Delicious Irish Coffee Cake Recipe – Perfect for Brunch!

Imagine waking up on St. Patrick’s Day to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a luscious Irish Coffee Cake. As a barista, I am always experimenting with different ingredients to create something unique and delicious. This Irish Coffee Cake recipe is one such experiment that has turned out to be a winner!

Irish Coffee Cake is an ultimate breakfast treat or dessert for all the coffee lovers out there. This cake is not just any ordinary cake; it has the perfect blend of rich coffee flavor and Irish cream liqueur. It is moist, fluffy, and velvety with a crunchy streusel topping, making it an irresistible indulgence.

The addition of chocolate-covered coffee beans further enhances the flavor profile of this cake, giving it a subtle crunch with every bite. This cake is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion – be it a birthday celebration or just a regular day that deserves some sweet indulgence.

Trust me when I say that this cake will be a showstopper wherever you take it. So, if you are looking for something special to bake this St. Patrick’s Day, give this recipe a try! With this recipe on hand, get ready to tickle your taste buds with the buckets yum Irish coffee cake and whiskey punch combo all in one bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irish Coffee Cake
Irish Coffee Cake

If you’re a coffee lover, then you need to try this Irish Coffee Cake recipe! Trust me on this, you won’t regret it. This is the ultimate breakfast cake – it has everything you want in a cake and more!

Imagine biting into a perfectly moist and fluffy cake that’s infused with the rich and bold flavors of espresso powder and strong black coffee. The aroma alone is enough to get you out of bed in the morning. And what’s better than a delicious cake? A cake that has whiskey in it, of course!

This Irish Coffee Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just having a birthday party, this cake will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to add Baileys Irish Cream to your pantry.

What sets this recipe apart from other coffee cakes is its decadent streusel topping made of chocolate-covered coffee beans. It gives the cake an extra crunch that pairs perfectly with the coffee flavor. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it looks beautiful too!

But here’s the best part – this recipe is effortless to make. If you can mix ingredients in a bowl, then you can make this cake without any difficulty. So whether you’re an experienced baker or new to baking, this Irish Coffee Cake is for everyone!

In conclusion, if you want a cake that tastes like buckets of yum and screams “Irish coffee” in every bite, then this coffee chocolate cake made with Baileys Irish Cream and espresso powder is what you need in your life right now. So go ahead and try it; trust me when I say that you’ll thank me later!

Ingredient List

 Sip and savor a slice of our Irish Coffee Cake!
Sip and savor a slice of our Irish Coffee Cake!

Let’s take a look at the ingredients needed to make this Irish Coffee Cake Recipe. You can find them at your local grocery store or online.

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the pan
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder
  • 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules
  • 1 cup of strong black coffee, cooled
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • Baileys Irish Cream, 1/2 cup
  • Irish whiskey, 2 tablespoons
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Chocolate-covered coffee beans, for decoration (optional)

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup of all-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar (1/2 cup), packed
  • White sugar (1/2 cup)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Instant coffee granules (1 tablespoon)

For the Glaze:

  • Powdered sugar (2 cups)
  • Instant coffee granules (1 tablespoon)
  • Baileys Irish Cream (3 tablespoons)
  • Strong black coffee, brewed and cooled (3 tablespoons)

Don’t worry if you are missing some of these ingredients, I will provide you with substitutions and variations later in this article. But first, let me show you how to make an irresistible cake!

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpfFAoHe7ec

Preheat the Oven

Before starting to bake, it’s important to preheat the oven to 325°F or 165°C. This temperature is just perfect for this Irish Coffee Cake Recipe.

Prepare the Cake Pan

Butter and lightly flour a standard round cake pan of 9 inches in diameter. Tap out the excess flour and keep aside.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

Next, time to make the coffee streusel topping for a delicious crunchy and flavorful twist. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Melted 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and add it to this mixture until small crumbles form. Set aside.

Prepare the Coffee Flavor Batter

Bring bold flavors of coffee right into your cake with every bite! In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules.

In a separate mixer bowl at medium speed with paddle attachment blend together until creamy: one stick of unsalted butter which is equivalent to half cup (room temperature), half cup white granulated sugar, and half cup brown sugar. Beat in two eggs one by one until well blended.

Dissolve one tablespoon instant coffee granules in one cup strong black coffee at room temperature. Stir this into the wet mixture of butter and sugar along with one teaspoon of vanilla extract and quarter cup Baileys Irish Cream or Irish whiskey.

Mix ingredients from both bowls until just combined. Do not over mix!

Pour half batter into prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel over batter. Next pour remaining batter on top and again sprinkle remaining streusel over it.

Bake Your Cake!

Finally! It’s time to bake this beautiful Irish Coffee Cake that you’ve been waiting for. Bake in preheated oven for approximately an hour, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cool completely before serving but meanwhile mix some Baileys Irish Cream with whipped cream for an extra creamy delight on each slice.

Don’t forget to have coffee beans covered in chocolate as dessert!

Substitutions and Variations

 Going out for coffee? Skip the coffeehouse and bake this cake!
Going out for coffee? Skip the coffeehouse and bake this cake!

A great recipe is one that offers flexibility in terms of substitutions and variations to cater to different tastes and preferences. The Irish Coffee Cake recipe is no exception. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try out:

– For a chocolate twist, add in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients when making the cake batter. You can also replace the streusel topping with chocolate chips or chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans for an extra boost of coffee flavor.

– To make a caffeine-free version, skip the instant espresso powder and coffee granules in the recipe, and use decaffeinated coffee instead. This will still give you the Irish coffee flavor without the strong kick of caffeine.

– Experiment with different liqueurs to customize the cake’s flavor. Replace the Baileys Irish Cream with other cream liqueurs such as Kahlua or Amaretto, or go for a non-alcoholic alternative like vanilla extract.

– If you prefer a lighter texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a tender crumb and a more delicate cake.

– For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid amount or add xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.

Regardless of how you choose to switch up this glorious recipe, one thing is certain: it will still be buckets yum!

Serving and Pairing

 One slice of this cake will make you feel like you’re in a cozy Irish pub!
One slice of this cake will make you feel like you’re in a cozy Irish pub!

:

Irish Coffee Cake is a versatile dessert that can be served at any time of the day. It has the perfect balance of coffee flavor, sweetness, and moistness that makes it an ideal choice for a morning treat or an after-dinner dessert.

This cake pairs well with a hot cup of coffee, tea or even Irish coffee! Another recommended pairing is a glass of Baileys Irish Cream. The richness from the cream liqueur will compliment the coffee flavor in the cake and create a perfect balance of flavors.

You can also serve this cake with whipped cream on top to add extra sweetness and texture to the dish. It is up to you whether you want to use store-bought whipped cream or make your own, but either way, it will take your Irish Coffee Cake game to another level!

If you need ideas on how to serve this cake, then try cutting it into small squares and serving them as individual pieces. This way your guests will have an easier time enjoying their dessert without feeling stuffed. You can also dust some cocoa powder on top of the squares to add some finishing touches.

Overall, this cake is an ultimate breakfast or dessert treat that can be paired with various drinks depending on your preference. With its bucket yum factor and unique taste, it is a must-have dish not only for St. Patrick’s Day but as birthday cake, too!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Two of your favorite things come together in one cake: coffee and whisky!
Two of your favorite things come together in one cake: coffee and whisky!

Irish Coffee Cake is a delicious treat that can be made ahead of time and stored for later. This cake will last up to three days if stored properly at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion, such as birthdays or St. Patrick’s Day.

To store the Irish Coffee Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. This will prevent air and moisture from getting in and causing the cake to dry out or become stale. When you are ready to serve the cake, remove it from the fridge about an hour before serving it to let it come to room temperature.

If you want to make this cake ahead of time but don’t want to store it in the fridge or freezer, you can freeze this cake for up to three months. Cut the cake into slices or portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy a slice of this decadent cake, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

When reheating this cake, either fresh from storage or thawing from the freezer, do so lightly so as not to dry out the edges of the cake. Simply take a slice of Irish Coffee Cake and warm it up in the microwave or oven for about 10-15 seconds per slice. If warming up multiple slices, do so in batches.

Overall, make-ahead, storing and reheating Irish Coffee Cake is easy with these simple tips. The lovely aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans mixed with sugar and Baileys Cream Liqueur is sure to put a sweet smile on your face every time!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Pour yourself a cup of coffee and grab a slice of this cake for the ultimate morning treat.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee and grab a slice of this cake for the ultimate morning treat.

As a seasoned barista, I’ve come up with some tips that will elevate your Irish Coffee Cake to the next level. Here are some ways to ensure that your cake is moist and fluffy with the perfect balance of coffee flavor.

Firstly, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Ensure that your butter is at room temperature before you start mixing. If it’s too cold, the butter won’t mix well with the sugar and eggs, which can cause the cake to be lumpy and unevenly mixed.

Secondly, sift dry ingredients such as flour and baking powder together before adding them to the wet mixture. It will make them lighter, ensuring a more even texture throughout the cake.

Thirdly, add coffee in small amounts until you achieve your desired taste. Remember, too much coffee can overpower the other flavors. Make sure you have strong black coffee ready for this recipe.

Fourthly, if you’re not a fan of whiskey, substitute it with Irish cream or any coffee liqueur of your choice. You can also adjust the amount of whiskey depending on your preference.

Fifthly, top the cake with chocolate-covered coffee beans for an extra crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.

Lastly, let your cake cool completely before slicing it to avoid crumbling it apart once sliced.

Following these tips will ensure your Irish Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time!

FAQ

Before we jump into the FAQs regarding the Irish Coffee Cake recipe, let me just say that as a barista, I have received a fair share of questions regarding how to achieve the perfect balance of coffee flavor in cakes. In this section, I will provide answers to some common questions you might have about this particular sweet delight. So without further ado, let’s get started!

How does Irish coffee cake taste?

One of my first purchases from Just Bake was the Irish coffee cake, and as someone who thoroughly enjoys coffee, I can confidently say that this cake exceeded my expectations. The rich coffee taste was flawlessly infused with chocolate and then finished with a luscious layer of whipped cream on top, making it exactly as it is described on their website.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and regular cake?

When it comes to cakes, not all of them are created equal. Coffee cakes have a distinct look and taste that sets them apart from other cakes. What makes them unique is their streusel topping and the fact that they are not typically frosted. Instead, a little glaze is often drizzled on top. Furthermore, some coffee cakes have a delectable swirl of streusel in them or are filled with tasty bits of fruit, nuts, or chocolate.

What makes coffee cake taste like coffee?

When it comes to infusing baked treats with the rich taste of coffee, many bakers swear by using instant espresso powder as a quick and easy alternative.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?

When it comes to distinguishing between crumb cake and coffee cake, the contrasting factor lies in the amount of streusel topping used. Generally, a crumb cake boasts a denser layer of streusel topping, while a coffee cake may or may not feature this ingredient. This differentiation is merely a matter of the toppings used and does not affect the overall cake base of either option.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Irish Coffee Cake Recipe is truly an exceptional dessert that results in a delightful fusion of flavors. The recipe is simple and easy to follow and it allows for plenty of space to add variations according to individual preferences. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply having a craving for a decadent dessert, this cake recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

By using quality ingredients such as Baileys Irish Cream and espresso powder, the Irish Coffee Cake has a deep, complex flavor that is unmatched by any other coffee cake recipe. The streusel topping adds a lovely crunch and texture to the cake while the whipped cream brings out the creamy and sweet characteristics of the Bailey’s Irish Cream. Plus, who can resist a slice adorned with chocolate-covered coffee beans?

Overall, this delicious cake not only delivers on taste but also provides an opportunity for a unique and enjoyable experience. So go ahead and whip up a batch of this Irish Coffee Cake for your friends and family to indulge in – it’s sure to become a favorite!

Irish Coffee Cake Recipe

A delicious finale to a great dinner!
This cake is made with coffee and laced with Irish whiskey! Add some whipped cream and you have Irish Coffee Cake.
Source: Canadian Living

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder or 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coffee Syrup

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup strong black coffee
  • 1/4 cup Irish whiskey

Topping

  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
  1. CAKE:
  2. Beat butter with sugar until fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
  4. Dissolve espresso powder in vanilla, beat into butter mixture.
  5. Mix flour, almonds, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture.
  6. Spread batter in a greased 8-inch round cake pan.
  7. Bake in 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
  8. Cool on rack for 5 minutes.
  9. Run knife around edge of cake to separate from pan; turn out onto rack, let cool completely.
  10. COFFEE SYRUP:
  11. In a saucepan, bring sugar and coffee to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar, boil for 1 minute.
  12. Remove from heat and stir in whiskey.
  13. Return the cooled cake to the baking pan, poke holes all over top with a toothpick or skewer.
  14. Pour coffee syrup over cake. Let cool for 1 hour or until syrup is absorbed.
  15. Remove from pan; place on serving plate.
  16. TOPPING:
  17. Whip cream with whiskey and sugar, pipe along the top edge of the cake.
  18. Garnish with coffee beans!
  19. Prep time does not include cooling time.
Dessert
Irish
< 60 Mins, Breads, Brunch

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]