Name: Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 38 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups (207g) cake flour (spooned & leveled); 2 teaspoons espresso powder; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 3 large egg whites, at room temperature; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature; 1/4 cup (60ml) strong black coffee, cooled to room temperature; 1/3 cup (80ml) Baileys Irish Cream; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional); 3 Tablespoons (45ml) Baileys Irish Cream; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons strong black coffee, cooled to room temperature; Pinch of salt; Optional garnish: chocolate sprinkles

If you love the cozy aroma of coffee paired with a touch of decadent Irish cream, you’re in for a treat. This Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe blends rich coffee flavors with the creamy warmth of Baileys Irish Cream in the most delightful cupcakes you’ll ever bake.

The image shows a close-up of several cupcakes with a golden brown base wrapped in dark brown liners. On top of each cupcake, there is a thick swirl of light beige frosting, generously covered with small dark chocolate sprinkles. The cupcakes are placed on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred, making the cupcakes the clear focus. The frosting is smooth and creamy with a slightly peaked top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless cupcakes, but these Baileys and coffee cupcakes quickly became a special favorite for cozy gatherings. They’re simple enough to whip up and impressive enough to wow your friends or family.

Perfect balance: The combination of espresso powder and strong black coffee makes these cupcakes packed with bold flavor but never bitter.
Moist and tender: Using cake flour and sour cream creates a tender crumb that stays moist for days.
Decadent frosting: The Baileys coffee buttercream is silky and luscious, complementing the cupcake perfectly.
Versatile and festive: Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any coffee lover’s indulgence.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start mixing, I recommend having all your ingredients at room temperature—especially the eggs, butter, and sour cream—for the best texture and emulsification. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale cake flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark espresso powder, a small white ceramic bowl of white baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of off-white baking soda, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a half block of creamy unsalted butter softened, a small heap of white granulated sugar, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of clear pale vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of thick sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with dark strong black coffee, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy light beige Baileys Irish Cream, and a small white ceramic bowl of fine white confectioners’ sugar placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cake flour: This gives the cupcakes their soft, delicate crumb. If you can’t find cake flour, I’ll share my homemade substitute tips in the notes.
Espresso powder: Adds depth and enhances the coffee flavor without overpowering.
Baking powder and baking soda: For that perfect rise and light texture.
Unsalted butter: Essential for creaminess and flavor control.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping the cupcakes tenderize.
Egg whites: Using only whites keeps these less dense and slightly lighter in texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Sour cream or plain yogurt: Brings moisture and a subtle tanginess for balance.
Strong black coffee: Infuses the cupcakes with robust coffee essence.
Baileys Irish Cream: The star ingredient that delivers that unmistakable creamy Irish charm.
Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): For that silky smooth Baileys coffee buttercream.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
Optional chocolate sprinkles: Because sometimes a little extra sparkle on top makes all the difference.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood or occasion. Whether you're craving a boozy delight, a kid-friendly treat, or a seasonal twist, these cupcakes are a wonderful base for creativity.

Alcohol-Free Version: I love creating a version that's perfect for all ages or for those avoiding alcohol. Simply swap out the Baileys for extra strong black coffee in both the cupcake batter and the buttercream. The coffee flavor shines through beautifully and keeps that rich essence without the booze.
Flavor Variations: For a fun twist, try using salted caramel or espresso-flavored Baileys instead of the classic Irish Cream. I personally enjoyed the salted caramel variation during the holidays; it adds a subtle sweet-salty note that pairs amazingly with the espresso powder.
Mini Cupcakes: Perfect for parties or when you want just a bite of indulgence. Remember, mini cupcakes only need 11-13 minutes in the oven. They’re adorable and disappear fast at gatherings!
Gluten-Free Alternative: While this recipe calls for cake flour, you can experiment with gluten-free cake flour blends. Just be sure to test the texture as gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently.
Make It A Cake: If you’re hosting a bigger celebration, transform this cupcake recipe into a luscious layer cake. Adjust the sugar and liquids slightly as recommended in the notes, and you’ll have a stunning Baileys coffee cake centerpiece.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a cupcake split in half vertically. The bottom layer is a light brown, moist cake with a soft and porous texture. On top of the cake is a thick layer of smooth, creamy, light beige frosting. Sprinkled over the frosting are small, dark brown chocolate sprinkles scattered unevenly. The cupcake wrapper is dark brown and partially visible around the base of the cupcake. The background has a blurred white marbled texture, with another cupcake and a blurred bottle behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Success

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners, plus prepare a second pan with 2 more liners since this recipe yields about 14 cupcakes. Having everything ready ensures smooth baking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk 1 and ¾ cups of cake flour with 2 teaspoons espresso powder, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This dry mix is the backbone of your cupcakes’ structure and flavor, and whisking thoroughly helps prevent lumps in your batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy

Using your mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter on high speed for about 1 minute until it looks smooth and creamy. Then add 1 cup granulated sugar and continue beating on high for 2 more minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure everything blends perfectly – a well-creamed base is key to moist cupcakes!

Step 4: Add Egg Whites, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Slowly add 3 large egg whites at room temperature and 1 and ½ teaspoons vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high until fully combined. Then mix in ⅓ cup sour cream or plain yogurt, also at room temperature. These wet ingredients add moisture and tenderness to your cupcakes, giving them that perfect crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients, Coffee, and Baileys

Turn your mixer to low and gently add the dry ingredients until just barely combined. Next, with the mixer still running low, slowly pour in ¼ cup strong black coffee and then ⅓ cup Baileys Irish Cream. Beat just until smooth—over-mixing here can toughen your cupcakes. If you spot any clumps, a quick hand whisk fixes that right up.

Step 6: Fill Liners and Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter into your prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full to avoid spillovers while baking. Bake for 19-22 minutes until the cupcakes have risen nicely and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For mini cupcakes, aim for 11-13 minutes. Then, let them cool completely before frosting, which usually takes about 2 hours and 8 minutes.

Step 7: Make the Baileys Coffee Buttercream

Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, optional ½ teaspoon espresso powder, 3 tablespoons Baileys, 1 and ½ tablespoons strong black coffee, and a pinch of salt. Start beating on low for 30 seconds, then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes. Adjust by adding more confectioners’ sugar if too thin, extra Baileys if too thick, or a bit more salt if overly sweet. This luscious frosting is the perfect finishing touch!

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Once cooled, pipe or spread the Baileys coffee buttercream onto each cupcake. I like using an Ateco 808 piping tip for a pretty swirl effect. For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles. Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days — though I doubt there will be many left!

Top Tip

Mastering the Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe is all about balance and timing. These tips will help you achieve moist, flavorful cupcakes with that perfect coffee and Baileys kick every single time.

Don't Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined ensures your cupcakes stay tender and light – overmixing activates gluten and makes them dense, which you definitely want to avoid.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temp butter, egg whites, sour cream, and coffee lets everything blend smoothly, giving you a consistent batter and better rise.
Cream Butter and Sugar Well: I like to really take the time to beat these until super creamy and fluffy — that's what creates the cupcake's light texture and sweetness.
Let Cupcakes Cool Completely Before Frosting: This mistake can cause your buttercream to melt and get messy, so patience here makes all the difference for clean, pretty cupcakes.

How to Serve Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe

A close-up view of a thick creamy light beige frosting swirled inside a metal mixing bowl. The frosting has a smooth, soft texture with visible folds and peaks, and a red spatula is partially dipped in the frosting on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped brown cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These cupcakes shine with simple yet elegant garnishes. Chocolate sprinkles add a delightful crunch and rich contrast to the creamy buttercream. For a special touch, try finely grated dark chocolate or a few coffee beans on top. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate complements the Baileys beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these Baileys coffee cupcakes with freshly brewed coffee or espresso for an indulgent pairing. A scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream alongside makes a decadent dessert plate. For gatherings, petite fresh berries or a simple fruit salad provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the cupcakes and buttercream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baileys coffee cupcakes stay fresh and moist when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent the frosting from drying out or absorbing fridge odors, keep them well covered or in a sealed cupcake carrier.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes either frosted or unfrosted for 2 to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to preserve that delicious texture and flavor.

Reheating

For the best experience, bring the cupcakes to room temperature before serving. If you want that freshly-baked warmth, pop unfrosted cupcakes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid reheating frosted cupcakes in the oven to protect the buttercream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Baileys Coffee Cupcakes without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Baileys Irish Cream with an equal amount of strong black coffee in both the cupcakes and buttercream. This keeps all the coffee flavor without the alcohol.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

You can create a homemade cake flour substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch. For this recipe, make sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement—this helps keep the cupcakes tender and light.

Why does the recipe use only egg whites?

Using only egg whites results in a lighter texture and less fat in the cupcakes. Plus, you can save the leftover yolks for other delicious recipes like custards or lemon curd!

Can I make these cupcakes into a cake?

Yes! The batter and frosting adapt beautifully to a cake form. For a 6-inch cake, follow the provided cake recipe notes for adjusting sugar and liquids. It's a wonderful way to serve this flavor in a larger celebration.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Baileys Coffee Cupcakes Recipe has been a joy that I hope you’ll experience too. The harmonious blend of Baileys Irish Cream, espresso, and rich buttercream makes each bite a celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a moment to treat yourself, these cupcakes bring warmth, indulgence, and a little touch of magic. Happy baking and savor every sip and bite!