Baileys & Coffee Cake: A Decadent Dessert for Coffee Lovers ☕🍰✨
Table of contents
1. Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of coffee and Baileys Irish Cream—a pairing that evokes cozy mornings, indulgent desserts, and celebratory moments. This Baileys & Coffee Cake captures the essence of this beloved duo with its moist, rich texture infused with aromatic coffee notes and a creamy Baileys glaze that adds an extra layer of decadence. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating the holidays, or simply craving a sweet treat to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee, this cake is the perfect choice. Its versatility makes it ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. For more dessert inspiration, explore our snack hub here.

2. What Is Baileys & Coffee Cake?
This Baileys & Coffee Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines tender crumb, aromatic coffee flavors, and a creamy Baileys infusion for a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort. The cake’s rich texture and subtle hints of Irish cream make it a standout treat for coffee lovers and those who appreciate a touch of liqueur in their baked goods. Fans love this cake not only for its bold flavors but also for its adaptability—it’s perfect for themed parties, holiday feasts, or gifting during festive seasons. Dive deeper into its charm here.
3. Ingredients List (Exact Measurements)
To craft this indulgent cake, gather:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
For the Baileys Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
- Espresso powder (for dusting)
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 tsp vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup cooled strong brewed coffee and ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before glazing. For tips on achieving a moist cake, visit our chocolate pound cake recipe here.
Preparing the Baileys Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, adjusting the amount of Baileys as needed to achieve a thick yet pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip slightly down the sides for a decorative finish. For more glaze tips, check our mousse cake recipe here.

Decorating the Cake
Elevate your Baileys & Coffee Cake with optional decorations like chocolate shavings for added richness, a dollop of whipped cream for contrast, or a light dusting of espresso powder for an extra coffee kick. These finishing touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the cake’s flavors. More decoration ideas here.

5. Variations and Substitutions
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute Baileys Irish Cream with a non-alcoholic coffee creamer for a family-friendly option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Alternative: Replace eggs with flax eggs, butter with vegan margarine, and Baileys with a dairy-free Irish cream substitute.
- Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or espresso beans for extra texture and indulgence.
- Coffee Strength: Adjust the strength of the brewed coffee to suit your taste preferences.
For more variations, check out our summer drink recipes here.
6. Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 380 calories:
- Carbs: 45g
- Fats: 15g
- Proteins: 5g
Rich in carbs and fats—perfect for a decadent dessert!
7. FAQs Section
Q: Can I use store-bought glaze instead of making my own?
A: Yes, though homemade glaze offers fresher flavors and better control over sweetness.
Q: Can I omit the alcohol?
A: Yes, substitute Baileys with a non-alcoholic coffee creamer for a similar flavor profile.
Q: How long does this cake stay fresh?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Q: What can I substitute for coffee?
A: Use decaffeinated coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup for a milder option.
8. Conclusion
This Baileys & Coffee Cake brings the magic of coffee and Irish cream to life with its rich flavors and creamy glaze. Share your creations using #BaileysCoffeeCake and tag us! Questions? Comment below. For more recipes, visit our snack hub. Keep experimenting, and savor the joy of baking indulgent treats at home! ☕🍰✨
Print
Baileys & Coffee Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of Baileys Irish Cream and coffee with this decadent coffee cake. ☕🍰 This moist, buttery cake is infused with bold coffee notes and creamy Baileys, then drizzled with a luscious Baileys glaze for the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy dessert with your favorite cup of coffee!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
For the Baileys Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
- Espresso powder, for dusting
Instructions
-
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with coffee and Baileys, mixing until smooth.
-
Baking the Cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Making the Baileys Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, Baileys, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more Baileys for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker drizzle.
-
Decorating the Cake:
- Drizzle the Baileys glaze over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of espresso powder for a coffeehouse-style finish.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Freezing: Wrap the unglazed cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Make It Non-Alcoholic: Replace Baileys with coffee-flavored syrup or milk + 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of caramel sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian