Baileys Terry Orange Chocolate Cake

About this recipe
When I found out about Terry’s Chocolate Orange and Baileys collaborating, I literally jumped for joy! These are two of my all-time favourite indulgences, and I just knew the combination would be absolutely delicious. The first time I had it over ice – creamy Baileys with that unmistakable zing of orange – I instantly thought, this would make the most incredible cake. And so, this Baileys Terry’s Orange Chocolate Cake was born! It’s a rich, moist, and luxurious dessert that pairs the deep, velvety flavour of dark chocolate with the sweet citrusy notes of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, all rounded off with that signature creamy Baileys kick.

My whole family are huge Baileys fans, so I can already see this being a star dessert when we next get together – I know there won’t be a single slice left by the end of the evening. The sponge is beautifully light yet indulgent thanks to the addition of hot water in the batter, which may seem unusual but creates the perfect texture. Then there’s the frosting: a silky blend of milk chocolate, mascarpone, cocoa, and cream, making every bite feel like a luxurious treat. The Baileys doesn’t just sit in the background – it infuses the cake with a subtle warmth and richness that takes it to another level.
If you’re not a fan of Baileys, don’t worry – this recipe is super versatile. You can easily swap the Baileys for regular milk or even a flavoured milk like chocolate or orange for a kid-friendly version. However, if you ask me, Baileys rules, and it truly makes this cake shine! It’s the secret ingredient that makes this dessert feel extra special and a little bit grown-up, perfect for a dinner party or weekend treat.

This recipe is also perfect for special occasions , but honestly, it’s so good you won’t want to save it just for holidays. It’s also an excellent choice if you want to impress guests because it looks and tastes like something from a high-end bakery, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. I love garnishing the top with shaved milk chocolate to add a touch of elegance, but you could also decorate it with segments of Terry’s Chocolate Orange for that extra wow factor.
The best part? It stays beautifully moist for several days, so you can make it ahead of time and still serve a showstopping dessert. Each slice delivers layers of flavour – rich chocolate, creamy Baileys, and that unmistakable Terry’s Orange zing. It’s like a grown-up version of the classic chocolate orange cake we all know and love.

Whether you’re serving it with a cup of tea, alongside an after-dinner Baileys, or just sneaking a slice straight from the fridge, this cake will bring pure joy with every bite. For me, it’s the perfect fusion of nostalgia, comfort, and indulgence – and I have a feeling it will become a staple in your home too. Trust me: make this cake once, and you’ll be hooked forever.
Ingredients
For the cake batter
- 50g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 75g dark chocolate
- 100ml hot water
- 115g plain flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 150g light brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 medium eggs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 100ml Baileys Terry’s Orange
For the frosting
- 100g milk chocolate
- 30g unsalted butter
- 25g cocoa powder
- 100ml double cream
- 100g mascarpone
Ingredients

Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line a 20cm deep round cake tin with baking paper.
- In a small heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a pan of simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cocoa powder, light brown sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda until there are no lumps.
- Make a well in the centre and add the eggs, vegetable oil, and Baileys Terry’s Orange, then whisk until smooth.
- Pour in the melted butter and chocolate mixture, whisking until fully combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot water while whisking continuously. The batter will be very liquid, but this ensures a light, fluffy sponge.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool completely in the tin.
- While the cake is baking, melt the milk chocolate, butter, and cocoa powder together in a heatproof bowl until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone and double cream, then slowly whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. It will be runny at this stage.
- Chill the frosting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until thickened.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top.
- Garnish with shaved milk chocolate, slice, and serve.
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