Lucky Leprechaun Cupcakes Guinness Ganache Baileys Bliss

Recipe Introduction: Lucky Leprechaun Cupcakes
Fancy some st patrick's day desserts ? Been thinking about a special treat that screams Irish celebration? Well, let's talk St.
Patrick's Day cupcakes ! These ain't your average bake sale cupcakes, these are Irish cupcakes with a grown-up twist. We're talkin' rich, chocolatey, and boozy!
These Guinness cupcakes are a nod to the Emerald Isle. Irish baking is a tradition. These festive cupcakes are a modern twist on st patrick's day baking , blending classic flavors with a bit of Irish spirit.
These little beauties are medium difficulty. Allow around an hour and 45 minutes, plus chilling. You'll get 12 delightful leprechaun cupcakes .
Why You'll Love These St. Paddy's Day Cupcakes
One word: Baileys. The Baileys buttercream frosting is pure bliss. These st paddy's day cupcakes are perfect for a St.
Patrick's Day party. They're special because they combine the deep flavor of Guinness with the creamy sweetness of Baileys. Honestly, they are the star of the day.
All About that Ganache
Oh my gosh, have you ever had chocolate Guinness ganache ? It is amazing. It adds a depth to the vanilla cupcake that makes every bite that much better.
Basic Vanilla
They have a very good texture. You need a decent vanilla cupcake recipe at their heart.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Lucky St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes
Ready to bake some St. Patrick's Day desserts ? These Irish cupcakes are easier than finding a pot of gold! Let's get our ingredients sorted for these Guinness chocolate ganache filled wonders!
Main Ingredients
- For the Vanilla Cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (192g) . Sift it for a lighter crumb.
- Baking powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) , softened
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: ¾ teaspoon
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120ml)
- For the Guinness Chocolate Ganache:
- Bittersweet chocolate: 4 ounces (115g) , finely chopped. Go for good quality; it makes all the difference!
- Heavy cream: ½ cup (120ml)
- Guinness Stout: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon (14g)
- For the Baileys Irish Cream Buttercream:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) , softened
- Powdered sugar: 3 cups (360g) , sifted
- Baileys Irish Cream: 3 tablespoons (45ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
- Optional Decorations:
- Green sprinkles, gold luster dust, edible shamrocks.
Seasoning Notes
- Vanilla extract is the star here. It enhances the vanilla cupcake recipe .
- For the ganache, the Guinness adds a malty depth, but you can sub dark coffee.
- Baileys is the queen of our Irish cream frosting . Taste and adjust to your liking. More is always better, right? Just kidding... mostly!
- A pinch of salt in the buttercream balances the sweetness. Don't skip it!
- These st paddy's day cupcakes are so simple with great seasoning and the hint of stout!
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin (12-cup)
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Electric mixer (stand or hand held)
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Wire rack
- Piping bag with star tip (optional)
Don't stress if you don't have a piping bag. A ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works a treat.
Honestly, these leprechaun cupcakes are all about flavor, not perfection. Now that we know what we're working with, let's get baking these amazing guinness cupcakes !
Lucky Leprechaun Cupcakes: Guinness Ganache & Baileys Bliss
Fancy a bit of st patrick's day baking ? These st. patrick's day cupcakes are proper showstoppers! Think moist vanilla, a boozy chocolate kick, and creamy irish cream frosting .
It's like finding a pot of gold... but edible! These irish cupcakes are the perfect centerpiece for your st paddy's day cupcakes celebration.
Prep Like a Pro (Mise en Place Mania!)
Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your ducks in a row. Soften your butter. Sift your flour. Chop that chocolate. Seriously, it makes a world of difference!
- Essential mise en place: Measure everything out beforehand.
- Time saving organization tips: Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners first. Get that pesky ganache sorted early.
- Safety reminders: Don't burn yourself with hot cream! It's a surefire way to ruin your day.
Let's Bake! (step-by-step)
Right, let’s get down to business. This vanilla cupcake recipe is pretty straightforward, but pay attention!
- Cupcake Base: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) and line your muffin tin.
- Mix it Up: Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla.
- Dry Meets Wet: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Fill 'Em Up: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
- Bake Time: Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Ganache Prep: While cupcakes cool, make your chocolate guinness ganache . Heat cream. Pour over chocolate. Add Guinness. Stir!
- Baileys Buttercream: Beat the softened butter until fluffy. Add the sifted sugar and baileys buttercream , little by little!
- Assemble: Core cupcakes, fill with ganache, then pipe on the Baileys buttercream. Decorate with those green sprinkles for those leprechaun cupcakes vibes!.
Pro Tips (Secret Baker's Wisdom!)
Want to take your cupcakes to the next level? Of course you do!
- Chilled Ganache: A slightly chilled guinness cupcakes ganache will hold better in your cupcakes.
- Avoid Lumps: Sift that powdered sugar for the smoothest irish cream frosting ever!
- make-ahead Magic: The cupcakes themselves can be made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container.
These st patrick's day desserts are a winner for any St. Paddy's party. Enjoy!.
Recipe Notes: Making Your St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes Amazing!
Alright, so you're ready to tackle these st. patrick's day cupcakes ? Sweet! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure they're absolutely smashing.
Honestly, a few tweaks can take them from good to "Oh my gosh!" levels.
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your St. Paddy's Day Desserts
Okay, presentation time! After all that st patrick's day baking , these deserve to be seen. Plating these irish cupcakes is key.
Think green and gold! Pop 'em on a cute stand or arrange them nicely on a platter.
Fancy a side? A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders. Or, for the grown ups, a cheeky Irish coffee alongside your leprechaun cupcakes would be just the ticket! These st paddy's day cupcakes are best when shared!
Storage Tips: Keep the Irish Magic Alive
Right, so you've baked a batch of these beauties, what about keeping them fresh? If you have any left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They'll be grand for up to 3 days .
Freezing isn't really recommended for the buttercream, as it can sometimes change the texture. Honestly, they're so delicious, I doubt they'll last long enough to need freezing! To bring them back to life, just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
Variations: Put Your Own Spin on These Irish Cupcakes
Fancy a change? I get it! For a booze free version, swap the baileys buttercream for a simple vanilla one with some green food colouring.
Or how about adding some mini chocolate chips to the vanilla cupcake recipe ? Mint chocolate chip cupcakes for st.
Patrick's day ? Sorted.
For a totally different st patrick's day desserts twist: Instead of chocolate guinness ganache , how about a salted caramel filling?
Nutrition Basics: A Treat Worth Indulging In
Let's be real, these are cupcakes. We're not exactly talking health food here. But hey, a little indulgence is good for the soul, right? Each st.
Patrick's day cupcakes cupcake is around 450 calories . They are high in sugar and fat. Remember to enjoy them in moderation and don't be afraid to share!
Right then, that's your lot! Armed with these tips, you’re all set to bake some seriously delicious guinness cupcakes with irish cream frosting and wow your friends and family.
Get baking, and have a very happy St. Patrick's Day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these St. Patrick's Day cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes and prepare the ganache a day in advance. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and the ganache in the fridge. You can also make the buttercream ahead, but it is best to let it sit at room temperature until it is soft enough to pipe.
Remember to bring everything to room temperature before assembling and frosting to ensure the best texture and flavor.
I don't have Guinness. What can I use instead for these Lucky Leprechaun Cupcakes?
No worries, mate! If you don't have Guinness on hand, you can substitute it with a dark coffee or another stout beer. Keep in mind that other stouts might alter the flavour profile slightly.
If you are avoiding alcohol altogether, you can try using a non-alcoholic stout or even a strong brewed coffee to maintain that rich, dark flavour note in the ganache.
How should I store leftover St. Patrick's Day cupcakes?
Leftover cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the Baileys buttercream, refrigerating them will help maintain their freshness. They will typically last for 2-3 days.
Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the buttercream to soften slightly for best flavour.
Is there a way to make these St. Patrick's Day cupcakes more kid-friendly by omitting the alcohol?
Of course! To make these kid-friendly, simply omit the Guinness from the ganache and replace the Baileys in the buttercream with Irish cream coffee creamer or a teaspoon of Irish cream flavoring. You could also add green food coloring to the buttercream for a fun, festive touch.
Top with shamrock sprinkles for extra St. Patrick's Day flair. Don't forget, getting the kids involved in decorating is half the fun!
My buttercream is too runny/thick. How do I fix it?
Ah, the age-old buttercream conundrum! If your buttercream is too runny, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or Baileys (if you're using it) until it loosens up.
Remember to mix well after each addition and give it a good whisk to incorporate properly.
Lucky Leprechaun Cupcakes Guinness Ganache Baile

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |