Forget everything you thought you knew about hot chocolate. This isn't your grandma's cup of cocoa; this is a rich, decadent Baileys Hot Chocolate Cake, a symphony of chocolate, cream, and a subtle Irish whisper. Perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or simply because you deserve a little indulgence. This easy recipe is surprisingly quick to make, resulting in a delicious dish perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced bakers. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this truly irresistible treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
- ¼ cup hot coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers come out easily and beautifully.
Making the Cake Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mix is the foundation of our delicious cake.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combining these wet ingredients separately ensures even distribution.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Gradually add the hot coffee and Baileys Irish Cream to the batter, mixing until smooth. The coffee adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor, while the Baileys provides a delightful adult twist.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Baking the Cake:
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on your cakes, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the Baileys and hot coffee, beating until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract. The hot coffee helps create a smoother, more luxurious frosting.
Assembling the Cake:
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Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
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Enjoy immediately, or chill for later. This cake is delicious both ways!
Tips for the Best Baileys Hot Chocolate Cake:
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, dust the finished cake with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
Variations:
- Espresso Kick: Replace the hot coffee with freshly brewed espresso for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on serving size and frosting amount)
This Baileys Hot Chocolate Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can combine to create a truly exceptional, delicious dish. Enjoy the process of creating this quick dinner idea and relish every bite of this healthy and easy recipe. It’s the perfect ending to any day!