Irish Cream Chocolate Cake

BY

February 20, 2026

Deep chocolate flavor meets smooth Irish cream in this Irish Cream Chocolate Cake. Every slice delivers moist crumb, creamy frosting, and a silky ganache finish. It feels elegant but comes together with simple steps.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, moist chocolate layers
  • Smooth Irish cream flavor
  • Perfect for holidays or gatherings
  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Beautiful layered presentation

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup Irish cream liqueur
  • ½ cup hot coffee

Irish Cream Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and Irish cream. Mix until smooth.
  4. Stir in hot coffee until combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly into pans.
  6. Bake 28–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  8. Mix in Irish cream and vanilla until smooth.
  9. Layer cake with frosting between layers and around the sides.
  10. Heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
  11. Drizzle ganache over Irish Cream Chocolate Cake and let set before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Fresh berries
  • Coffee or espresso
  • Light whipped cream

Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Substitute Irish cream with cream, coffee, and vanilla for alcohol-free version.
  • Chill cake briefly before adding ganache.
  • Do not overbake to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bake with Irish cream liqueur?

Yes. The alcohol bakes off, leaving rich flavor.

What does Irish cream taste like in chocolate cake?

It adds cocoa, vanilla, and subtle coffee notes.

Can I make Irish cream chocolate cake without alcohol?

Yes. Replace Irish cream with cream, coffee, and vanilla extract.

Does Irish cream cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Refrigerate if using Irish cream frosting or ganache

Irish Cream Chocolate Cake delivers rich chocolate layers with smooth Irish cream flavor in every bite. It’s elegant, moist, and perfect for celebrating any special occasion.

Print
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Irish Cream Chocolate Cake


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x

Description

Irish Cream Chocolate Cake is a rich layered cake with smooth Irish cream frosting and chocolate ganache.


Ingredients

Scale

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup Irish cream liqueur

1/2 cup hot coffee

1 cup butter softened

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 tbsp Irish cream

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy cream


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Mix dry ingredients

3. Add wet ingredients and mix

4. Stir in hot coffee

5. Bake 28-30 minutes and cool

6. Beat frosting ingredients

7. Layer and frost cake

8. Heat cream and mix with chocolate

9. Drizzle ganache and set

Notes

Do not overbake

Bring to room temperature before serving

Store refrigerated

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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