Irresistible Espresso Brownie Cups with Luscious Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting

Get ready to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a dessert that’s as delightful as finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow – these Espresso Brownie Cups with Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting! Imagine biting into a rich, coffee-infused brownie, perfectly formed into a cup, and then discovering a cloud of smooth, boozy Bailey’s buttercream. It’s an exquisite blend of deep chocolate, aromatic espresso, and the creamy, distinct flavor of Irish cream liqueur, creating a treat that’s simply irresistible. Every single bite delivers that comforting taste of a perfectly crafted coffee, spiked with a generous dash of Bailey’s Irish Cream – truly a dream come true for dessert lovers!

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If purchases are made via these links, I will receive a small commission, which helps support this blog. Thank you for your continued support!

YOU GUYS, seriously, pay attention. If you are going to make just one Irish-themed recipe this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day, or any day you crave something truly special, it absolutely needs to be THIS ONE.

I gobbled these down SO DARN FAST. Like, they didn’t even last past a couple of days after I made them, proving just how irresistible they are. I literally had to give away more than half of them to family and friends because they were so darn tasty and I have absolutely zero self-control when they are within reach. Every time I passed the kitchen, I found myself reaching for another one. They are truly that addictive, in the best possible way!

Downright Dangerous Delights

GAH. I really wish I had one sitting on my desk right now as I write this post. My mouth is watering and my stomach is starting to grumble, even though I just ate a full meal. That’s the power of these divine Espresso Brownie Cups. Ah, the life of a food-obsessed crazy person, always craving the next delicious bite!

Now, this espresso brownie cups recipe happens to be one of the easiest you’ll ever make. Instead of meticulously preparing brownies from scratch, which can be time-consuming, I opted for a brownie mix this time. I know, I know, for shame to not make them from scratch… but really, sometimes you just need a killer shortcut that still yields incredible results. The beauty of a brownie mix is that it provides a fantastic base, allowing you to focus on the exciting additions that truly elevate the flavor profile.

The magic truly happens with a few simple additions. Instant espresso powder, added directly to the brownie batter, doesn’t just add a coffee kick; it deeply enriches the chocolate flavor, making the brownies taste even more decadent and complex. Then, a touch of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur mixed into the brownie batter infuses it with a subtle, creamy, and undeniably Irish spirit, setting the stage for the glorious frosting to come. These simple steps are easy ways to elevate a standard brownie mix into something truly gourmet and special.

Then, each rich, coffee-kissed brownie cup gets topped off with a generous swirl of luscious Bailey’s buttercream frosting. This frosting isn’t merely sweet; it’s a symphony of creamy texture and rich, boozy flavor that perfectly complements the deep chocolate and robust coffee notes in the espresso brownie cups. The balance is exquisite – the slightly bitter coffee tones from the espresso are perfectly softened by the sweet, smooth Bailey’s, creating a harmonious and utterly delightful bite.

Finally, crown your creations with some festive St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles for that extra pop of color and celebratory flair. With these Espresso Brownie Cups, you truly have something magical on your hands – something so much better than finding a leprechaun at the end of the rainbow, that’s all I can say! They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to spread some Irish cheer.

If you love all things Bailey’s Irish Cream as much as I do, then you’re in for a treat! This versatile liqueur adds a touch of sophisticated creaminess and a hint of boozy warmth to so many desserts. Explore some of my other favorite recipes featuring Bailey’s below:

Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake (Gluten-Free!) is an easy and elegant dessert that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences! This moist bundt cake is studded with chocolate chips and infused with the subtle, sweet notes of Irish cream, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

For a boozy treat to cool off with on a warmer day, check out this refreshing Bailey’s Irish Coffee Shake. It’s like your favorite iced coffee taken to the next level with creamy Bailey’s, making it an ideal adult indulgence.

I always like to have a bottle of homemade Bailey’s Hot Fudge Sauce in the refrigerator. It’s absolutely divine when poured warm over vanilla ice cream, turning a simple scoop into a luxurious dessert experience!

A Whiskey Skillet Brownie with Bailey’s No Churn Ice Cream is just the decadent treat to end a sophisticated dinner party with. This warm, gooey brownie paired with creamy, no-churn Irish cream ice cream is a showstopper.

You can easily make these elegant Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse Brownie Parfaits ahead of time, and they are surprisingly simple to assemble. Layers of rich chocolate mousse and brownie pieces, all infused with Bailey’s, make for a beautiful and delicious individual serving.

Essential Tools for Baking Success

To ensure your Espresso Brownie Cups come out perfectly every time, here are the essential kitchen tools I recommend. Investing in quality bakeware and appliances can make all the difference in your baking experience and results:

To make the wonderfully smooth and fluffy buttercream frosting, I always turn to my KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer! It’s the best way to get that perfect, airy texture without having to hold a hand mixer for an extended period. The powerful motor and hands-free operation make it a dream for any baker, ensuring your frosting is consistently light and creamy.

This USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan is my favorite of all time. It’s incredibly durable and long-lasting, and its superior non-stick coating ensures those delicate brownie cups release easily once they are done baking and cooled slightly. No more broken brownies or frustrating cleanup!

If you are looking for a great starter pack for cake and cupcake decorating, this Wilton 46-Piece Deluxe Cake Decorating Set is all you need to start creating beautiful desserts. It’s affordable, includes a wide variety of piping tips and tools, and I’ve used a similar set for years to achieve professional-looking results on all my frosted treats.

Tips for Perfect Espresso Brownie Cups

• Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: When preparing your brownie mix, follow the package instructions but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten, leading to tougher, less fudgy brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Don’t Overbake Your Brownies: Brownies are notorious for being easily overbaked, which can result in dry, crumbly cups. They should still be slightly fudgy in the center when removed from the oven. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Press Cups While Hot: This is a crucial step! As soon as you remove the brownies from the oven, immediately use the bottom of a shot glass (or a small, round object) to gently press down in the center of each brownie, forming a cup. If you wait for them to cool, they will set and crack when pressed.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is key here! Ensure your brownie cups are completely cooled to room temperature before you even think about frosting them. Warm brownies will cause your beautifully whipped buttercream to melt and slide right off.
• Room Temperature Butter for Frosting: For the silkiest, fluffiest buttercream frosting, make sure your unsalted butter is at true room temperature. This means it should be soft enough to indent with your finger without being greasy or melted. This allows it to whip up properly, incorporating air for a light texture.
• Adjust Bailey’s to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur in the frosting slightly based on your personal preference. If you prefer a stronger Irish cream flavor, you can add a little more, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired taste.
• Garnish for Flair: While sprinkles are optional, they add a wonderful festive touch, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. Consider green, gold, or white sprinkles, or even some finely chopped chocolate for an elegant finish.

Espresso Brownie Cups With Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting

These delightful brownie cups are elevated with espresso powder and Bailey’s Irish Cream, then baked into perfect cups and generously filled with a luscious, creamy Bailey’s buttercream frosting!

Prep Time:
15 minutes mins

Cook Time:
25 minutes mins

Total Time:
40 minutes mins

4.7 from 3 votes

Print

Pin

cook modeprevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
• USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan
• Wilton 46-Piece Deluxe Cake Decorating Set, Cake Decorating Supplies

Ingredients

Espresso Brownie Cups

• 1 18 oz box brownie mix plus ingredients called for on the box (e.g., eggs, oil, water)
• 2 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 1/2 tsp Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur

Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
• 3 tsp Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur (or more, to taste)
• Optional: St. Patrick’s Day themed sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

• Prepare Brownie Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
• Prepare brownie batter according to the packaging instructions. Once the base batter is mixed, stir in the instant espresso powder and Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Divide the brownie batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
• Form the Cups: When you remove the brownies from the oven, immediately (and carefully!) use the bottom of a shot glass or a small, round object to press down firmly in the center of each brownie. This will create a well or “cup” for your frosting.
• Let the brownie cups cool completely in the muffin tin on a wire rack before attempting to remove them or frost.
• Make the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the Bailey’s buttercream. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), add the softened unsalted butter.
• Beat the butter on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur and beat until combined completely.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until the sugar is incorporated. Once all sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl every so often to ensure everything is well mixed.
• Assemble & Serve: Transfer the Bailey’s buttercream frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorating tip. Pipe the luscious frosting into the cooled brownie cups. Top with St. Patrick’s Day themed sprinkles, if desired, for a festive finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cuisine:
St. Patrick’s Day, Irish-Inspired

Category:
Brownies, Desserts, Cupcakes