Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes Recipe

If you love decadent, adult-only desserts that make a statement at every party, Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes are a must-bake.

Inspired by the beloved Irish cocktail, these cupcakes combine moist Guinness chocolate cake, a creamy Jameson whiskey ganache filling, and a rich Baileys Irish Cream buttercream.

Every element is spiked, every bite is a celebration of Irish flavors—and the final result is so indulgent, it might just change your dessert game forever.

Whether you’re planning a St. Patrick’s Day feast, a milestone birthday, or a fun friends’ night in, this treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Checklist

To craft the perfect Irish Car Bomb cupcakes, gather the following:

For the Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 1 cup (240ml) Guinness stout (or other Irish stout)

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted Irish butter, room temperature

• 3/4 cup (60g) Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2/3 cup (160g) sour cream (full-fat recommended)

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Jameson Whiskey Ganache:

• 8 ounces (225g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

• 2/3 cup (160ml) heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons Irish whiskey (or more to taste)

• Pinch of salt

For the Baileys Irish Cream Buttercream:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

• 8 ounces (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted

• 1/4 cup (60ml) Baileys Irish Cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Chocolate shavings or curls

• Edible gold sprinkles

• Cocoa powder or a light sprinkle of sea salt

• Mini pipettes filled with whiskey for extra flair

Required Tools and Equipment

• 12-count cupcake/muffin pan and liners

• Stand mixer or hand mixer

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Whisk, spatula, and wooden spoon

• Piping bags (plus a round and a star tip, if desired)

• Small sharp knife or cupcake corer

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes

a. Prep:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners.

b. Mix:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Guinness and butter. Stir until butter melts; remove from heat.

• Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool slightly.

• In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

• In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sour cream until smooth. Pour in the Guinness mixture and vanilla, mixing until combined.

• Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing gently until just incorporated. Batter will be thick.

c. Bake:

• Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (about 2/3 full).

• Bake 17–19 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

• Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Whiskey Ganache Filling

• Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

• Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering (do not boil).

• Pour hot cream over chocolate, let stand 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

• Add butter, whiskey, and a pinch of salt; stir until glossy.

• Let ganache cool at room temperature until thick but pipeable (about 20–30 minutes).

3. Make the Baileys Irish Cream Frosting

• Beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until creamy and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

• Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating on low.

• Add Baileys, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.

• If frosting is too loose, add more sugar; if too stiff, add a teaspoon of Baileys.

4. Assemble the Cupcakes

a. Fill:

• Once cupcakes are fully cooled, use a sharp knife or cupcake corer to remove a small center core from each cupcake (save the tops!).

• Fill each cavity with whiskey ganache, using a spoon or piping bag.

• Replace the tops of the cupcake cores to seal the ganache.

b. Frost:

• Pipe or spread Baileys frosting onto each cupcake.

• Garnish with chocolate curls, gold sprinkles, or an extra drizzle of ganache.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix the cupcake batter, or they’ll turn dense.

• Let the ganache cool to a scoopable consistency—too runny and it will leak, too firm and it won’t pipe easily.

• For extra boozy flavor, brush the cupcake holes lightly with whiskey before filling with ganache.

• Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for best results.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cupcakes at adult gatherings, St. Patrick’s Day parties, or milestone celebrations.

• Pair with a shot of Irish whiskey or a mug of coffee spiked with Baileys.

• For dessert platters, garnish with edible shamrocks or festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.

• For extra drama, add a mini pipette of whiskey on each cupcake for guests to squeeze in!

Troubleshooting and Variations

Troubleshooting:

• Ganache is too runny: Chill briefly in the fridge, stirring every 5 minutes, until thickened.

• Buttercream is too thin: Add more sifted powdered sugar or chill to firm up.

• Cupcakes sinking: Be sure not to overfill the liners and check that your baking soda is fresh.

Variations:

• Swap out Guinness for any robust stout or porter.

• Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for the ganache for a sweeter touch.

• Try different liqueurs in the frosting—experiment with Kahlúa, Frangelico, or even espresso for a new twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For the best texture, bring to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

• Unfilled/unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw overnight and decorate before serving.

• Frosting and ganache can be made a day ahead—store covered in the fridge and bring to room temperature before assembling.

Final Thoughts

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of bold flavors, rich textures, and festive spirit.

With layers of chocolate, whiskey, and cream liqueur, they never fail to impress. Master the simple techniques and you’ll have a go-to treat for every adult occasion.

Ready to make a batch? These cupcakes are proof that baking can be both playful and extraordinary.