Baileys Frosting
This boozy Baileys frosting recipe is packed with that deliciously creamy Baileys flavor! It's perfect for topping cupcakes, frosting cakes, or even on top of cookies.
Servings: 6 Cups
Calories: 1100kcal
Ingredients
Baileys Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature 452g; 1 lb. box
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 12g
- 1/2 tsp fine salt 3g
- 7 cups powdered sugar 907g; 2 lb. bag
- 1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream 60g
Instructions
Baileys Frosting
- Beat 2 cups of unsalted butter on medium speed for 30 seconds until smooth in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment / stand mixer or a hand mixer.
- Mix in 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste and 1/2 tsp salt on a low speed.
- Slowly add in 7 cups of powdered sugar while mixing slowly on the lowest setting. Halfway through, add in 1/4 cup of Baileys to make it easier to mix. I like to place a kitchen towel over my mixer to contain any powdered sugar clouds.
- Mix on low until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the desired consistency is reached. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
- If the frosting is too thick, add in additional Baileys (1 Tbsp at a time). If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar (a quarter of a cup at a time).
- If you plan to color the buttercream, add in the gel food coloring once the frosting is fully mixed and beat on low until it reaches the desired color.
- To make the frosting extra smooth, stir it by hand with a rubber spatula for a minute or two right before you use it. It's an arm workout, but it's worth it! Push the frosting back and forth and spread it around the side of the bowl. This will push out any extra air and make it easier to smooth onto cakes or pipe with.
Notes
Note: This recipe was updated in March 2025 to increase the yield. But it's still the same delicious recipe!
Yield
One batch of buttercream makes about 6 cups, which is enough to frost a 7-inch or 8-inch layer cake with 3 layers or frost about 3 dozen cupcakes. If you're struggling to get your frosting smooth, I share all my tips for making super smooth buttercream here.Making This Baileys Frosting in Advance and Storage Tips
You can make this frosting ahead of time, or save any leftover frosting! It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to give it a good stir once it thaws to get the consistency nice and smooth again. A frosted cake can last in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. The buttercream locks in all the moisture, keeping the cake fresh and delicious! If you cut into the cake and have leftovers, use any remaining frosting to cover the cut section to keep it moist and store it in the fridge for up to a week.Nutrition
Serving: 3 | Calories: 1100kcal | Carbohydrates: 131g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 208mg | Sugar: 129g