Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes: A Boozy Delight with an Irish Twist

If you love the rich, bold flavors of an Irish Car Bomb cocktail, then these Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes will be your new favorite dessert. Inspired by the popular drink, these decadent cupcakes combine Guinness stout, Jameson whiskey, and Baileys Irish Cream into a treat that perfectly balances indulgence with a kick of Irish spirit.

The cupcakes feature a moist, dark chocolate base infused with Guinness, giving them a deep, malty richness. Inside, a surprise whiskey ganache adds a bold contrast, while the crowning glory is a luscious Baileys-infused buttercream frosting. These cupcakes are the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these decadent cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
Guinness stout	1 cup (240ml)
Unsalted butter	½ cup (1 stick, 113g)
Cocoa powder	⅔ cup (60g)
All-purpose flour	2 cups (250g)
Granulated sugar	2 cups (400g)
Baking soda	1½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Eggs	2 large
Sour cream	¾ cup (180g)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For the Whiskey Ganache Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Heavy cream	⅔ cup (160ml)
Semi-sweet chocolate	8 oz (225g), chopped
Jameson Irish whiskey	2 tbsp

For the Baileys Buttercream Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks, 226g)
Powdered sugar	4 cups (480g)
Baileys Irish Cream	5 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin & liners – To hold the cupcake batter while baking.
• Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk & spatula – To mix the batter smoothly.
• Hand or stand mixer – Essential for making fluffy buttercream.
• Saucepan – To gently heat the Guinness and butter.
• Piping bag & tip – For beautifully frosting the cupcakes.
• Apple corer or small spoon – To remove the center for ganache filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with Guinness. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the slightly cooled Guinness mixture, stirring until combined.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
6. Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full and bake for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling and frosting.

2. Prepare the Whiskey Ganache Filling

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for 1 minute.
3. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth, then mix in the Jameson whiskey. Let it cool until it thickens slightly.

3. Fill the Cupcakes

1. Use an apple corer or small spoon to remove the center of each cooled cupcake.
2. Spoon or pipe the ganache into each cupcake cavity, filling it nearly to the top.

4. Make the Baileys Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat the butter until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well between each addition.
3. Mix in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth and creamy.

5. Frost and Decorate

1. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and swirl onto each cupcake.
2. For extra flair, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with cocoa powder.

Tips and Variations

• No alcohol? Swap out Guinness for strong brewed coffee, whiskey for vanilla extract, and Baileys for heavy cream with a splash of vanilla.
• Extra chocolatey? Add chocolate chips to the batter for bursts of melted chocolate.
• Make ahead: The cupcakes can be baked a day in advance and stored airtight before filling and frosting.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh at room temperature, allowing the flavors to shine. Serve them with:

• A dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
• A dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
• A side of vanilla or Irish cream ice cream for an indulgent pairing.

Perfect Pairings

• Irish Coffee: The rich coffee and whiskey flavors complement the cupcake’s deep chocolate notes.
• Guinness Stout: A classic pairing that enhances the malty flavors in the cake.
• Baileys on Ice: A smooth and creamy drink to match the frosting’s flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and thaw before decorating.
• Reheating: Allow refrigerated cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cupcake (Approximate)
Calories	450 kcal
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	22g
Protein	4g
Sugar	42g
Alcohol	Trace amounts (bakes off in cupcakes, remains in ganache & frosting)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes bring together the best of bold flavors—rich chocolate, smooth whiskey, and creamy Baileys—for a truly indulgent treat. The Guinness-infused cake creates a deep, malty base, while the whiskey ganache adds a hint of warmth, perfectly complemented by the silky Baileys buttercream. Whether you’re making these for St. Patrick’s Day, a special celebration, or just because you love boozy desserts, they’re guaranteed to impress with their unique flavor combination and decadent texture.

These cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they offer endless possibilities for customization. You can tweak the frosting, swap out the filling, or even try a non-alcoholic version while keeping the same rich chocolatey goodness. Share them with friends, pair them with your favorite Irish drinks, and most importantly, enjoy every bite! Let me know how they turn out—better yet, snap a picture and share your delicious masterpiece!