25 Classic Irish Desserts for the Sweetest St. Patrick's Day Party
Celebrate with these popular and traditional treats!
We hardly need an excuse to make something sweet, but in case you’re looking for one: St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Why not bake up a traditional Irish dessert? We rounded up some classic St. Patrick’s Day sweets, including fun, modern takes for a lighthearted, green-filled celebration.
Whether you’re having friends over after the parade or looking for a dessert to round out St. Patrick's Day dinner, reach for lightly spiced Irish apple cake or the traditional Irish fruitcake barmbrack. Or, go for a buttery, slightly sweet Irish soda bread, which also conveniently doubles as breakfast. When in doubt, you can always turn to popular Irish products. Rich, foamy Guinness lends depth to chocolate desserts, creamy Baileys adds a pleasant spike to cheesecake and fiery Irish whiskey perks up anything sweet, especially caramel. On that note, don’t forget to cap off your St. Patrick's Day dessert with a strong, cream-topped Irish coffee.
No matter how you're spending St. Paddy's Day this year, make sure you’ve got at least one of these desserts up your sleeve — and be sure to pair with one of these party-perfect St. Patrick’s Day drinks or a festive green beer.
Chocolate Whoopie Pies
A splash of Guinness in the cake batter adds complexity and depth of flavor — and an Irish twist.
Get the Chocolate Whoopie Pies recipe.
Shortbread Squares
The Green Isle is known for its butter; put it to good use in these chocolate-topped bars.
Get the Shortbread Squares recipe.
Vegan Apple Cake
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
Soda Bread
This classic quick bread isn't naturally sweet, so spread marmalade or jam on a slice to make it dessert-worthy.
Get the Soda Bread recipe.
Brioche Bread Pudding with Whiskey-Caramel Sauce
This recipe calls for bourbon, but feel free to swap in your favorite Irish whiskey. Sláinte!
Get the Brioche Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Butterscotch Sauce recipe.
Mini Grasshopper Pies
Named after the famed New Orleans cocktail, these minty pies aren't Irish but they are green enough for St. Paddy's.
Get the Mini Grasshopper Pies recipe.
RELATED: 25 Green Foods to Try for a Little Extra Luck on St. Patrick's Day
Perfect Apple Crumble
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.
Irish Coffee
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.
Baileys Cheesecake
This classic cream-based liqueur makes for the perfect, decadent dessert base.
Get the Baileys Cheesecake recipe from Delish.
Millionaire Shortbread
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.
Baileys Truffles
For those who like their Baileys desserts in bite-size form.
Get the Baileys Truffles recipe from Delish.
Guinness Chocolate Layer Cake
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.
Irish Apple Cake
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.
Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread
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.
Whiskey Caramel Cupcakes
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.
Chocolate Stout Layer Cake
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.
Irish Bread Pudding with Bailey's Sauce
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.
Irish Chocolate Pots de Crème
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.
Get the Irish Chocolate Pots de Crème recipe from The Café Sucre Farine.
Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce
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.
Baileys Brownies
These rich brownies are topped with a fluffy Baileys buttercream frosting and Baileys-infused chocolate ganache. Double the Baileys = double the fun.
Get the Baileys Brownies recipe from Spend With Pennies.
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