- Sift the icing sugar into a bowl, then whisk in the Baileys until you have a thick icing.
- Drizzle all over the top of the Baileys brownies.
- Once the icing has set, cut the brownies into 12 pieces in a 3x4 pattern.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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B. Fowles says
Im a little confused about the 'cups' measurements. You say 450g is 2 1/2 cups but the 'cups' set I have clearly says the 'cup' is 250g! Which is correct? I will, of course, be sensible and use metric measurements but this 'cup' discrepancy is a concern and may(?) explain some previous attemots at american recipes
Emily Leary says
Hi.
One US cup is equivalent to 236ml. It sounds like you might have the uncommon UK cups, which are 250ml (not 250g).
Cups and millilitres are measures of volume. Grams, ounces etc are measurements of weight.
Imagine filling a cup with flour and weighing it, then filling the same cup with water and doing to same.
You will have 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of water - same volume - but the cup of flour will weigh much less than the cup of water.
Hope that helps. I try to include cup measures for US readers, but I would always recommend using weight measures if you can as you'll get a much more accurate result.