Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes – Boozy, Chocolatey & Totally Irresistible

Decadent, boozy, and unapologetically indulgent—Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes are the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day dessert. These rich chocolate cupcakes are made with Guinness stout for depth and moisture, filled (or infused!) with whiskey, and topped with a dreamy Bailey’s-spiked whipped cream. Finished with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and a dash of green sprinkles, these cupcakes are the adult-approved treat you didn’t know you needed.

Perfect for parties, celebrations, or anytime you want your dessert to bring the flavor and the fun.

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup Guinness beer
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling (Optional Whiskey Soak)

• ½ cup whiskey

Bailey’s Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

• Chocolate ganache, for drizzling
• Green sprinkles, for festive flair

this RECIPE

Instructions

1. Make the Cupcakes

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, Guinness, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully combined (about 2 minutes).
• Divide batter evenly between cupcake liners (about ¾ full).
• Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool completely before adding toppings.

2. Whiskey Infusion (Optional)

• Once cupcakes have cooled, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes in the top.
• Brush or spoon a bit of whiskey over each cupcake for added flavor and moisture.

3. Make the Bailey’s Whipped Cream

• In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, Bailey’s, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
• Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form (do not over-whip).

4. Decorate

• Pipe or spoon the Bailey’s whipped cream onto each cupcake.
• Drizzle with chocolate ganache and sprinkle with green sprinkles for that festive finish!

Notes

• For an extra treat, fill the center of each cupcake with whiskey ganache or Bailey’s cream before topping.
• Want a less boozy version? Skip the whiskey soak and reduce the Bailey’s in the whipped cream to ¼ cup.
• Use stabilized whipped cream or frosting if you need the cupcakes to hold up longer at room temp.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Irish-American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Irish cupcakes, chocolate Guinness cupcakes, Bailey’s frosting, whiskey dessert, St. Patrick’s Day dessert

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Cupcake/muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Piping bag and tip (optional)
• Whisk or beater
• Small saucepan (for ganache, if homemade)

Nutrition (Per Cupcake, Approx.)

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 340
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Alcohol Content: Minimal (mostly baked out, unless using the whiskey soak)

Helpful Tips

• Cool completely before adding whipped cream—heat will melt your topping fast.
• Stabilize whipped cream with a bit of cream cheese or gelatin if you need it to last more than a few hours.
• Make it ahead: Cupcakes can be baked a day in advance. Store unfrosted, then decorate just before serving.
• Add a surprise filling by scooping a small hole in the center and adding ganache or Irish cream.

Conservation and Storage

• Fridge: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and top with whipped cream before serving.
• Whipped cream topping is best added fresh or within 6 hours of serving.

Substitutions and Variations

• No Guinness? Use another stout or coffee-infused porter for a similar flavor.
• No Bailey’s? Try another Irish cream or make your own.
• Want a buttercream instead? Make a Bailey’s or whiskey buttercream for a sturdier, sweeter topping.

Storage Instructions

1. Keep cupcakes covered and chilled until ready to serve.
2. If adding whipped cream in advance, avoid stacking or tightly covering to preserve the topping.
3. Add ganache and sprinkles just before serving for best presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Sure! Use non-alcoholic stout or coffee in the batter and skip the whiskey/Irish cream.

Will the alcohol bake out?
Most of the alcohol in the cupcake base bakes out, but the whiskey soak and Bailey’s whipped cream are still boozy.

Can I use a homemade chocolate cake recipe?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite chocolate cake batter and follow the same flavor infusions and toppings.

What type of whiskey should I use?
Any Irish whiskey works well—Jameson is a classic choice!

Conclusion

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a boozy, chocolatey celebration in every bite. With the richness of Guinness, the warmth of whiskey, and the creamy sweetness of Bailey’s, this dessert brings the craic (aka fun) to any table.

Want more indulgent Irish-inspired desserts?

• Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse Cups
• Guinness Chocolate Brownies
• Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding

Made them? Show off your swirl!
Tag your sweet creations with #IrishCarBombCupcakes on Instagram or Pinterest—I love seeing how you celebrate!

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