Last Christmas, my sister-in-law Sarah brought what she called her "famous" cheesecake to our family dinner. One bite and I knew I had to figure out how to make it myself. She finally shared her secret after I promised not to tell anyone - it was loaded with Baileys Irish Cream and didn't require turning on the oven at all. I've spent the past year perfecting this Baileys cheesecake recipe, testing different ratios until I got that perfect balance of boozy richness without overpowering sweetness. liam isn't allowed to taste this one obviously, but he loves helping me crush the cookies for the crust and watching the layers come together.
Why You'll Love This Irish Cream Cheesecake
This Baileys dessert recipe has become my go-to for every special occasion because it looks like you spent all day in the kitchen while taking less than 30 minutes of actual work. There's no water bath to worry about, no cracks to stress over, and no precise oven temperature to monitor - just mix, pour, and chill. The boozy flavor feels sophisticated enough for adult gatherings but the creamy sweetness appeals to everyone who loves dessert. You can make it completely ahead of time, which removes all the stress from entertaining since it sits happily in the fridge getting better by the hour.
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Baileys Cheesecake Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
- 250g chocolate digestive biscuits
- 75g unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Baileys Filling:
- 600g full-fat cream cheese
- 150g icing sugar
- 300ml double cream
- 150ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 100g dark chocolate
- 50ml double cream
- Extra Baileys for drizzling
How To Make Baileys Cheesecake Step By Step
Create Perfect Crust
- Crush chocolate biscuits into fine crumbs using food processor or bash in sealed bag
- Mix crumbs thoroughly with melted butter, cocoa powder, and pinch of salt
- Press mixture firmly into bottom of lined springform tin using flat-bottomed glass
- Chill crust in fridge for 30 minutes while preparing filling to firm up completely
Prepare Gelatin Base
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in small bowl and let sit 5 minutes to bloom
- Warm bloomed gelatin gently in microwave for 10 seconds until completely dissolved and clear
- Let cool to room temperature but don't let it set, keep it liquid and ready to add
Whip the Cream Cheese
- Beat room temperature cream cheese with electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until completely smooth
- Add icing sugar gradually while beating until light and fluffy with no lumps remaining
- Pour in Baileys and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed just until combined
- Drizzle in cooled liquid gelatin and beat 30 seconds until fully incorporated throughout
Fold in Whipped Cream
- In separate clean bowl, whip double cream to soft peaks that hold shape but aren't stiff
- Take large spoonful of whipped cream and stir into Baileys mixture to loosen it first
- Gently fold remaining whipped cream into mixture using rubber spatula and broad strokes
- Stop folding when you see no more white streaks but mixture still looks light and airy
Assemble and Set
- Pour filling over chilled crust base, spreading evenly to edges with offset spatula
- Gently tap tin on counter few times to release any air bubbles trapped inside
- Cover loosely with cling film and refrigerate minimum 6 hours or overnight until completely set
- Don't peek or move it around during first 4 hours or filling might not set properly
Add Chocolate Ganache
- Heat cream until steaming hot, pour over chopped dark chocolate, let sit 2 minutes
- Stir until smooth and glossy, cool 10 minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable
- Drizzle over chilled cheesecake in decorative pattern or spread in even layer
- Add extra splash of Baileys drizzled over top before serving for extra flavor boost
Substitutions
Cookie Crust Options:
- Chocolate digestives → Oreos with filling scraped
- Standard biscuits → Gingersnaps for spice
- Traditional → Graham crackers
- Regular → Shortbread cookies
Baileys Alternatives:
- Original Baileys → Coffee liqueur
- Irish cream → Amaretto for almond
- Standard → Kahlúa for mocha
- Traditional → Non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup
Cream Cheese Swaps:
- Full fat → Light cream cheese (texture changes)
- Standard → Mascarpone for richness
- Regular → Half cream cheese, half mascarpone
- Traditional → Neufchâtel (slightly less fat)
Topping Variations:
- Dark chocolate → Milk chocolate ganache
- Traditional → White chocolate drizzle
- Standard → Caramel sauce instead
- Chocolate → Skip and use whipped cream only
Tasty Twists on Baileys Cheesecake
Baileys Oreo Cheesecake
- Use Oreo cookies for base crust instead of chocolate digestives
- Fold crushed Oreo pieces into filling mixture before adding whipped cream
- Top with whole Oreos standing upright around edge for dramatic presentation
- Drizzle with white chocolate ganache instead of dark for cookies and cream look
Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake
- Add 3 tablespoons cocoa powder to cream cheese mixture for deep chocolate flavor
- Use chocolate chip cookies for crust and press mini chips into top before chilling
- Make ganache with milk chocolate and extra splash of Baileys stirred in
- This Baileys cake version is perfect for serious chocolate lovers at parties
Baileys Coffee Cheesecake
- Add 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder dissolved in the Baileys before mixing
- Use coffee-flavored biscuits for crust like Biscoff or amaretti cookies
- Top with coffee whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder through stencil
- Garnish with chocolate covered coffee beans around edge for café presentation
Baileys Caramel Swirl
- Make salted caramel sauce and swirl half through filling before final fold
- Reserve other half of caramel to drizzle over top instead of chocolate
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving for sweet-salty contrast
- This easy Baileys dessert variation always gets requested for birthdays
Equipment For Baileys Cheesecake
- 23cm springform tin
- Electric hand mixer
- Food processor or rolling pin
- Rubber spatula
- Small bowls for gelatin
Storage Tips
Fridge Storage (5 days):
Keep Baileys cheesecake covered loosely with cling film in refrigerator up to 5 days. The alcohol helps preserve it slightly longer than regular cheesecake. Always store in springform tin until ready to serve, or transfer carefully to cake stand and cover with dome.
Freezer Method (2 months):
Freeze whole cheesecake or individual slices wrapped tightly in cling film then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving - texture stays perfectly creamy. Add chocolate topping after thawing for freshest look and taste.
Make Ahead Strategy:
This Baileys infused cheesecake actually tastes better made 1 to 2 days ahead of serving time. Flavors meld together and texture sets to absolute perfection. Add chocolate ganache and decorations just few hours before serving for prettiest presentation.
Top Tip
- Bring your cream cheese to actual room temperature before starting this Baileys cheesecake recipe - it should feel completely soft when pressed and leave a clear indent. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that never disappear no matter how long you beat it, ruining that silky texture. Set it out at least 2 hours before baking, or cut into cubes for faster softening in just 30 minutes on the counter.
- Stop whipping the double cream when it just reaches soft peaks that gently hold shape but still look glossy and flow slightly. Overwhipped cream makes your no-bake Baileys cheesecake dense and heavy instead of light and mousse-like. The cream continues firming up as you fold it and while it chills, so catch it early for perfect final texture.
- Give your assembled cheesecake the full 6 hours minimum chilling time even if it looks set after 4 hours, because gelatin needs that time to fully activate. Rushing means slices collapse or weep liquid when served. Make this simple Baileys cheesecake recipe the night before for best results - 12 to 24 hours allows flavors to meld beautifully.
FAQ
How much Baileys to put in cheesecake?
Use 150ml Baileys for perfect flavor balance in standard cheesecake. More than 200ml makes filling too liquid to set properly even with gelatin. Less than 100ml won't give enough Irish cream taste. This ratio provides noticeable Baileys flavor without overwhelming sweetness or alcohol taste.
How long will Baileys cheesecake last in the fridge?
Baileys cheesecake stays fresh in refrigerator for 5 days when covered properly. The alcohol content helps preserve it slightly longer than regular cheesecake. Always keep it covered to prevent absorbing other fridge odors. Texture and flavor actually improve over first 48 hours as flavors meld.
Does Baileys cheesecake need baking?
No, this Baileys cheesecake doesn't need baking - it sets using gelatin and refrigeration instead. The no-bake method keeps texture lighter and silkier than traditional baked versions. Just ensure minimum 6 hours chilling time for proper setting. Some recipes do bake, but this version stays completely raw.
Can you freeze Baileys cheesecake in BBC Good Food?
Yes, freeze Baileys cheesecake for up to 2 months wrapped tightly in cling film and foil. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving. Texture stays creamy when frozen properly without ice crystals forming. Add chocolate topping after thawing for best appearance and fresh ganache flavor throughout.
Time to Chill and Thrill!
Now you have everything needed for perfect Baileys cheesecake - from basic assembly to our chocolate ganache secret. This no-bake wonder proves that impressive desserts don't require complicated techniques or oven skills.
Need more simple treats? Whip up our Easy Shortbread Cookies with just 3 ingredients for the easiest butter cookies ever, make our Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Pie that's ready faster than you can say dessert, or try our Best Blueberry Protein Balls ready in 15 minutes for healthy snacking that actually tastes like a treat!
Share your Baileys creation! Tag @EmilyAndliamKitchen and #NoBakeMagic. We love seeing your gorgeous desserts!
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Baileys Cheesecake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crush biscuits, mix with butter/cocoa/salt, press into tin, and chill 30 minutes.
- Bloom gelatin in cold water, melt until clear, and let cool but remain liquid.
- Beat cream cheese; add icing sugar, Baileys, vanilla; mix in cooled gelatin.
- Fold whipped double cream gently into the Baileys mixture until combined.
- Pour filling over crust, smooth top, tap out air, and chill minimum 6 hours.
- Prepare chocolate ganache, cool slightly, then drizzle or spread on cheesecake.
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