• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Confessions of a Baking Queen logo
  • About
    • Contact
  • All Recipes
    • St. Patricks Day
    • British Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • Bar
      • Bread
      • Brownie
      • Caramel
      • Cake
      • Chocolate
      • Chocolates/Candy
      • Cheesecake
      • Cookies
      • Cupcakes
      • Custard and Creams
      • Creme Brûlée
      • Crumble & Crisps
      • Lemon
      • Pastry
      • Peanut Butter
      • Pie
      • Pudding
      • Sauces, Frostings & Toppings
      • Scone
      • Tart
      • Tiramisu
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
      • Beef Recipes
      • Chicken Recipes
      • Pasta
      • Seafood
      • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Egg Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Spring Recipes
    • Fall Favorite Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
  • Dessert
    • Cookies
    • Cake
    • Bar
    • Cheesecake
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • All Desserts
  • All Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • All Desserts
    • All Recipes
    • Shop
    • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Dessert » Cupcakes

    Baileys Cupcakes

    Published: Mar 6, 2019 · by Elizabeth Waterson · This post may contain affiliate links, which may pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Confessions of a Baking Queen!

    Jump to Recipe
    baileys cupcakes on a white plate

    Baileys Cupcakes are deliciously moist cakes topped with a Baileys Swiss Meringue Buttercream. The perfect dessert for your St. Patricks Day party. Use Baileys Non-Alcholic Creamer for no booze option!

    baileys cupcakes on a grey background

    Last weekend I had a baking filled weekend. I made cookies, two types of cheesecakes, brownies, and these gorgeous Baileys Irish Cream Cupcakes.

    I didn't plan on baking them, but my youngest sister called me and suggested I make some. I already had everything and my kitchen was already destroyed so why not?!

    This baileys cupcake recipe is quick and easy to throw together. The batter is a standard cupcake batter, except I use cake flour. Cake flour helps to make a light and fluffy cake. Instead of using milk in the batter we use Baileys Irish Cream, it helps instill that gorgeous Baileys flavor inside the whole cupcake.

    This recipe makes 14 cupcakes, you could easily double it to make more but 14 cupcakes is plenty for me!

    Texture of these cupcakes are light and spongy, the Baileys Irish Cream is baked right into the batter. Instead of using milk in the batter we use Baileys. Come to mama!!

    Let's get to the recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Can you make mini cupcakes
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How long do the cupcakes last
    • Can you make the cupcakes ahead of time
    • More Baileys recipes
    • Recipe Card
    • Recipe Ratings & Comments

    Can you make mini cupcakes

    Sure, the recipe will produce around 35-40 mini cupcakes. You will also need to reduce the baking time by about half. But make sure to check- everyones oven is different!

    close up of half eaten baileys cupcakes

    Ingredients

    • Cake Flour
    • Baking Powder
    • Salt 
    • Unsalted Butter, at room temperature 
    • Granulated Sugar 
    • 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature 
    • 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 
    • Baileys Irish Cream or use the non-alcoholic creamer for no booze

    Instructions

    This recipe is just like many other vanilla cupcake recipes. Start by mixing your dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

    dry ingredients whisked together in a glass bowl

    In a the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl with a handheld mixer beat the butter and sugar for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is very light and fluffy. 

    Add the eggs and vanilla and mix for another 3 minutes.

    butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl
    eggs added to butter mixture in a metal mixing bowl

    Mix in the sour cream for one minute. Gently fold in half of the flour mixture, mix until just combined .

    sour cream added to wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl
    dry ingredients added to wet in a large mixing bowl

    Then add Baileys Irish cream. Gently mix into the batter.

    baileys irish cream added to cupcake batter

    Mix in remaining flour until just combined. Scoop batter into cupcake liners so they are ⅔ full.

    baileys cupcake batter in a large metal mixing bowl

    Bake for 14-18 minutes until fully baked- check by pressing the top center lightly if the cake springs back its done baking or use a toothpick inserted in the center when it has no wet batter the cupcakes are done. 

    Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. 

    cupcake batter in a muffin tin
    baked baileys cupcakes in a muffin tin

    You could frost these with any kind of frosting but my favorite is a simple Baileys Swiss Meringue Buttercream. I prefer Swiss meringue over American buttercream any day.

    baileys Swiss meringue buttercream ready to pipe in a metal mixing bowl

    These cupcakes are perfect for any party, imagine serving them with a Baileys & Coffee mmm sounds like perfection to me! 😉

    baileys cupcakes on a white plate

    How long do the cupcakes last

    These cupcakes are best served within the first day or two when making but they will be good for up to 4 days,

    Can you make the cupcakes ahead of time

    You can totally make the baileys Swiss meringue buttercream way ahead of time like a week and just keep it in the fridge. I prefer the actual cake part to be quite fresh, best served within 1-2 days.

    three baileys cupcakes on a wood and marble board

    More Baileys recipes

    • Baileys Tres Leches Cake
    • Bailey No Bake Pie Nutty Irishman Pie
    • Double Chocolate Baileys Ice Cream Cake
    overhead view of baileys cupcakes on a grey background

    Make sure to join our Newsletter and follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

    ★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!

    Print

    Recipe Card

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    baileys cupcakes on a grey background

    Baileys Cupcakes

    ★★★★★

    4.2 from 5 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Baileys Cupcakes are deliciously moist cakes topped with a Baileys Swiss Meringue Buttercream. The perfect dessert for your St. Patricks Day party. Use Baileys Non-Alcoholic Creamer for no booze option! 

    • Total Time: 28 minutes
    • Yield: 14 Cupcakes 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 208 grams (1 ⅔ Cups) Cake Flour
    • 1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder
    • ½ Teaspoon Salt
    • 4oz (½ Cup) Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
    • 200 grams (1 Cup) Granulated Sugar
    • 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature
    • 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
    • 4oz (½ Cup) Sour Cream
    • 4oz (½ Cup) Baileys Irish Cream (You could use the non-alcoholic creamer instead)
    • ½ Recipe of Baileys Swiss Meringue Buttercream

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350F/ 180C and line a standard size muffin tin with cupcake liners. 
    2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 
    3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl with a handheld mixer beat the butter and sugar for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is very light and fluffy. 
    4. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix for another 3 minutes. Mix in the sour cream for one minute. Gently fold in half of the flour mixture, mix until just combined then add Baileys Irish cream, mix in remaining flour until just combined. Scoop batter into cupcake liners so they are ⅔ full. 
    5. Bake for 14-18 minutes until fully baked- check by pressing the top center lightly if the cake springs back its done baking or use a toothpick inserted in the center when it has no wet batter the cupcakes are done. 

    6. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. 

    Equipment

    cupcake pan

    Cupcake Pan

    Buy Now →
    oxo food scale

    OXO Kitchen Scale

    Buy Now →
    • Author: Elizabeth Waterson I Confessions of a Baking Queen
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 18
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: Baileys cupcake recipe, baileys irish cream dessert, irish cream cupcake recipe

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @confessionsofabakingqueen on Instagram and hashtag it #cbqbakes

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
    « Guinness Chocolate Brownies Baileys Frosting
    Guinness Cheesecake »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Have a question? Let me know here! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Loretta wilson says

      March 09, 2019 at 9:05 pm

      I made the chocolate cake (minus the strawberry and chocolate ganache filling) and holy smokes it was delicious! It was for my sons birthday, and was a total hit. Like absolutely perfect. Not over the top chocolatey, and super moist.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        March 10, 2019 at 7:51 pm

        Thank you so much for the lovely review Loretta!!

        Reply
    2. Kelly says

      August 09, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      How much sour cream do we need?

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        August 09, 2019 at 9:29 pm

        Hi Kelly sorry about that, the recipe needs 1/2 cup or 4oz of Sour Cream. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

        Reply
    3. Mary Wessels says

      March 03, 2020 at 4:48 pm

      What a wonderful recipe that is so jam packed with flavor! Loved how easy it was to follow.
      I paired the cupcakes with a Baileys chocolate cake and there wasn’t a crumb left. Definitely a 5 star recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        March 03, 2020 at 9:22 pm

        Thank you so much for the lovely review, Mary!! I am so happy you all enjoyed them! XX Liz

        Reply
      • Lean says

        January 10, 2021 at 8:40 am

        Can i reduce the sugar ? How much? Why cupcakes doesn't need egg white separation beating (meringue) ?

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Waterson says

          January 10, 2021 at 12:00 pm

          Hi Lean, thanks for reaching out. I wouldn't reduce the sugar too much because not only does it provide sweetness but also contributes to the structure of the cake. I wouldn't go past 3/4 of a cup but even then I can not guarantee results. I didn't find I needed to separate the egg whites and whip them for this recipe. You could try that if you wanted but I didn't find it necessary. Please let me know if I can help with anything else or if you try the recipe! XX Liz

          Reply
    4. Philip says

      June 09, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      Baked these tonight with the buttercream- oh so delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        June 09, 2020 at 7:44 pm

        Thank you so much for the lovely review Phillip! So pleased you enjoyed the recipe and thank you for coming back to review it, I really appreciate it!! Take care! XX Liz

        Reply
    5. Jasmine says

      August 12, 2021 at 3:39 pm

      Fantastic recipe, thank you for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        August 13, 2021 at 8:35 am

        Hi Jasmine, thanks so much for leaving a rating and review. I am so pleased you enjoyed the cupcakes!! Take care. XX Liz

        Reply
    6. Peggy Owens says

      March 26, 2022 at 9:07 am

      Can regular bleached flour be used instead of cake flour. That's what I have on hand. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        March 27, 2022 at 9:20 am

        Hi Peggy, I personally wouldn't suggest it. But some people have had success swapping all-purpose flour for cake flour. You can do that this way: For every cup of cake flour called for in a recipe, measure out 1 level cup of all-purpose flour then remove two tablespoons of flour and add two tablespoons of cornstarch and whisk to combine. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you try the recipe I would love to know what you think! XX Liz

        Reply
    7. KD says

      March 11, 2023 at 12:47 pm

      Complete fail. It was so bad I didn't even bother trying the cupcake recipe. Will never try it again.

      ★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        March 12, 2023 at 6:26 pm

        Hi KD, I am so sorry you had issues but I am not sure what you had problems with since you said didnt even other trying the cupcake recipe but you left a one star review on the cupcake recipe? I am always happy to help troubleshoot baking! Take care. XX Liz

        Reply
    8. beth s says

      March 15, 2023 at 11:03 pm

      i will make but would prefer to make mini cupcakes...is that doable with this recipe? i for sure rate after make

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        March 17, 2023 at 7:20 am

        Hi Beth, thanks for reaching out, yes that shouldn't be a problem I would expect them to bake for around 10/11 minutes but not totally sure! Goodluck! XX Liz

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    baileys cupcakes on a white plate
    Waterson, Elizabeth Cropped Size Photo CAke copy 2

    Hiya! I am Elizabeth Waterson, welcome to my treat-filled site. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry and growing up baking, I wanted to share my love of baking with you all. My step-by-step tutorials will help you learn how to bake at home. Confessions of a Baking Queen (CBQ) has been featured in CBS LA, HuffPost Taste, BuzzFeed, Taste of Home, and more! Here you will find loads of sweet recipes with a few savory ones for good measure. Feel free to message me with any questions! Happy Baking! 

    More about me →

    Popular

    • easter cake decorated with jelly beans on a white plate on a light surface with a checkered linen
      Easter Cake
    • key lime curd in a small white bowl on a light surface with cut up key limes
      Key Lime Curd
    • Cheesecake stuffed strawberries arranged on a plate.
      Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
    • lemon creme brulee wtih berries and a lemon twirl on a white surface with a blue linen
      Lemon Creme Brûlée
    • Carrot Pineapple Banana Loaf Cake
    • close up of roasted carrots on white and brown speckled plate on a grey surface with a navy blue linen
      Roasted Carrots
    • close up of lemon cheesecake with raspberry coulis dripping down on a black plate on a marble surface
      Lemon Cheesecake
    • slices of lemon loaf cake on a white speckled plate on top of a blue stripped linen on a light pink surface
      Easy Lemon Loaf Cake
    • up close of cauliflower cheese on a plate on a larger plate on a light grey surface
      Cauliflower Cheese
    • close up of lemon crumb bars on a wire rack on a light pink surface
      Lemon Crumb Bars
    • lemon crinkle cookie against a stack of cookies
      Lemon Crinkle Cookies
    • half eaten lemon poppy seed muffin in a white bowl
      Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

    Featured

    featured in confessions of a baking queen

    Footer

    baileys cupcakes on a white plate

    Join the CBQ Community

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Join our Community on Social Media
    • Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest

    Check Out Google Web Stories

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Elizabeth
    • Contact

    Resources

    • The Best Baking Tools
    • Recipes with Video
    • Cheesecake Recipes
    • Brownie Recipes
    • Cake Recipes
    • Shop My Favorite Products & Tools

    ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Confessions of a Baking Queen.

    Copyright © 2023 Confessions of a Baking Queen

    461 shares