Baileys chocolate cupcakes

Last week I was invited to my sister in laws baby shower, I was orderd by my mum to make cakes. I have a tried and tested chocolate cupcake recipe which I have used a million times and knew that I would use it again but I fancied something different. So I ended up making 2 different batches of cupcakes, one with a subtle orange flavour added and one with Baileys.. Well I’m kind of telling a lie here as what I used here and is Lidl Irish cream. It’s super tasty and only about £4 so I highly recommend it. I decided to make chocolate orange cakes also as my sister mentioned that not everyone likes Baileys.. Hmmm I am not convinced but hey ho I made two batches.

Anyway here is the Baileys cupcake recipe:

You will need:

For the cakes

100g plain flour
140g caster sugar
1.5tsp baking powder
20g Hershey’s cocoa powder
110ml whole milk
Pinch of ground seasalt
40g softened butter
1 egg
20ml of Irish cream/Baileys
1tsp of vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 180 (gas mark 4)
If I have time I cream the butter/sugar and gradually introduce ingredients as you would with a normal cake recipe but last time I did the all in method which pretty much meant throwing it all in a bowl and beating with a wooden spoon or a whisk if you are lazy. The all in method tasted the same as the more laborious traditional method so I know what I will do from now on. Once you have a smooth consistency with no lumps ( try not to over mix) spoon into 12 cupcakes cases and bake for 20 minutes. You can tell when they are done as they will spring back when lightly pressed.

For the buttercream

375g icing sugar
25g Hershey’s cocoa
125g softened butter
50ml Irish cream or Baileys
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Beat the butter until soft and creamy, mix in your Baileys and vanilla before gradually sifting in your I icing sugar and cocoa together. You can pipe your buttercream to get a lovely swirled effect however my piping bag broke so I use a spoon and just swirled it myself and it looks ok!

These were pretty delicious and would make a lovely gift for someone.

They taste best on day of cooking but the cake can be frozen and buttercream added when required. They freeze very well.

Enjoy xxxx