It seems that the Chocolate/Stout/Irish Cream combo is pretty popular in baked goods this time of year. Adding rich foamy Guiniess to chocolate cake batter adds such an amazing flavor and I don’t think I need to sell you on Bailey’s Cream Cheese Frosting right? I did my best to make this frosting as boozy and Irish Cream-y as possible in honor of my heritage, (I’m a quarter Irish you know!) The end result is a light and fluffy chocolate cake with a hint of rich stout- the frosting is creamy and smooth with just a little bite. In short- a festive bit of cupcake heaven.
One of the reasons I think the texture of these was so perfect is because I didn’t use an electric mixer. After reading through the recipe I realized you really didn’t need one so I did the whole thing with a whisk. In my opinion, mixing by hand can help avoid over-beating the batter which can lead to dry and dense cakes. With a whisk, you are able to just mix the ingredients until they are incorporated which results in a perfect soft and crumbly texture.
The cream cheese frosting is the perfect consistency to practice the frosting swirl I demonstrated a couple weeks ago! With the cute little swirled center, you have a perfect spot for housing a variety of toppings. Festive sprinkles would be adorable, but I chose to use some cake crumbs from a cupcake in the batch that was a little busted looking. Didn’t see the video on how to make the “swirl”? Check it out here.
Cake Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These cupcakes are fabulous! Awesome idea for St. Patrick’s day!
Anne @ anniebakes says
I just made these last night to post on friday as well, I shared them with some friends a t a local restaurant and they LOVED them! anne
Cassie @ Bake Your Day says
Loving these, Audra, perfectly festive! :)
Kate says
These look delicious! Perfect for St. Patty’s!
Krissy's Creations says
Perfect for St Patricks Day! Way to bring out the booze :)
Erica says
I’ve been looking for a suitable St. Patty’s dessert recipe and this, with its Bailey’s cream cheese icing (how many ways can you say, “Yes, please!”?), definitely fits the bill! Thanks for sharing!
Mai Nguyen says
Great recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! & great recipe to try your twirling technique. (:
Georgia The Comfort of Cooking says
How funny that we posted such similar recipes today! These cupcakes look fabulous, Audra, and your way of describing them made me absolutely drool! Delicious recipe and a fun, festive way to ring in St. Pat’s Day!
Erin says
Yummy looking cupcakes. Wan to come over Saturday for some corned beef and cabbage? Just bring these O:-)
And look at that cute little Bailey’s bottle!
Audra says
Yes I do! I LOVE Corned Beef. Too bad I gave up meat for lent. I can cheat on St. Patty’s Day right?
theharriedcook says
they look adorable and sound really delicious! gorgeous pictures!
Kim Bee says
Wow I never win anything. I am so excited. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to make something out of it. You rock!
Audra says
Yay! I think you’ll love the cookbook- just send me your address and it will be on it’s way!
Samantha Haddow says
Stout Chocolate Cupcakes make an appearance every St Patrick’s Day. I was sort of dreading their return until I realized I wasn’t limited to the ubiquitous Guinness…Ross brewed a wonderful Dark Cherry Stout that would probably be marvelous in a chocolate cake base! The cherry accent may not work with the Bailey’s frosting, but you never know. Maybe a whiskey or bourbon frosting instead…
Ravienomnoms says
Lovely! Just truly lovely! What a nice treat for the upcoming holiday!
Erin says
What delicious cupcakes! I love the boozy cupcakes with boozy frosting!
Kiri W. says
Ooooh, these look to die for! Or rather, to drown in ;) Yummy!
Lisa @ Sweet 2 Eat Baking says
Man alive, these look gooood!
Baker Street says
Oh my! These look insanely delicious.
Becky says
Your boozy cupcakes with the boozy frosting are amazing and perfect for St. Patt’s Day! I love the frosting swirl!
Gilli SoSimple says
Hi Audra have just woken up, opened Foodbuzz. Your cup cakes sound perfect..I shall make them for St Paddys Day. There is a bottle of guiness sitting on my bench. I am going to get up and back. Great fun.
Have to go and buy some baileys to complete the cakes. Oh well a trip to the wine shop. They open at 9. Our staff will love me. Thanks for your post
Cheers
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes says
Lovely and perfectly frosted! Wonderful cupcakes, Audra!!
Suzie says
Perfect timing, they look yummy. I’m making them for St. Pat’s, I hope mine look as pretty as yours !
Margaret says
I made these for my office last night and brought them to work today….the guys are ultra impressed! they were a huge hit. Thanks for the idea!
Audra says
Ooh I’m sure these would be amazing with Ross’s homemade Stout. Happy St. Patty’s Day!
kristin says
Thank you for the fabulous frosting recipe! Mmmmmm. Way to not wimp out on the Baileys.
James McGrath says
Holy Blarney Stone!! These look AMAZING!!
JF says
I’m such a huge fan of boozy cupcakes, especially ones made with Guinness. Love this recipe. You should share them in the cupcake crown contest: http://www.celebrations.com/cupcakecrown/
Audra says
Thank you! I’ll check it out!
wannamakethese says
When making these do you melt the butter in the beer all the way before adding the cocoa?
Judy H says
Made these……excellent! Added all the Baileys. Please adjust recipe instructions to reflect that this recipe makes 24 cupcakes, not 12 as indicated. Happy baking everyone!
Kim says
Making these right now. The batter tastes amazing! Only problem is that the recipe says “yields 12” so I tripled it… but I’m getting about 72 cupcakes out if it!?!?
I mean, not a terrible problem to have but ahhhhhh! I’m surrounded by cupcakes! My waistline can’t handle it!