12 Irish Dessert Recipes | Traditional and Delicious Treats 

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Ireland is known for its stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and of course, its rich culinary traditions. Irish cuisine is known for its hearty and wholesome meals, but it also boasts a variety of delectable desserts that reflect the rich heritage and agricultural abundance of the Emerald Isle. Many Irish desserts feature simple, natural ingredients such as apples, oats, and butter, which were readily available to people in rural Ireland. These traditional treats offer a delightful end to any meal and bring a taste of Irish comfort to your table. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something sweet, these 12 Irish dessert recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Irish Apple Cake

Irish apple cake is one of the most cherished traditional Irish desserts. Made with tart apples, warm spices, and a crumbly topping, it’s the perfect treat to serve during cold weather. A drizzle of warm custard sauce on top completes this comforting dessert. This cake is a must-try when you’re diving into Irish recipes and traditional desserts. 

Ingredients

• 3 medium tart apples 
• 1 ¾ cups flour 
• ½ tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• ½ tsp nutmeg 
• ¾ cup sugar 
• 2 eggs 
• 1 stick unsalted butter 
• 2 tbsp milk 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch cake tin. 
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples. 
3. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the eggs. 
4. Mix the flour, baking powder, and spices. Gradually add to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. 
5. Fold in the apples and pour the batter into the tin. 
6. Bake for 50 minutes, then let cool before serving. 

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Pudding

This unique Irish dessert recipe is a spin on classic bread pudding made with leftover Irish soda bread. It’s a comforting and family-friendly dessert, perfect for any gathering. 

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed Irish soda bread 
• 2 cups milk 
• 1 cup cream 
• ¾ cup sugar 
• 3 eggs 
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• ¼ cup Irish whiskey 

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish. 
2. Whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Stir in Irish whiskey. 
3. Pour the mixture over the Irish soda bread cubes and let it soak for 30 minutes. 
4. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. 

Baileys Cheesecake

When it comes to Irish cream dessert recipes, Baileys Irish cream adds a luscious touch to classic cheesecake. This creamy dessert with hints of Irish cream liqueur is indulgent and perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day dessert or any special occasion. 

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers 
• 3 tbsp sugar 
• 5 tbsp melted butter 
• 3 packs cream cheese 
• ¾ cup sugar 
• 3 eggs 
• ½ cup Bailey Irish cream 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into a springform pan. 
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in Baileys Irish cream. 
3. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 45 minutes. Let cool before serving. 

Irish Whiskey Cake

Rich, moist, and flavored with Irish whiskeys, this cake is a traditional favorite. It’s dense yet tender, making it the perfect dessert to pair with a cup of tea or coffee. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter 
• 1 ½ cups sugar 
• 4 eggs 
• 2 cups flour 
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• ½ cup buttermilk 
• ½ cup Irish whiskey 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a bundt pan. 
2. Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time. 
3. Sift together flour and baking soda, then add to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk and Irish whiskey. 
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 1 hour. 

Irish Cream Brownies

Another one for Baileys Irish cream recipes desserts lovers, these rich and fudgy brownies are spiked with Irish cream for an adult twist on a favorite treat. These brownies are decadent, moist, and bursting with flavor. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar 
• 1 cup melted butter 
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• 3 eggs 
• ½ cup Irish cream liqueur 
• ½ cup cocoa powder 
• 1 cup flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder 

Method 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish. 
2. Mix sugar, butter, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in Irish cream liqueur. 
3. Combine flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Gradually stir into the wet ingredients. 
4. Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse

This light and airy mousse is infused with Irish cream liqueur, adding a smooth and boozy touch to the traditional chocolate flavor. It’s a luxurious dessert perfect for any special occasion. 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup dark chocolate 
• ½ cup heavy cream 
• 2 tbsp Irish cream liqueur 
• 2 egg whites 
• ¼ cup sugar 

Method 

• Melt chocolate with cream and stir in the Irish cream liqueur. 
• Beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. 
• Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and chill before serving. 

Bailey Irish Cream Ice Cream

This creamy and delicious ice cream is infused with Baileys Irish cream, making it a perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. The smooth texture and rich flavor are sure to be a hit at any party. 

Ingredients 

• 2 cups heavy cream 
• 1 cup milk 
• ¾ cup sugar 
• 4 egg yolks 
• ½ cup Baileys Irish cream 

Method

1. Heat cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat. Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. 
2. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking. 
3. Return the mixture to the heat and cook until thickened. Stir in Baileys Irish cream. 
4. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker.

Irish Porter Cake

This Irish inspired cake is made with Irish whiskeys or dark Irish porter beer, packed with dried fruit and spices. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day desserts and other celebrations. 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup butter 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 2 cups flour 
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit 
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tsp nutmeg 
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• ½ cup Irish whiskey 

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan. 
2. Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs. Stir in dried fruit and spices. 
3. Mix flour, baking soda, and Irish whiskey, then fold into the batter. 
4. Bake for 1 hour. 

Guinness Chocolate Cake

This decadent chocolate cake is made with rich, dark Guinness beer, giving it a unique depth of flavor. Paired with a creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for any St. Patrick’s Day dessert table. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Guinness 
• 1 cup butter 
• 2 cups sugar 
• 2 cups flour 
• ¾ cup cocoa powder 
• 2 eggs 
• 1 tsp baking soda 

Method 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two cake pans. 
2. Heat Guinness and butter together. Stir in sugar and cocoa powder. 
3. Beat in eggs, then fold in flour and baking soda. 
4. Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 35 minutes. 

Irish Oat Flapjacks

These chewy, hearty oatmeal cookies are an Irish-inspired version of the classic dessert. The addition of Irish cream liqueur and oats gives them a unique flavor and texture. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup golden syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan.
• Melt butter, sugar, and syrup in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the oats and vanilla.
• Press the mixture into the baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until golden.
• Cool before cutting into bars or squares.

Irish Soda Bread Muffins

A family-friendly twist on the classic Irish soda bread, these muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. They’re slightly sweet with a dense, crumbly texture. 

Ingredients 

• 2 cups flour 
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• 1 tbsp sugar 
• 1 cup buttermilk 

Method

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a muffin tin. 
• Mix flour, sugar, and baking soda. Stir in buttermilk until combined. 
• Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes. 

Barmbrack

Barmbrack is a type of fruitcake that is particularly popular during Halloween in Ireland. The name “barmbrack” comes from the Irish words “bairín” (loaf) and “breac” (speckled), referring to the fruit that is scattered throughout the dough.

Ingredients

• 2 cups strong brewed tea
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, cherries)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten

Method

1. Soak the dried fruit in the brewed tea overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf tin.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in a large bowl.
4. Drain the fruit and stir it into the dry ingredients.
5. Add the beaten egg and mix until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf tin and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let it cool before slicing, and serve with butter.

Conclusion 

These Irish dessert recipes provide a taste of Ireland’s sweet side, from traditional Irish favorites like Irish apple cake and bread pudding to indulgent Baileys Irish cream dessert recipes. Whether you’re looking for easy Irish dessert recipes or something more elaborate, these treats are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or enjoying year-round. So, whip up one of these Irish inspired desserts and enjoy the simple, delicious joy of Irish recipes dessert traditions with your loved ones.