If you adore the luscious combination of rich chocolate and the luxurious hint of Baileys, then this recipe featuring the iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become your new go-to treat. This frosting offers a perfectly smooth and slightly boozy complement to a moist chocolate loaf cake, balancing sweet, tangy, and silky textures in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this frosting elevates a classic chocolate cake into something that feels truly indulgent and comforting.

iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for the iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting is delightfully straightforward. Each element plays a crucial role in crafting a frosting that is creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet and boozy to bring your cake to life.

Cream cheese: The creamy, tangy base that makes this frosting irresistibly smooth and rich.
Vanilla paste or extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor without overpowering the Irish cream.
Icing sugar: Sweetens the frosting delicately while helping achieve that perfect texture.
Baileys Original Irish Cream: The star ingredient, offering that unmistakable smooth, silky Irish cream flavor.
Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Dark Dutch processed cocoa powder: For dusting, adding a beautiful dark finish and a subtle chocolate hint.

How to Make iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese Until Smooth

Start by placing your cream cheese in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or grab your hand beaters. Beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it’s super smooth and creamy. This foundation ensures your frosting will be silky without any lumps, offering a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Icing Sugar, and Salt

Next, add the vanilla paste or extract, icing sugar, and a pinch of sea salt directly to the cream cheese. Beat everything together until smooth and fully incorporated. These ingredients bring balance and flavor layers that highlight the Irish cream later on.

Step 3: Incorporate the Baileys Original Irish Cream

While continuing to beat the mixture, gradually pour in the Baileys Original Irish Cream. This step is where the frosting gets its signature flavor and that irresistible boozy, creamy character. Beat everything together until the frosting is smooth, luscious, and spreadable.

Step 4: Chill the Frosting Before Using

Set your finished iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting aside in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost your cake. Chilling helps it firm up just enough for easy spreading while maintaining that pillowy texture.

How to Serve iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

To give your dessert an extra wow factor, dust the top of your frosted cake with dark Dutch processed cocoa powder. It adds a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet frosting and lends a beautiful matte finish. For a touch more elegance, sprinkle some finely chopped chocolate shavings or even a few crushed toasted nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

The rich and creamy iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting pairs wonderfully with a simple side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness beautifully, creating a harmonious balance. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside your cake can also elevate each bite into an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t feel limited to just spreading this frosting on cakes. Try piping it into pretty rosettes or swirls atop cupcakes or brownies for an elegant touch. You could even use the frosting as a luscious dip for biscotti or sandwich it between two cookies for an unexpected boozy treat. The versatility of iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting means you can get as creative as your sweet tooth desires.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Stir gently before using again to restore its creamy texture.

Freezing

This frosting freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a sealable container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then stir well before spreading.

Reheating

Avoid heating the frosting directly, as the cream cheese may separate. Instead, bring it back to room temperature and beat lightly to regain its smooth consistency. This simple step makes it perfect again for frosting cakes or cupcakes.

FAQs

Can I use a different cream cheese for the frosting?

Absolutely! Regular full-fat cream cheese works best for the perfect texture and taste. Low-fat or whipped versions can result in a runnier frosting.

How much Baileys should I add for flavor without making the frosting too runny?

The amounts given in the recipe balance flavor and texture well. Gradually adding Baileys while beating helps control consistency, so add a little at a time.

Can I make the frosting without alcohol?

Yes, substitute Baileys Original Irish Cream with an equal amount of milk or cream and add a touch of Irish cream-flavored syrup for flavor without the alcohol.

Is it necessary to chill the frosting before using?

Chilling the frosting helps it set and maintain its shape, making it easier to spread and pipe for a cleaner finish.

How long will the frosted cake stay fresh?

When stored in the refrigerator, the cake with iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a decadent, crowd-pleasing frosting that brings a sophisticated twist to classic cream cheese icing, the iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting is absolutely worth making. Its rich, smooth texture and that unmistakable hint of Baileys make it a magical finishing touch on any chocolate dessert. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again to savor that cozy, indulgent flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

iginal Irish Cream Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

This Rich Chocolate Loaf Cake combines intense dark chocolate flavor with the creamy, boozy essence of Baileys Original Irish Cream in both the cake and the luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat, this moist and tender loaf is topped with a smooth Baileys-infused frosting and dusted with dark cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling time)
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish-inspired, International
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup softened butter
1½ cups raw sugar (granulated sugar)
125ml (½ cup) Baileys Original Irish Cream
2 eggs
2 cups plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp bi-carb soda
1 tsp sea salt
½ cup sour cream OR unsweetened thick yoghurt
100g dark chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder (dark rich cocoa)
1 tbsp instant coffee powder
1 cup boiling hot water

Frosting Ingredients – Loaf Cake

500g cream cheese
1 tbsp vanilla paste or extract
⅓ cup icing sugar
65ml (¼ cup) Baileys Original Irish Cream
Pinch sea salt
Dark Dutch processed cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) fan forced to ensure even baking for the loaf cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, softened butter, raw sugar, and Baileys Original Irish Cream until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Add Eggs: Crack in the eggs and whisk thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and emulsified.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, fold in plain flour, baking powder, bi-carb soda, sea salt, and either sour cream or unsweetened thick yoghurt, blending gently to avoid over-mixing.
Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped dark chocolate, Dutch processed cocoa powder, instant coffee powder, and boiling hot water. Stir until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Combine Batters: Fold the warm chocolate mixture carefully into the cake batter until it is completely integrated and the batter is uniform.
Prepare Loaf Tin: Line a 31cm (12-inch) by 13cm (5-inch) by 8cm (3-inch) deep loaf tin with baking paper, then pour the cake batter evenly into the tin.
Bake: Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool Down: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting, or speed up the process by placing the cake in the fridge or freezer until cool to the touch.
Prepare Frosting: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand beaters, beat the cream cheese on high until super smooth. Add vanilla paste, icing sugar, and a pinch of sea salt, then beat again until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the Baileys Original Irish Cream while continuing to beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the Baileys cream cheese frosting over the top of the loaf with a spoon, creating large swooshes for texture and visual appeal.
Finish and Serve: Dust the frosted cake with dark Dutch processed cocoa powder. Store the cake in the refrigerator and serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
You can substitute sour cream with unsweetened thick yoghurt based on preference.
For an extra coffee kick, increase the instant coffee powder slightly, but be mindful it can alter the bitterness.
This cake contains alcohol from Baileys Original Irish Cream and contains approximately 2.51 standard drinks in total.
Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
To make a layer cake version, use the alternate frosting quantities and bake batter in two 20cm round tins for 20 minutes each.