Why You’ll Love Baileys Coffee Cake
This baileys coffee cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of rich buttery texture, a subtle coffee aroma, and the smooth warmth of Baileys Irish Cream makes it irresistible. But what really takes it over the top is the Baileys icing – creamy, silky, and just sweet enough to balance the bold flavours of the cake.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. Plus, it’s baked in a simple loaf tin, so no need for any fancy equipment!
Tips for the Best Baileys Coffee Cake
1. Use Quality Ingredients 🧈
Good ingredients make all the difference in baking. Go for real butter (not margarine!) for that rich flavour, and pick a high-quality instant coffee for a deeper, more aromatic taste. And of course, don’t skimp on the Baileys – it’s the star of the show!
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter 🎂
When adding the self-raising flour, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake instead of the soft, airy crumb we’re aiming for.
3. Perfecting the Icing 🍦
For silky-smooth icing, make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. And if your icing is a little thick, a teaspoon or two of milk will help you achieve that perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions 🍽
This baileys coffee cake pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy flat white. Want to get fancy? Serve it with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
For a dinner party, slice it thin and pair it with a glass of Baileys over ice – dessert and drinks in one go!
Variations of Baileys Coffee Cake to Try
If you’re already in love with this Baileys Coffee Cake, you’re in for a treat – there are so many ways to play with this recipe and make it your own. Whether you’re craving more coffee, a deeper Baileys flavour, or a new twist altogether, these variations will inspire your next baking adventure!
1. Baileys Irish Cream Coffee Cake 🍀☕
Want to lean fully into the Baileys experience? Try doubling the Baileys in the icing for a true Baileys Irish Cream Coffee Cake. The extra Baileys gives the icing a velvety, rich flavour that pairs perfectly with the light coffee undertone of the cake. You can even add a drizzle of Baileys over the top of the finished icing for a little extra indulgence.
For an even bolder take, mix a teaspoon of Baileys into the batter along with the coffee. This guarantees a more pronounced Baileys flavour in every bite!
2. Coffee and Baileys Cake ☕🍶
If you’re a die-hard coffee lover, consider amping up the coffee flavour in your coffee and Baileys cake. Swap the instant coffee granules for espresso powder or strong brewed coffee, which will bring out a robust coffee taste.
For an elegant finish, sprinkle some finely ground coffee or cocoa powder over the Baileys icing for a café-style look. It’s the perfect treat to serve alongside a hot cup of cappuccino or, for a real showstopper, a Baileys-spiked latte.
3. Chocolate Baileys Coffee Cake 🍫☕
Love chocolate and coffee together? Incorporate cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate into the batter to create a decadent chocolate Baileys coffee cake. The rich chocolate flavour enhances both the coffee and Baileys, giving you a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
For extra flair, top the Baileys icing with chocolate shavings, crushed hazelnuts, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds.
4. Baileys Coffee Walnut Cake 🥮🍯
If you love a bit of crunch in your cake, try folding chopped walnuts into the batter for a Baileys coffee walnut cake. The nuttiness complements the coffee and Baileys beautifully, adding texture and depth to each bite.
To take it up a notch, scatter crushed walnuts over the Baileys icing or press them gently onto the sides of the cake for a decorative finish. This version is perfect for morning tea or an elegant afternoon treat.
5. Layered Coffee and Baileys Cake 🎂
Feeling fancy? Turn this loaf cake into a multi-layered masterpiece. Bake the batter in two round cake tins, then stack the layers with generous amounts of Baileys icing in between. For an extra wow factor, add a layer of whipped cream or coffee-flavoured ganache.
This layered version transforms the humble loaf into a stunning coffee and Baileys cake that’s worthy of any celebration.
What Makes These Variations Special?
The beauty of Baileys Coffee Cake, Baileys Irish Cream Coffee Cake, and their variations lies in the balance of flavours. Each tweak highlights either the creamy sweetness of Baileys, the bold intensity of coffee, or the richness of added ingredients like chocolate or nuts. These options let you customise the recipe to suit your mood or occasion while still keeping the comforting essence of the original cake.
Which version will you try first?
Storage Options
One of the best things about this cake is how well it keeps – if you have any leftovers, that is!
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious.
Refrigeration: Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days if your kitchen runs warm. Just bring it back to room temperature or microwave a slice for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in cling wrap, then pop them into a zip-lock bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, and you’re ready to indulge anytime!
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this cake, here are some delightful treats you won’t want to miss:
- Christmas Cookies That’ll Steal the Show This Holiday Season
- Xmas Crack Pimped Up: Sweet & Salty Christmas Crack Recipe for Festive Feasting
- Christmas Rocky Road: Festive Magic in Every Bite!
- Gin and Tonic Truffles You Can’t Resist!
- 3 Ingredient Coconut Jam Drops: Sweet & Simple Festive Treats for Christmas!
- Biscoff Truffles: The Ultimate Festive Treat!
Share Your Masterpiece!
I’d love to see your Baileys Coffee Cake creations! Snap a picture of your beautiful bake and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Don’t forget to add #BaileysCoffeeCake so I can admire your work and share it with our baking community!
Final Thoughts
This Baileys Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of everything we love about coffee, Baileys, and baking. The rich flavours and simple preparation make it a go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to hit the spot.
So what are you waiting for? Dust off your loaf tin, grab that bottle of Baileys, and get baking!
Baileys Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Need a cake that’s as perfect for morning tea as it is for dessert? Say hello to my Baileys Coffee Cake – it’s rich, buttery, and has just the right amount of Baileys kick! Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself (no judgment!), this one’s a winner. Bonus: the creamy Baileys icing is the stuff dreams are made of! Let’s get baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the soft butter and brown sugar in a bowl and whisk until creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each.
- Stir in the coffee, Baileys, and self-raising flour. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf tin.
- Bake at 180°C for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
For the icing
- Combine the soft butter, icing sugar, and Baileys. Mix until silky smooth.
- Spread generously over your cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Substitute the Baileys with an equal amount of milk or cream for a non-alcoholic version. You’ll miss the signature flavour, but it’ll still be delicious.
Yes, but make sure it’s strong! Brewed espresso or strong black coffee works best – just use 2 tablespoons of liquid coffee instead of the instant granules.
No problem! Use plain flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of flour.