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Decadent Irish Coffee Brownies Recipe with Easy Baileys Frosting

Irish Coffee Brownies - featured image

Rich, fudgy brownies infused with espresso and Irish whiskey flavors, topped with a smooth, boozy Baileys frosting. Perfect for cozy nights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined and slightly glossy (1-2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a spatula. When nearly combined, fold in chocolate chips if using. Do not overmix.
  5. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
  6. Cool brownies completely on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
  7. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low then increasing speed until fluffy.
  8. Add Baileys, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to frosting. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Adjust Baileys or sugar if needed.
  9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Chill frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  10. Cut brownies with a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts for neat squares. Serve with strong black coffee or milk.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. For dairy-free, use almond or oat-based butter substitutes and dairy-free Baileys alternatives. Frosting can be made less boozy by replacing Baileys with heavy cream or milk. Chill frosting before spreading if kitchen is warm to prevent melting. Use a sharp knife wiped between cuts for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish coffee brownies, Baileys frosting, espresso brownies, chocolate dessert, fudgy brownies, boozy frosting, easy brownies, holiday dessert