Go Back
close up shot of Baileys Brownies stacked on top of each other

Baileys Brownies

Baileys brownies are a decadent combination of rich chocolate and Irish cream. These rich and fudgy triple-layer brownies are a delicious adult dessert.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Chill Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

Brownies

  • 1 box brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the box to make the brownies (typically eggs, oil, and water)

Baileys Buttercream

  • ½ cup salted butter, softened
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Ganache

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven as indicated on the brownie box. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
  • Prepare and bake brownies in an 8x8 square baking dish according to the package instructions. (We substituted the indicated ¼ cup water for ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream in the brownie recipe).
  • Cool brownies completely.
  • Prepare the buttercream layer by beating together butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until combined.
  • With the mixer running at low speed, pour two tablespoons of Baileys into the buttercream mixture and continue beating.
  • Add whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time while continuously beating until a fluffy, smooth frosting forms.
  • Use an offset spatula to spread the buttercream in an even layer over the top of the cooled brownies.
  • Place brownies in the freezer while you prepare the ganache.
  • Combine ⅓ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of Baileys in a heatproof bowl. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until the cream mixture is just coming to a simmer.
  • Pour hot cream over 1 cup of chocolate chips. Let sit for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir the chocolate mixture until a smooth ganache forms.
  • Spread ganache over the chilled, frosted brownies.
  • Allow ganache to set (either on the countertop for 45 to 60 minutes or in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes).
  • Lift brownies from the tray by the flaps of parchment paper. Cut into even squares and serve immediately.

Notes

  • These fudgy brownies are rich and creamy and so decadent. The Baileys flavor blends seamlessly with the chocolate - we have Baileys in all three layers, but you can, of course, put it in just one or two of the layers. I would recommend including the Baileys in the buttercream frosting layer for the most impact if you don’t want to include it in the other layers.
  • The brownies need to be all the way cooled before frosting so that they don’t melt the frosting.
  • If you pop the frosted brownies in the freezer while preparing the ganache, the frosting will firm up so that the ganache can go on smoothly.