{Revisited} Guinness and Irish Cream Cupcakes

Why am I revisiting Guinness and Irish Cream Cupcakes? Two reasons 1) my good friend's birthday is tomorrow (Happy Birthday Nicci!) and she requested these very yummy cupcakes 2) she very much enjoyed the Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream on Jeff's Strawberry Freezer Jam Cupcakes. What better cupcake to try another version of swiss meringue buttercream? Irish Cream Swiss Meringue Buttercream? Yes please!

I used the exact Guinness cupcake and Irish Cream ganache recipe in the Superbowl post, and adapted the Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream recipe slightly to be Irish Cream flavored.


This time, let's look at how to make Swiss Meringue Buttercream, step by step.

First the recipe:

Irish Cream Swiss Meringue Buttercream

4 large egg whites

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature, but cold

4-6 tbsp St. Brendan's Irish cream

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

1. Combine the egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water. 

2. Whisking frequently, until the mixture reaches 150° F. (About 8 minutes)

3. Transfer to stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, mixture is shiny and glossy, and has cooled to room temperature. (The bowl should be cool to the touch.)

4. Reduce the speed to medium and switch to paddle attachment and add the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, adding more once each addition has been incorporated. 

5. Add Irish cream and blend until smooth. (This time the frosting looked very soupy) *If the frosting looks soupy or curdled, continue to beat on medium-high speed until thick and smooth again, about 3-5 minutes more (or longer – don’t worry, it will come together!)

6. Add salt and vanilla. Continue to blend for another 30 seconds. You are done!

7. Frost cupcakes and top with dark chocolate jimmies if desired.

Guinness and Irish Cream Cupcakes with Irish Cream Swiss Meringue Buttercream have a nice Irish cream punch and were a very bit hit. One tester mentioned the ganache was their favorite, a couple more picked the frosting as theirs. The frosting is light yet packed with flavor, it is a great addition to the glorious ganache and dark chocolate guinness notes of the cupcake. I will definitely keep this combination!