Rich Chocolate Loaf Cake with Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving something decadent and celebratory, look no further than this Rich Chocolate Loaf Cake with Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting. Every slice is a testament to the magic that happens when deep cocoa richness plays with tangy cream cheese and a splash of smooth Baileys. It’s the perfect treat to impress guests or simply spoil yourself on a cozy evening in. The moist, tender loaf and boozy, velvety frosting make this dessert impossible to resist and undeniably memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake is all about letting simple, staple ingredients shine. Every element plays its part, from the cocoa that deepens the chocolatey base to the hit of Baileys in the frosting that turns everyday cake into a showstopper. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of this loaf, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
• Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise so it’s light instead of dense.
• Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the chocolate notes and balances sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the deal and ensures that classic cake texture.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture and unbeatable flavor richness.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together, creating a cohesive and fluffy loaf.
• Vanilla extract: A subtle background note that enhances both cake and frosting.
• Buttermilk: Lends moistness and a very slight tang, which really amps up flavor complexity.
• Hot water: Blooms the cocoa powder for deeper, more pronounced chocolatey goodness.
• Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the ultra-smooth, rich frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a dreamy, spreadable consistency.
• Baileys Irish Cream: Adds warmth and sophistication to every bite of the frosting.

How to Make Rich Chocolate Loaf Cake with Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Pan and Preheat the Oven

Kicking things off right: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake from the start. Generously grease and line a loaf pan—this step makes unmolding easy and keeps your beautiful cake intact.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only ensures even distribution of your leavening agents, but it also rids your cocoa powder of any lumps for a more uniform crumb and deeper chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This airiness translates directly to a lighter cake, so don’t rush it! Once fluffy, add the eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, it’s time to combine the two mixtures. Add the dry ingredients in three parts to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk and hot water. This gradual approach prevents over-mixing and ensures every bite of your loaf is tender, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your silky batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Once done, let your cake cool completely in the pan—a crucial step so the frosting won’t melt.

Step 6: Make the Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting

While your loaf cools, whip up the starry Baileys cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. Add in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla, whipping until fluffy and light. The result is a frosting that’s irresistibly creamy with a hint of boozy warmth.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cake has fully cooled, generously slather the rich Baileys cream cheese frosting over the top. Every swipe crowns your loaf with lusciousness that elevates the rich chocolate loaf cake with Baileys cream cheese frosting to absolute dessert royalty.

How to Serve Rich Chocolate Loaf Cake with Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Bring your creation to the next level with simple, elegant garnishes. A light dusting of cocoa powder or dark chocolate shavings amplifies the drama, while a handful of chocolate curls or sprinkles can add playful charm to your rich chocolate loaf cake with Baileys cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake is luxurious on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream really turns it into something restaurant-worthy. For a special brunch, serve alongside a hot cup of strong coffee or a chilled glass of Baileys.

Creative Ways to Present

For a celebration, try slicing and stacking pieces with extra frosting between layers for a mini layer-cake effect. Or, cut into cubes and skewer with strawberries for a party dessert platter—there are endless ways to present your rich chocolate loaf cake with Baileys cream cheese frosting and wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store unused slices in an airtight container in the fridge. The rich chocolate loaf cake with Baileys cream cheese frosting stays moist and delicious for up to four days, and the flavors deepen beautifully after day one.

Freezing

If you want to make ahead, freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost right before serving for peak freshness and texture.

Reheating

For the ultimate treat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to soften the cake slightly. The frosting will take on a lovely, almost glaze-like texture, making each bite even richer—so irresistible!

FAQs

Can I make the cake without Baileys?

Definitely! You can skip the Baileys in the frosting for a family-friendly version, or swap in heavy cream and a splash of extra vanilla to keep things just as creamy and luscious.

What’s the best way to get a moist loaf cake?

Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the loaf in the final minutes and test with a toothpick. Buttermilk and careful mixing also ensure your rich chocolate loaf cake with Baileys cream cheese frosting turns out perfectly moist.

What size loaf pan should I use?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best here, giving you a nice tall loaf with even baking. Be sure to grease and line the pan for easy removal.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in two pans. You can even freeze one for an instant future treat.

How do I avoid lumps in the frosting?

Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter. Sift your powdered sugar if it appears clumpy, and beat everything thoroughly for a silky-smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the magic of a rich chocolate loaf cake with Baileys cream cheese frosting, now is the time to try it. The balance of deep chocolate, creamy, boozy frosting, and melt-in-your-mouth texture is truly unforgettable. Go on—bake it up and share a slice of joy with someone you love!