Ultimate Decadent Baileys Brownies Recipe
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies infused with smooth Baileys Irish Cream and topped with a luxurious chocolate ganache. These decadent Baileys brownies are the ultimate adult dessert that transforms ordinary brownies into an extraordinary treat perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you want to elevate your dessert game.
The magic of these Baileys brownies lies in their triple chocolate experience. The dense, moist brownie base gets its incredible depth from both cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate, while the addition of Baileys Irish Cream creates a subtle boozy flavor that complements rather than overwhelms the chocolate. The crowning glory is the glossy chocolate ganache topping, also enhanced with Baileys, creating layers of flavor that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
What sets these brownies apart from regular chocolate brownies is their sophisticated flavor profile. The Baileys adds notes of vanilla, caramel, and Irish whiskey that meld beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. The texture is equally impressive – dense and fudgy without being heavy, with a perfect balance between the tender brownie base and the smooth, creamy ganache topping.
These brownies are surprisingly versatile despite their elegant appearance. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, potluck dinners, or as a special treat to enjoy with coffee or after dinner. The alcohol content is mild enough that the brownies appeal to most adults while still providing that distinctive Baileys flavor that makes them special.
The recipe is designed to be approachable for home bakers of all skill levels. While the results look professionally made, the techniques are straightforward and don’t require specialized equipment. The most important element is using quality ingredients – good chocolate and real Baileys Irish Cream make a noticeable difference in the final product.
Storage is simple with these brownies. They keep well at room temperature for several days, and the flavors actually improve after the first day as the Baileys continues to infuse throughout the brownie. They can also be frozen for longer storage, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert option.
The ganache topping not only adds visual appeal but also seals in moisture, ensuring the brownies stay fresh longer. The combination of chocolate and cream creates a glossy, professional-looking finish that makes these brownies worthy of any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Baileys Ganache:
- 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
- Whisk the granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until well combined and slightly cooled.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined – don’t overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly using an offset spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan while you prepare the ganache.
- For the ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour over the chocolate.
- Let stand for 2 minutes, then whisk from the center outward until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the Baileys and butter until fully incorporated and the ganache has a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the ganache before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baileys Brownies
The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in not overbaking. These brownies should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat and firm up as they cool, resulting in that coveted fudgy texture.
When making the ganache, temperature is crucial. The cream should be hot enough to melt the chocolate but not boiling, which could cause the mixture to separate. If your ganache does break, try whisking in a tablespoon of cold cream to bring it back together.
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. Warming the knife slightly under hot water and drying it can also help achieve neat slices through the ganache layer.
Decadent Baileys Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chopped dark chocolate together in microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Whisk granulated sugar into melted chocolate mixture until well combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in Baileys and vanilla extract.
- In separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt together.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into chocolate mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick has moist crumbs.
- Cool completely while preparing ganache.
- For ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let stand 2 minutes.
- Whisk ganache until smooth, stir in Baileys and butter.
- Pour ganache over cooled brownies, refrigerate 2 hours before cutting.
Notes
Variations and Serving Suggestions
These Baileys brownies are delicious on their own but can be elevated even further with complementary accompaniments. Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for added brightness. A light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds visual appeal.
For different flavor profiles, consider substituting other cream liqueurs like Kahlua for coffee notes or Frangelico for hazelnut undertones. You can also add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel swirls to the brownie batter for additional texture and flavor complexity.
The brownies pair beautifully with coffee, red wine, or of course, a glass of Baileys on the rocks. They make an impressive ending to dinner parties and are guaranteed crowd-pleasers at any gathering where adults are looking for a sophisticated sweet treat.
