When it comes to dessert, few things are more indulgent than a rich, moist chocolate cake. Now, imagine infusing that chocolatey goodness with the creamy, Irish charm of Baileys Irish Cream. That’s exactly what we’re going to create in this recipe: a Chocolate Baileys Mud Cake. This luscious dessert is the perfect combination of velvety chocolate and the smooth, distinct flavor of Baileys. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is bound to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
For the Chocolate Baileys Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream
Instructions
Making the Chocolate Baileys Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is well combined.
- Stir in the strong brewed coffee and Baileys Irish Cream until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay; it will result in a moist cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Baileys Ganache:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove it from the heat immediately.
- Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes.
- Stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream until it’s well incorporated into the ganache.
Assembling the Cake:
- Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Pour a portion of the Chocolate Baileys Ganache over the top of the cake layer. Spread it evenly to the edges.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Pour the remaining ganache over the top layer, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.
Serving:
- Slice and serve your indulgent Chocolate Baileys Mud Cake. Enjoy every rich, moist, and flavorful bite!
Variations and Tips
- Additional Toppings: Consider decorating the cake with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, or edible gold flakes for an extra touch of elegance.
- Coffee Substitute: If you prefer not to use coffee, hot water can be substituted in equal quantity.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can use gluten-free flour to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Baileys Variation: Experiment with different Baileys flavors like Baileys Salted Caramel or Baileys Almande for unique twists on this cake.
The Chocolate Baileys Mud Cake is a dessert masterpiece that combines the timeless allure of chocolate with the smooth sophistication of Baileys Irish Cream. This cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and those of anyone lucky enough to savor it. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is delightful. Enjoy every velvety, Baileys-infused bite of this decadent masterpiece!
