Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: The combination of fudgy brownies, creamy frosting, and glossy ganache creates a luxurious dessert experience.
- Rich Flavors: The addition of instant coffee granules and Irish cream liqueur enhances the chocolate flavor, giving it a delightful mocha twist.
- Impressive Presentation: The layered structure and glossy ganache topping make these brownies visually appealing, perfect for special occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld and making them convenient for entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownie Base:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup butter
- 6 tablespoons baking cocoa
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
Directions
-
Prepare the Brownie Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa, canola oil, and instant coffee granules until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then mix in the sugar and beaten eggs.
- Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack.
-
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the Irish cream liqueur, mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
-
Prepare the Ganache Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, Irish cream liqueur, heavy whipping cream, and instant coffee granules.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it reaches a spreading consistency.
- Spread the ganache evenly over the frosted brownies.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the brownies for 45-60 minutes, or until the ganache is set.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 16 servings.
- Preparation Time: 35 minutes
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
- Mint Twist: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the frosting for a minty flavor that complements the chocolate and Irish cream.
- Decadent Drizzle: Drizzle additional melted semisweet chocolate over the ganache for an extra layer of chocolate richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Serve chilled or allow to come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the Irish cream liqueur with Kahlúa or Baileys for a different flavor profile.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the Irish cream liqueur with a mixture of heavy cream and a splash of vanilla extract.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How do I prevent the ganache from separating?
To prevent the ganache from separating, ensure you mix it well and let it cool to the right consistency before spreading.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these brownies gluten-free.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Test the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the brownies are done.
Conclusion
These Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies are a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and Irish cream into a decadent treat. Perfect for special occasions or as a weekend indulgence, they offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors. With layers of fudgy brownies, creamy frosting, and a glossy ganache topping, these brownies are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for a sweet, unforgettable treat!

Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish, Mocha
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies are a rich, indulgent dessert featuring layers of fudgy brownies, creamy Irish cream frosting, and a glossy ganache topping. Infused with chocolate, coffee, and Irish cream liqueur, these brownies offer a decadent treat perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup butter
- 6 tablespoons baking cocoa
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brownie Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in cocoa, canola oil, and instant coffee granules until smooth.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then mix in sugar and beaten eggs.
- Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add Irish cream liqueur, mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
3. Prepare the Ganache Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, Irish cream liqueur, heavy whipping cream, and instant coffee granules.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Let the ganache cool slightly until it reaches a spreading consistency.
- Spread the ganache evenly over the frosted brownies.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the brownies for 45-60 minutes, or until the ganache is set.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
- Mint Twist: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract into the frosting for a minty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and Irish cream.
- Decadent Drizzle: Drizzle additional melted semisweet chocolate over the ganache for an extra layer of chocolate richness.