Irish Cream Frosted Brownies Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolatey goodness with a boozy, creamy twist, this Irish Cream Frosted Brownies Recipe is an absolute game changer. I first tried something like this at a friend’s party and was instantly hooked — so I tweaked, tested, and perfected it just for you. The fudgy brownies topped with silky Irish cream frosting and a luscious ganache drizzle will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’ll want to read on, because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly easy to nail at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Irish Cream Frosted Brownies Recipe lies in how the ingredients play together – rich butter, quality cocoa, and that splash of Irish cream in the frosting create harmony from the first bite. Don’t underestimate the importance of good quality chocolate here; it really makes or breaks the flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: I swear by Kerrygold for its creamy texture and flavor. For frosting, grass-fed is ideal for richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Domino is my go-to; it dissolves nicely into the butter for a smooth batter.
• Canola Oil: Just a touch to keep the brownies moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the chocolate perfectly.
• Large Eggs: Vital Farms eggs have consistently fresh, flavorful yolks that elevate any baked good.
• All-Purpose Flour: King Arthur brand gives me reliable results and helps achieve the perfect brownie texture.
• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: I use Ghirardelli for that smooth cocoa flavor without bitterness.
• Black Cocoa Powder: Adds extra depth and color; if you don’t find it, simply add more Dutch-processed cocoa.
• Malted Milk Powder (Optional): I throw this in for a subtle malted flavor — small but impactful.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• Baking Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I usually chop up good-quality baking chocolate to get melty pockets of richness throughout.
• Powdered Sugar: For that classic smooth, sweet frosting texture.
• Irish Cream Liqueur: This star ingredient flavors the frosting and ganache — Baileys is my favorite.
• Bittersweet Chocolate and Heavy Cream: They come together to make the decadent ganache topping.

Variations

I love that this Irish Cream Frosted Brownies Recipe is like a blank canvas. Over time, I’ve played around with different additions and tweaks depending on the season or my mood – it’s super easy to make it your own.

• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch and contrasts perfectly with the smooth frosting.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Swap the bittersweet bitters for a dark chocolate with 70% cacao to amplify richness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate for the ganache; coconut cream works great instead of heavy cream.
• Mental Happy Hour: For an adult-only treat, drizzle a bit of extra Irish Cream liqueur on top right before serving.

How to Make Irish Cream Frosted Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Start the Batter

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your metal baking pan (I like 9×13 for a good brownie-to-frosting ratio) with parchment paper sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Make sure the parchment extends over the edges so you can pop out the brownies easily later. I’ve found using two sheets — one lengthwise and one widthwise — works especially well with larger pans to avoid any sticking.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sugar for That Perfect Base

Slowly melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and shiny. You want to watch for when the butter and sugar start to emulsify — meaning the sugar dissolves slightly into the butter and it looks fully combined with no separation. Then, take it off the heat and let it cool for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to release the heat. This step is key for that silky brownie texture.

Step 3: Mix in Vanilla, Oil, and Eggs

Add the canola oil and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture, mixing well so there’s no oil floating on top. Then beat in your eggs one at a time using a spatula or fork until fully incorporated and smooth. This helps create that lovely, rich batter without overmixing — trust me, it’ll make a difference!

Step 4: Add Your Dry Ingredients Carefully

Sift together your flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, malted milk powder (if using), and salt. Gently fold this mixture into your wet ingredients with a rubber spatula, stirring just until the last streak of dry disappears — you want to avoid overmixing here, or your brownies could turn out dense.

Step 5: Chocolate Chunks and Baking

Fold in the chopped baking chocolate or mini chocolate chips to add those melty, gooey nooks we all adore. Spread the batter in your prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes for 9×13 (or 40–45 minutes for 9×9). The edges should feel set and the center just a little soft. Resist the urge to overbake — fudgy is the goal!

Step 6: Whip Up That Irish Cream Frosting

While the brownies cool completely, beat the softened salted butter in your stand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, Irish Cream liqueur, and vanilla extract. Start slow and then beat on medium-high until fluffy and pale beige, scraping the bowl often to get a consistent mix. This frosting has quickly become my absolute favorite — velvety texture with just the right kiss of Irish Cream flavor.

Step 7: Frost, Ganache, and Final Flourish

Spread your luscious frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. For the ganache, microwave bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, and Irish Cream liqueur together for 1 minute. Let it sit, then whisk until smooth, reheating briefly if needed. Stir in butter to give it that extra shine. Pour gently over the frosting and smooth to the edges, then let it set for 30+ minutes. If you want a festive touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles right before the ganache firms up.

How to Serve Irish Cream Frosted Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally like to keep it simple — a light dusting of cocoa powder or some festive green and gold sprinkles really elevate these brownies for holidays. For special occasions, I’ve garnished with shaved chocolate curls or even crushed peppermint for a winter twist. They look gorgeous and taste incredible.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re serving adults, a small glass of Irish coffee alongside makes for a delightful pairing. For kids and the grown-ups alike, a cup of rich hot chocolate really rounds out a cozy dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or St. Patty’s Day celebrations, I like to cut these brownies into mini squares and serve on a tiered stand with a drizzle of extra ganache and tiny edible gold leaf accents. Another fun idea is slicing them into bars and individually wrapping with ribbon for take-home treats. They also make stunning dessert plates when paired with fresh berries and mint leaves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Irish Cream Frosted Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which keeps them moist and delicious. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them but bring back to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let come to room temperature to bring back that fudgy softness and creamy frosting.

Reheating

If you want a warm treat, pop a brownie square in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The frosting won’t melt completely, but the brownie center gets wonderfully gooey. This is my favorite quick fix when I’m craving that fresh-from-the-oven feel without baking again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Irish Cream Frosted Brownies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for celebrating and everyday treats alike. It hits the sweet spot between comforting chocolate and that festive, boozy twist we all love. When I make these for my family or bring them to a gathering, they’re always the first to disappear. I’m confident that once you try them, you’ll feel the same way — so go ahead and treat yourself. Baking these is more than making dessert; it’s making memories.

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