Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake: 1…

Name: Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 box of chocolate cake mix; Ingredients for cake mix (eggs, oil, water); 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream; 1/4 cup heavy cream

Author: Olivia Bexley

January 14, 2026

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My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Seriously, is there anything better than a slice of rich, chocolatey cake? And what if I told you that cake was slathered in the most amazing, boozy frosting you’ve ever tasted? We’re talking about a Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake, and let me tell you, it’s a real showstopper. The best part? It’s way easier to make than you think!

Growing up, my aunt used to make a similar cake for every family gathering. I remember sneaking into the kitchen, hoping to snag a little extra frosting off her spatula (shhh, don’t tell!). That cake was always the star of the show, and inspired me to create my own version. This recipe is my go-to when I want to impress, or just treat myself! Honestly, one bite of this decadent cake and you’ll be in heaven. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, I promise!

A slice of Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake with chocolate shavings and frosting on a plate.

Ingredients for the Perfect Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple it is to get this Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake going. I always say, good ingredients equal a good cake. I’ve got everything you need listed out nice and neat below so you can get baking right away. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Cake Ingredients

First up, we need to gather our cake supplies. You know, the foundation of this deliciousness! We’re starting with one box of your favorite chocolate cake mix – any brand works, so use what you like! You’ll also need whatever the mix calls for: eggs, oil (vegetable or canola, is what I use), and water. Simple as that! Just what you need to make the cake itself.

Baileys Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

Now, the star of the show: the Baileys Buttercream frosting! You’ll need 1 cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s softened!), 4 cups of powdered sugar (sifted, if you want extra smooth frosting), and a half a cup of that lovely Baileys Irish Cream. And finally, we’re adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream! Don’t skip the heavy cream! It really makes the frosting light and fluffy. Yum!

How to Make a Delicious Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friends, let’s get baking! This Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake might seem fancy, but trust me, it’s totally achievable. I’ve broken down every step so it’s super easy to follow. Don’t be intimidated! We’ve got this!

Baking the Cake

First things first, preheat your oven to whatever temperature your cake mix box says (usually around 350°F / 175°C). Then, prepare your cake pan. I like to grease and flour mine, or you can use baking spray, whatever works! Follow the cake mix instructions carefully, mixing the eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake it for the time indicated on the box. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary! You know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. Patience, my friends, patience!

Creating the Baileys Buttercream Frosting

Now, for the *best* part: the frosting! Make sure your butter is completely softened, but not melted. You want it at room temperature. In a large bowl – electric mixer is easiest, but a whisk and some elbow grease work too – beat the butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, *very slowly* add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time. This is important: add it slowly! Otherwise, you’ll have a powdered sugar blizzard in your kitchen (ask me how I know!). Once the sugar is in, pour in your Baileys and heavy cream. Then, beat it until it’s light and fluffy. Taste it! Add a splash more Baileys if you want a stronger flavor. Woohoo, it’s ready!

Frosting and Assembling the Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

Once your cake is completely cool (seriously, don’t frost a warm cake!), it’s time to get your frosting on! I like to level off the top of my cake with a serrated knife so it’s nice and even. Place one layer on your serving plate or cake stand, and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Then, add the second layer and frost the entire cake. You can do a rustic look, or for a smooth finish, dip a spatula in warm water and smooth the frosting over the top and sides. I like to use all the frosting, it’s just *so* good. You can even drizzle a little extra Baileys on top, and add some chocolate shavings. Oh my goodness!

A slice of Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake on a plate, showing layers of cake and frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

Okay, so, why is this Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake a winner? Let me break it down:

It’s ridiculously easy! Seriously, even if you’re not a baker, you can nail this.
That frosting! The Baileys flavor is pure heaven.
Chocolate cake + Baileys = the perfect combo. Seriously, it’s a match made in cake heaven!
It’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone will love it, I promise!

Tips for Success with Your Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

Want to make sure your Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake is absolutely perfect? I got you! First, don’t skimp on the quality of ingredients, especially the butter and the Baileys. Using the good stuff really does make a difference! Make sure your butter is truly softened, so the frosting is the right consistency. And, be patient! Don’t rush any step, especially letting the cake cool completely before frosting. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.

For a really smooth frosting finish, try warming up your spatula under hot water, then drying it quickly. This helps make the frosting so much smoother, like you got it professionally done! If you’re feeling fancy, top it with some chocolate shavings or even a drizzle of extra Baileys for an extra touch of deliciousness. You’ve got this, and it’s going to be AMAZING!

A slice of Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake on a white plate, topped with chocolate.

Variations of the Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

Okay, let’s get creative! The great thing about this Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake is that you can totally make it your own. Want to switch up the cake flavor? Go for it! Chocolate isn’t the only option. Try a vanilla cake, or even a funfetti! You could play with the frosting too. Maybe a chocolate Baileys buttercream? Or swirl in some caramel for extra decadence. For a festive look, decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even some edible gold leaf. Ooh la la! Have fun with it, and make it your own masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions for Your Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

So, you’ve made this incredible Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake – congrats! Now, what to serve *with* it? Well, I like to keep it simple. A nice cup of coffee or a hot chocolate is always a good idea, especially if it’s chilly out. For something extra, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes everything better. Or, how about some fresh berries? The tartness cuts through the richness, and it’s super pretty!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

So, you’ve got leftovers of this amazing Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake – lucky you! To keep it fresh, store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for about a month.

To thaw, just put a slice in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you *could* pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Do it in very small bursts though, or the frosting can get a bit melty! Honestly, I think it’s delicious straight from the fridge. Enjoy!

Close-up of a slice of Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake, showing layers and chocolate shavings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake

I know, I know, you probably have a million questions about this Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake, and I’m here to help! I get asked these all the time, so I thought I’d put them all in one place. No worries, I’ve got you covered!

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Baileys Buttercream frosting is actually *great* made ahead. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before you frost the cake. It makes everything so much easier when you’re ready to assemble!

How do I store the cake?

To keep your beautiful Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days (if it lasts that long!). You can also freeze individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for about a month – perfect for a quick, yummy treat later!

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yep! While I think chocolate works *best* with Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to use a vanilla cake mix, a red velvet, or whatever flavor your heart desires! Just make sure you adjust the baking time as needed, according to the box instructions.

How can I adjust the Baileys flavor?

Want a stronger Baileys kick? Easy! You can absolutely adjust the amount of Baileys Irish Cream. Some people love a deep, boozy flavor! Just taste the frosting as you go and add more Baileys a tablespoon at a time until you reach your perfect level of deliciousness. You can also add a splash to the cake batter to boost it further.

Nutritional Information for Baileys Buttercream Frosted Cake (Disclaimer)

Just a heads-up, folks: the nutritional info here is just an estimate, okay? It can change depending on the brands you use, how many ingredients you add or substitute, and even how big your slices are! So, consider it a guide, not a hard-and-fast rule.