Introduction
Indulge in a slice of heaven with this Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake, a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the velvety notes of Baileys Irish Cream. The cake is moist and decadent, making it an excellent choice for celebrations or a special treat just for you. Topped with a Kahlua buttercream frosting, this cake elevates any occasion with its gourmet flavor and delightful presentation.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
250g all-purpose flour
200g granulated sugar
75g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
240ml whole milk
120ml vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
120ml Baileys Irish Cream
240ml hot water
For the Kahlua Buttercream Frosting:
250g unsalted butter, softened
450g powdered sugar
60ml Kahlua
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and flour two 20cm round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in Baileys Irish Cream, then gradually add hot water while mixing. The batter will be thin.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To prepare the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
9. Pour in Kahlua, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
10. Frost the cooled cakes with the Kahlua buttercream and assemble.
11. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and flour two 20cm round cake pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the large eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Baileys Irish Cream
Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream, then gradually add the hot water while mixing. The batter will be thin.
Step 5: Divide the Batter
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Kahlua Buttercream Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing well.
Step 9: Add Flavors to the Frosting
Pour in the Kahlua, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture until fluffy and smooth.
Step 10: Frost the Cakes
Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost them with the Kahlua buttercream frosting and assemble as desired.
Step 11: Serve the Cake
Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Preparation Tips
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results. This helps in achieving a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
Cake Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frosting Variations
Feel free to add additional flavors such as espresso or chocolate extract to the Kahlua buttercream for a more intense flavor.
Decoration Ideas
Consider adding chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, or chocolate curls on top of the frosted cake for an elegant finish.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature Storage
Store the chocolate cake at room temperature in an airtight container. It will remain fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration
If you live in a warm climate or wish to extend the shelf life, you can refrigerate the cake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. The cake can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Plating
Serve slices of the Baileys Irish Cream chocolate cake on dessert plates.
Garnish
Top each slice with a dollop of extra Kahlua buttercream frosting or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for added indulgence. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, add a vibrant touch that complements the chocolate flavor.
Beverage Pairings
Pair the cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful experience. To enhance the flavors, consider serving with a shot of espresso or a glass of Baileys Irish Cream.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size
One serving size is approximately 1 slice (about 1/12th of the cake).
Calories
Each slice contains roughly 380 calories.
Macronutrients
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Sodium: 150mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 54g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 35g
– Protein: 5g
Alcohol Content
Due to the inclusion of Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlua, this cake does contain alcohol.
Ingredient Substitutions
Flour
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
Sugar
Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia to make this cake lower in calories.
Eggs
For an egg-free version, replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt.
Milk
Substitute whole milk for almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Vegetable Oil
You may use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce in place of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.
Butter
Replace unsalted butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free frosting option.
Cook Techniques
Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measuring of ingredients is crucial for baking. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for liquids. Spoon dry ingredients into measuring cups and level them with a straight edge for precision.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Thoroughly whisking together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt ensures even distribution of leavening agents, helping the cake to rise uniformly.
Mixing Techniques
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake instead of a tender crumb.
Incorporating Hot Water
Adding hot water to the batter helps to bloom the cocoa, enhancing the chocolate flavor. Be cautious to gradually add it while mixing to avoid steam burns.
Baking the Cake
Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature for consistent baking. Place cake pans in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
Cooling Cakes
After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly and makes it easier to transfer them to a cooling rack without breaking.
Making Buttercream Frosting
Start with softened butter to achieve a creamy consistency. Gradually mix in powdered sugar to avoid clouds of sugar and ensure a smooth frosting.
Frosting Techniques
When frosting the cake, use an offset spatula for even spreading. Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) before the final coat to seal in crumbs.
Assembling the Cake
Level the cooled cake layers before stacking to ensure stability and an even appearance.
Serving Instructions
Use a sharp knife to slice the cake for clean cuts. Warm the knife under hot water for easier slicing through the frosting.
FAQ
Can I substitute Baileys Irish Cream with another liqueur?
Yes, you can substitute Baileys with another cream liqueur or even a flavored coffee syrup for a different taste profile.
What can I use instead of Kahlua for the frosting?
You can use another coffee-based liqueur, chocolate liqueur, or even strong brewed coffee for a non-alcoholic option.
How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, but ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
Can I make the cake in advance?
Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored; frost it just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Cake with Kahlua Buttercream Frosting is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a fantastic choice for celebrations and special gatherings. Paired with the creamy coffee-infused frosting, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
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