Baileys Irish Cream brownies are one lucky way to sweeten up your Saint Patrick’s Day. Brownies need no great introduction. Baileys Irish Cream brownies are a nice twist for your “Go Green” celebrations that pop up on March 17th every year. The presentation of these brownies is really stunning and also mouthwatering. The festive green layer is not only delicious but equally as decedent as the brownie itself. Let’s face it- Philadelphia Cream Cheese, sugar, a little green food color, and more Baileys Irish Cream make an irresistible and tantalizing treat even Saint Patrick’s Day would approve of.
Now, here’s a tip- I suggest eating these brownies quickly, because once those St. Patrick’s Day leprechauns realize that you’ve made Baileys Brownies, they may switch their quest for gold to a quest for more lucky Irish brownies.
Baileys Irish Cream Brownies for St. Patrick’s Day
Brownie Ingredients
- 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Grease a 13 x 9 baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, (over a double boiler, or in the microwave) melt the butter and chocolate chips.
Tip: If using a microwave, be careful not to overheat the chocolate, and do NOT use a metal bowl. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir it every 30 seconds.
- Mix well to combine.
- Add the sugar, eggs, Baileys, and vanilla. Whisk all together.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together and add them to the mixture.
- Mix all to create a nice smooth brownie batter.
To Bake
- Pour the brownie batter into the parchment-lined baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Let cool completely.
The Philadelphia Cream Cheese Layer.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- green food coloring, as desired
Procedure
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and well blended.
- There should be no traces of butter visible in the mixture.
- Add the powdered sugar in batches. This will keep the sugar from getting all over as you mix.
- Add the Baileys and mix through.
- Now add the green food coloring. Start off with only a few drops and mix it in. Add more to achieve a darker green if desired.
Tip: When adding the food coloring, start light. You can always add a little more but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
Tip: At this point, carefully release the brownies from the pan in one piece. I use a thin butter knife to loosen the edges and then carefully lift them out. Then place it back in. This will make the brownies much easier to remove after they’re all frosted. You definitely don’t want to try to fiddle around with the brownies once they are layered with frosting and ganache.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Refrigerate for about one hour.
Chocolate Ganache:
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, optional.
Procedure
- Bring the cream to a slow simmer.
- Place the chocolate in a bowl large enough to freely stir the hot cream and chocolate.
- Once the cream has scalded, remove it from the heat.
- Slowly add the cream to the chocolate and whisk it thoroughly.
- At this point, you can add the butter if using and whisk it in.
- Remove the brownie tray from the refrigerator and pour the ganache on top.
- Smooth over with a spatula to create an even layer.
Tip: Dip the spatula in hot water, then completely DRY. (Water and chocolate do not mix.) Use the dry, hot spatula to smooth the top of the ganache for a professional finish. Make sure the spatula is dry, water and chocolate do not mix!
Now put it all back in the refrigerator for at least an hour. When ready to serve, simply lift out the entire brownie and place it on a cutting board. Run a large chef knife under hot water to warm the blade. Wipe it dry and cut slices. After each cut, wash the blade off under hot water and wipe it clean and dry. The idea is not to get chocolate smudges on the “Magical Green St. Paddy’s Day Layer!”
Happy Saint Paddy’s Day! ????????????
You can get more great recipes on chef Franco’s website. Also, join the chef’s Facebook page and Tavola Tours a boutique travel company that specializes in culinary and cultural tours in Italy.
