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25 Irish Desserts Perfect for Your St. Patrick's Day Party

Celebrate with these popular and traditional treats!

By Rachel Baron and
chocolate whoopie pies next to a glass of dark guinness dark beer
Mike Garten

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What comes to mind when you think of Irish desserts? If you answered "Baileys," you're on the right track, but there's so much more to explore. Think buttery shortbreads, whiskey-infused caramel sauce and chocolate cakes infused with a splash of Guinness. These sweet treats are perfect St. Patrick's Day desserts, but why limit them to one day of the year? We think you'll want to make these desserts over and over. Some of them pair so perfectly with coffee that you just might be tempted to have them for breakfast.

If you need inspiration for the rest of your St. Patrick's Day menu, check out our collections of the best St. Patrick's Day foods!

1

Brioche Bread Pudding with Whiskey-Caramel Sauce

brioche bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce with long, slow caramel drizzle

When you bring together fluffy brioche and a decadent homemade bourbon-caramel sauce, you just can't go wrong.

Get the Brioche Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Butterscotch Sauce recipe.

RELATED: 20 Best Whiskey Brands That Won’t Break the Bank

2

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

chocolate whoopie pies next to a glass of dark beer
Mike Garten

These desserts are the definition of crowd-pleasing. Add a splash of Guinness to the cookie batter to add some rich, complex flavor (and an Irish touch).

Get the Chocolate Whoopie Pies recipe.

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3

Mini Grasshopper Pies

mini mint pies with chocolate drizzled on top
mike garten

The green hue of these desserts makes them perfect for St. Patrick's Day. The delicious combination of marshmallow creme, peppermint extract and dark chocolate will have everyone fighting for the last one.

Get the Mini Grasshopper Pies recipe.

RELATED: 25 Green Foods to Try for a Little Extra Luck on St. Patrick's Day

4

Shortbread Squares

chocolate shortbread squares on a wooden table

These crowd-pleasing cookies make the most of Irish butter. Top them with a chocolate-peppermint spread, a toffee-pecan combination or a red currant crumble.

Get the Shortbread Squares recipe.

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5

Soda Bread

fresh soda bread cooling off on a wire rack

This classic Irish bread can easily be made into a sweet treat with the addition of homemade jam or a chocolate hazelnut spread.

Get the Soda Bread recipe.

6

Vegan Apple Cake

apple cake with white frosting on a cake stand
Mike Garten

Make an Irish-inspired apple cake that everyone can eat, no matter their dietary restrictions. The frosting is made from vegan butter!

Get the Vegan Apple Cake recipe.

RELATED: 26 Best Vegan Desserts That Taste Like the Real Deal

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7

Irish Cream

irish desserts homemade irish cream
mike garten

Say "Sláinte!" with a glass of this sweet and creamy beverage. You can sip it over ice, pour it over ice cream, or add it to your hot cocoa for a cozy treat.

Get the Irish Cream recipe.

8

Perfect Apple Crumble

blue bowls of apple crumble with whipped cream on top

This classic comfort dessert is also a staple in Ireland. Don't forget to serve it with ice cream!

Get the Perfect Apple Crumble recipe from Delish.

RELATED: Best Apple Desserts

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9

Irish Coffee

a cup of irish coffee with chocolate shavings on top

We officially declare whiskey and coffee to be the king and queen of St. Patrick's Day. Sip on this boozy drink and you'll see why.

Get the Irish Coffee recipe from Delish.

RELATED: The 20 Best Coffee Recipes to Make at Home

10

Baileys Cheesecake

slicing a piece of baileys chocolate cheesecake

This classic cream-based liqueur makes for the perfect, decadent dessert base.

SHOP CAKE STANDS

Get the Baileys Cheesecake recipe from Delish.

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11

Millionaire Shortbread

shortbread with caramel and chocolate layers stacked on a wooden board

Buttery shortbread is already a favorite Irish sweet, but these gild the lily with layers of gooey caramel and chocolate.

Get the Millionaire Shortbread recipe from Delish.

12

Baileys Truffles

baileys and chocolate filling in a bite size dessert

For those who like their Baileys desserts in bite-size form.

Get the Baileys Truffles recipe from Delish.

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13

Guinness Chocolate Layer Cake

a slice of guinness chocolate layer cake on a plate with fork
Life, Love and Sugar

Top off your St. Patrick's Day with layers of chocolate cake, chocolate ganache and Baileys buttercream frosting.

Get the Guinness Chocolate Layer Cake recipe from Life, Love and Sugar.

14

Irish Apple Cake

slice of apple cake on a plate with a fork

This popular Irish dessert calls for tart apples baked into a tender, flavorful cake. Need we say more?

Get the Irish Apple Cake recipe from Delish.

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15

Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread

chocolate chip irish soda bread on a white serving board with butter
A Cozy Kitchen

No, it’s not traditional to add chocolate chips to Irish soda bread — but we’re not gonna complain about it.

Get the Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread recipe from A Cozy Kitchen.

16

Whiskey Caramel Cupcakes

whiskey caramel cupcakes with drizzle of caramel on top
A Classic Twist

Irish whiskey shows up twice in these delectable cupcakes: First in the caramel sauce, and second in the cake batter. Three cheers!

Get the Whiskey Caramel Cupcakes recipe from A Classic Twist.

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17

Chocolate Stout Layer Cake

chocolate stout layer cake with pretzels on a cake stand
Butter Be Ready

Rich, malty stout beer and chocolate are a true match made in heaven, and this decadent layer cake is an ode to their love.

Get the Chocolate Stout Layer Cake recipe from Butter Be Ready.

18

Irish Bread Pudding with Bailey's Sauce

close up of irish bread pudding with baileys sauce and whipped cream
Sugar Spice and Glitter

Use day-old croissants to better soak up the rich Baileys butter sauce.

Get the Irish Bread Pudding with Bailey's Sauce recipe from Sugar, Spice and Glitter.

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19

Irish Chocolate Pots de Crème

close up of irish chocolate pots de crème with a mint leaf for garnish
The Cafe Sucrefarine

These classic, individually-portioned desserts take only five minutes to make, and they're the perfect thing to serve at your St. Paddy's Day party.

SHOP RAMEKINS

Get the Irish Chocolate Pots de Crème recipe from The Café Sucre Farine.

20

Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce

custard sauce being poured over a plate of irish apple cake
The Kitchen McCabe

Apple cake is delicious and all, but add a homemade custard sauce and you end up with a next-level dessert. It's like pouring melted ice cream over your dessert — and who wouldn't want that?

Get the Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce recipe from The Kitchen McCabe.

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