A Boozy, Decadent Cake for Any Occasion
Few things are as delightful as a moist, rich cake infused with the creamy warmth of Baileys Irish Cream. This Baileys Irish Cream Bundt Cake is a luxurious dessert that blends buttery sweetness, a hint of cocoa, and the smooth, velvety notes of Irish cream liqueur. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, holiday celebrations, or any special occasion, this cake is guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
What makes this Bundt cake special isn’t just its tender crumb and deep flavor, but also the luscious Baileys-infused cream cheese frosting that drapes over the top, creating a stunning finish. The addition of sour cream and Baileys ensures that every bite is incredibly moist, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Whether you’re baking this for a festive gathering or as an indulgent treat alongside a cup of coffee, this cake delivers pure decadence in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Baileys Bundt Cake
1. A Rich and Moist Cake with a Boozy Twist
The combination of butter, sour cream, and Baileys Irish Cream ensures that this cake stays moist and flavorful. Unlike other liqueur-based cakes, this one balances sweet, creamy, and cocoa notes without being overpowering.
2. The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Dessert
With its smooth Baileys flavor and festive cream cheese frosting, this Bundt cake is an ideal treat for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Add a sprinkle of gold sugar or green sprinkles for a holiday-ready look.
3. Elegant and Easy to Make
Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this cake is incredibly easy to make. The Bundt pan gives it an elegant shape with minimal effort, and the frosting is simply piped or drizzled over the top for a gorgeous presentation.
4. A Crowd-Pleaser at Any Gathering
Whether served at a dinner party, brunch, holiday event, or casual get-together, this cake always gets rave reviews. The familiar flavor of Baileys Irish Cream paired with a rich, chocolatey Bundt cake makes it a universal favorite.
5. Pairs Perfectly with Coffee or Irish Coffee
If you’re a fan of Baileys in your coffee, you’ll love how this cake complements a warm drink. Serve it with a cup of coffee or an Irish coffee for an indulgent dessert pairing.
Ingredients: A Rich and Indulgent Blend
For the Bundt Cake:
- Butter for a rich, moist base
- Sugar for sweetness and balance
- Eggs to provide structure and texture
- Sour cream for extra moisture and tenderness
- Vanilla extract for depth of flavor
- All-purpose flour for stability
- Cocoa powder for a hint of chocolatey depth
- Baking powder and baking soda for leavening
- Salt to enhance flavors
- Baileys Irish Cream for a smooth, creamy touch
For the Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese for a smooth, tangy base
- Butter for extra richness
- Powdered sugar for sweetness and consistency
- Baileys Irish Cream for a flavorful kick
- Festive sprinkles for decoration
Directions: Crafting the Ultimate Boozy Bundt Cake
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Cream butter and sugar, then incorporate eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and Baileys. Mix with dry ingredients until smooth.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour into a prepared bundt pan and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and Baileys until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until creamy.
- Frost and Decorate: Pipe the frosting over the cooled cake and top with festive sprinkles for a finishing touch.
Nutritional Highlights: A Luxurious Treat
- Calories: ~350 per slice
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~18g
- Sugar: ~28g
- Protein: ~4g

Expert Tips for the Best Baileys Bundt Cake
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures even blending and a smooth, lump-free batter.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
To keep the cake light and tender, mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a dense and tough cake.
3. Grease the Bundt Pan Well
A Bundt cake’s beautiful shape can be ruined if the cake sticks to the pan. To prevent this:
- Use baking spray with flour or a butter and flour combination to coat every crevice.
- Let the cake cool slightly before attempting to remove it from the pan.
4. Allow the Cake to Rest for Maximum Flavor
This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. If possible, bake it a day in advance, wrap it tightly, and let it sit overnight before frosting.
5. Adjust the Frosting Consistency
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar.
- For a drizzling glaze, increase the amount of Baileys or add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Fun Ways to Customize This Cake
1. Make It a Layer Cake
Instead of a Bundt cake, bake the batter in two 9-inch round cake pans and layer them with Baileys frosting in between for an impressive tiered dessert.
2. Add a Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
For an extra decadent touch, drizzle the finished cake with a Baileys-spiked chocolate ganache. Simply melt dark chocolate with a bit of heavy cream and Baileys, then pour over the cake.
3. Turn It into Cupcakes or Mini Bundt Cakes
Divide the batter into cupcake tins or mini Bundt pans for individual-sized treats—perfect for serving at parties or gifting to friends.
4. Add a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, chocolate shavings, or crushed toffee over the frosting for an added layer of texture and flavor.
5. Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream
A warm slice of Baileys Bundt Cake with vanilla or coffee ice cream takes this dessert to another level of indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does This Cake Contain Alcohol?
Yes, Baileys Irish Cream is used in both the cake batter and frosting. However, the alcohol in the batter bakes off in the oven, leaving only the flavor behind. The frosting, however, still contains a small amount of alcohol.
If serving to kids or those avoiding alcohol, you can substitute Baileys coffee creamer or a mix of heavy cream and vanilla extract instead.
2. How Long Does This Cake Last?
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the refrigerator: Keep covered for up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before serving.
- In the freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
3. Can I Use a Different Liqueur?
Absolutely! Try swapping Baileys for:
- Kahlúa for a coffee-infused cake
- Amaretto for a nutty twist
- RumChata for a cinnamon-vanilla flavor
4. Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour. The cake may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
5. Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version:
- Use dairy-free butter and sour cream in the cake.
- Swap Baileys for a dairy-free Irish cream alternative (like Baileys Almande).
- Use vegan cream cheese and butter for the frosting.
6. What’s the Best Way to Frost This Cake?
For a classic Bundt cake look, pipe the frosting in lines over the top using a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. If you prefer a more rustic look, spread it generously with a spatula.
Final Thoughts: A Cake Worth Celebrating
Baileys Irish Cream Bundt Cake is the perfect blend of rich flavors, velvety texture, and indulgent frosting. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday party, or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress.
With its deep, buttery richness, subtle cocoa undertones, and smooth Baileys-infused frosting, every bite is pure indulgence. Plus, with endless ways to customize and serve it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
So why wait? Pour yourself a glass of Baileys, preheat the oven, and bake a cake that’s guaranteed to be the highlight of any celebration!