Irish Cream Frosting with Cream Cheese: A perfect frosting for Your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

If you’re looking for a unique flavor to elevate your baked goods, Irish cream frosting with cream cheese is a decadent choice. This creamy frosting, infused with the rich taste of Baileys Irish Cream, pairs beautifully with Chocolate Stout Cake, Guinness Cupcakes, and even vanilla cupcakes. Whether you’re preparing for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or just want a delicious frosting to top your favorite desserts, this recipe with simple ingredients is festive and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter, room temperature
• Cream cheese, room temperature
• Powdered sugar (or confectioners’ sugar)
• Irish Cream Liqueur (Baileys or another variety)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Irish Cream Frosting

• Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer with a large bowl), beat the soft butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
• Reduce to low speed and gradually mix in the Irish Cream and vanilla extract
• Slowly add the powdered sugar (or icing sugar) one cup at a time, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula. Increase to medium-high speed and continue mixing until you reach the desired consistency of the frosting. (Switch to the whisk attachment for an extra creamy, airy frosting.)
• If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream, half and half or milk at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Best Ways to Use Baileys Frosting

This Irish cream buttercream frosting is perfect for:

• Guinness chocolate cupcakes
• Guinness Chocolate cake or Guinness brownies
• Vanilla cupcakes
• Coffee Cinnamon Rolls for a boozy kick

Storage Tips

Store leftover frosting for a couple of hours at room temperature, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.  Before using, let it come to room temperature and mix again to restore its texture.

FAQs

• How much Baileys should I use? The recipe calls for 3 tbsp, but you can adjust to taste. Keep in mind the alcohol content if serving to children.
• Can I make this frosting without cream cheese? Yes! Replace the cream cheese with more butter for a classic Baileys buttercream frosting.
• What if my frosting is too runny? Add more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it, or chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
• Can I use a different brand of Irish Cream? Yes for sure. I happen to have a bottle of baileys I save for St. Patrick’s Day baking, but any brand will do. 
• ​Want an extra boozy kick? Use a blend of Irish Whiskey and the Baileys for an extra festive and boozy frosting.

Other buttercream recipes:

• Raspberry Buttercream
• Brown Butter Frosting