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The whole glazed Chocolate Baileys Bread loaf on a cutting board, partially sliced, perhaps next to a cup of coffee.

Bailey’s Chocolate Bread with Espresso Cream Cheese Glaze

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 slices 1x
  • Category: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert, Quick Bread
  • Cuisine: American, Irish-Inspired

Description

 

This rich chocolate quick bread is infused with Irish cream liqueur and topped with a decadent espresso cream cheese glaze! It’s the perfect accompaniment to a big cup of coffee for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.  


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Irish Cream Bread:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled  
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder  
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda  
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • 14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks, 198g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled  
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) loosely packed light or dark brown sugar  
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt* (or sour cream), room temperature  
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature  
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

For the Espresso Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened  
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted  
  • 2 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s)
  • 23 tablespoons whole milk or cream (start with 2)

Instructions

. Make the Bread:

  • Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal. Spray liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.  
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder until combined. Set aside.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the room-temperature eggs and whisk until combined. Whisk in the room-temperature Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, Irish cream liqueur, and milk until thoroughly combined.
  • Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks.
  • Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set, not wobbly, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). Check around 50 minutes, as bake times vary.
  • Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the loaf out of the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.

2. Make the Glaze:

  • Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and combined.
  • Add Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed and beat until combined.
  • Add Liquids: Add the 2 tablespoons of Irish cream liqueur and 2 tablespoons of milk (or cream). Beat for a couple of minutes until smooth and no lumps remain.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the glaze seems too thick, add the extra tablespoon of milk (or more, 1 teaspoon at a time) and beat again until it reaches a thick but pourable/drizzle-able consistency.

3. Glaze and Serve:

  • Once the bread is completely cool, pour or drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Greek Yogurt Substitute: Full-fat sour cream can be substituted for Greek yogurt. Ensure it’s at room temperature.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs, yogurt, and milk helps create an evenly mixed batter.
  • Espresso Powder: Use instant espresso powder for flavor in both the bread and glaze.
  • Cooling: Ensure the bread is completely cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt and slide off.
  • Storage: Store glazed bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator (due to the cream cheese glaze) for up to 5 days.