Irish Coffee Cake Recipe | Coffee Cake with Baileys & White Chocolate

If you’re a coffee lover with a penchant for something a little naughty, then this Irish Coffee Cake is a dream come true. A delightful combination of rich coffee flavor, decadent Baileys, and a silky white chocolate buttercream, this cake takes indulgence to the next level. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this Irish Coffee Cake is the perfect balance of flavors and a real crowd-pleaser. Ready to take a bite into something deliciously rebellious?

The Best Irish Coffee Cake Recipe

This Irish Coffee Cake recipe is a wonderful twist on the traditional coffee cake, bringing together rich coffee flavor and Baileys-infused buttercream for a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. The texture is light, while the buttercream is velvety smooth with a sweet touch of white chocolate. If you love coffee and dessert, this is the best of both worlds!

Notes on Ingredients

• Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth batter and a perfectly fluffy cake. The richness of salted butter adds depth to the flavor.
• Coffee: Espresso ground coffee gives this cake its signature depth of flavor. You can use instant coffee dissolved in boiling water if you’re in a pinch, but make sure it’s strong!
• Baileys: The creaminess of Baileys in the buttercream brings a luxurious, Irish twist to this cake. You can substitute with any Irish cream liqueur, but Baileys is ideal for authenticity.
• White Chocolate: Use good quality white chocolate to balance the richness of the coffee and Baileys. It also adds sweetness without being overpowering.

How to Make Irish Coffee Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or Gas 3, and line two deep 20cm tins. In a large bowl, beat together salted butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for that airy texture. Add the eggs two at a time, sifting in the flour to avoid lumps.
2. Add Coffee: Mix the espresso coffee with boiling water, and fold it into the batter to infuse the cake with its rich, aromatic flavor.
3. Bake: Divide the batter between the tins and bake for about 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave the cakes to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
4. Buttercream: While the cakes are cooling, melt white chocolate and let it cool slightly. Beat butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy, then add the cooled white chocolate. Slowly pour in Baileys while mixing.
5. Assemble: Level the bottom layer, then smother it with buttercream. Add the top layer, covering it generously with the remaining buttercream. Make textured patterns with a palette knife and sprinkle grated white chocolate on top for a finishing touch.

How to Serve Irish Coffee Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or even an actual Irish coffee for a truly indulgent experience. The Baileys adds a sophisticated flavor, while the white chocolate complements the bitterness of the coffee. Serve slices on dessert plates or cake stands at gatherings, or enjoy a slice as an afternoon treat.

How to Store Irish Coffee Cake

If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store your Irish Coffee Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving again to allow the buttercream to soften.

FAQs About Irish Coffee Cake

The Best Irish Coffee Cake Recipe

Indulge in a rich and flavorful Irish Coffee Cake recipe infused with espresso, Baileys, and topped with white chocolate buttercream. This cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Irish

Servings 12 slices

Ingredients

  

For Irish Coffee Cake

• 400 g Salted Butter room temperature
• 400 g Caster Sugar
• 400 g Self-Raising Flour
• 8 Eggs
• 5 tbsp Espresso Ground Coffee instant, mixed with 3 tbsp boiling water

For White Chocolate and Baileys Buttercream

• 250 g Salted Butter room temperature
• 500 g Icing Sugar
• 250 g White Chocolate melted
• 125 ml Baileys or alternative Irish cream liqueur

Instructions

 

• ** Instructions for Coffee Cake
• Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or Gas 3.
• Prepare Tins: Line two deep 20cm tins with parchment paper.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, for around 5 minutes.
• Add Eggs and Flour: Add eggs two at a time, sifting a quarter of the flour into the mixture. Beat until fully combined, and repeat with the remaining eggs and flour.
• Add Coffee: Mix the espresso coffee with boiling water and add it to the batter. Stir until fully combined.
• Bake: Divide the mixture between the two prepared tins. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• ** Instructions for White Chocolate and Baileys Buttercream
• Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.
• Melt Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate (using a microwave in 10-second intervals) and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
• Combine Chocolate and Buttercream: Gradually pour the melted chocolate into the butter mixture, beating constantly until fully incorporated.
• Add Baileys: Slowly add the Baileys and continue to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
• ** Assembly of the Cake
• Level the Cakes: Trim the tops of the cakes if needed to create flat layers.
• Add Buttercream: Smother the bottom layer with a generous amount of buttercream.
• Top and Finish: Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire top with buttercream. Use a palette knife to create spiked patterns, and sprinkle with grated chocolate to garnish.
• Enjoy your indulgent Irish Coffee Cake!