If you’re anything like me, sometimes only something truly decadent will do. We crave that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that only a perfect cheesecake can deliver, but honestly, who wants to turn the oven on?
That’s why I’m sharing my absolute favorite grown-up indulgence: the no-bake **Baileys Cheesecake**. It’s creamy, unapologetically smooth, and loaded with that dreamy Irish cream flavor. As a Registered Dietitian, I believe in balance, and this dessert proves you can absolutely enjoy incredible flavor without worrying about complicated baking techniques. Trust me, the chocolate biscuit base adds the perfect salty crunch to cut through that creamy filling. This recipe is so simple, but it tastes like you spent all day fussing over it!
You can find more of my simple yet satisfying recipes over in my easy dessert recipes collection.
Why You Will Love This Baileys Cheesecake Recipe
Honestly, this dessert checks every single box I have when I’m looking to impress a crowd or just treat myself after a long week. It’s just pure, unadulterated joy in a slice!
- It’s completely no-bake, meaning zero oven time, which is a huge win on hot days.
- The cocktail flavor is sophisticated without being overwhelming—perfect for an adult gathering.
- It looks totally show-stopping, especially with the shiny chocolate topping, making it great for serving at any **St Patrick Party Food** spread.
- The texture contrast between the crunchy dark base and the unbelievably smooth filling is just divine.
- You can easily make this the day before, which takes all the pressure off party day!
Essential Equipment for Your Baileys Cheesecake
You don’t need a gigantic kitchen arsenal for this, thank goodness! Since this is a no-bake recipe, we skip the big mixing bowls and heavy pans. But a couple of items really make the process smooth and ensure that creamy texture we are aiming for.
- A 7” deep tin with a springform or removable base
- Electric whisk (I really, really recommend this one!)
Special Equipment Notes
That 7-inch deep tin is key. Because we aren’t baking it, the structure has to hold up perfectly when chilled, and the springform sides make releasing this gorgeous dessert so much easier later on. Don’t try to squeeze it into a shallower pan!
Also, while you *can* mix the filling by hand, the electric whisk is your best friend here. You need to whip the double cream and cream cheese until it’s really thick—almost stiff. If you try this by hand, you’ll be stirring until your arm aches, and it might not get quite as airy as it needs to be for that perfect **Baileys Cheesecake** filling.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Baileys Cheesecake
Okay, let’s talk about what goes into this masterpiece! Because this **Baileys Cheesecake** is no-bake, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. We are keeping things straightforward, broken down into three simple sections. Don’t skip the notes, especially regarding that cream cheese!
When you get your supplies, this turns into a fantastic adult dessert, or maybe even one of those gorgeous Christmas chocolate desserts you make a little early because it tastes so good.
For the Chocolate Biscuit Base
This is that dark, slightly salty foundation that keeps the creamy filling from sliding everywhere. It’s so easy, you won’t believe it.
- 300 g Digestive biscuits (crushed—if you’re in the US, Graham Crackers work just fine!)
- 150 g Butter (must be melted)
- 3 tbsp Cocoa powder
For the Creamy Baileys Cheesecake Mixture
This is where the magic happens. Seriously, make sure that cream cheese is full fat; low-fat just won’t set up right for us here.
- 680 g Cream cheese (full fat is a must, and drain off any liquid you see!)
- 100 g Icing sugar
- 300 ml Double cream (use heavy cream if that’s what you have)
- 90 ml Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur (that’s about 5 tablespoons, use the real stuff!)
For the Chocolate Topping and Decoration
The finish line! This thick, cool chocolate layer seals in all that gorgeous Baileys flavor.
- 150 g Milk chocolate (good quality melts best)
- 1 Chocolate, sprinkles, or Baileys truffles (whatever makes your heart happy for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baileys Cheesecake
Following these steps precisely is how we guarantee that creamy, perfect slice that tastes so incredible. Since we aren’t dealing with an oven, the chilling time is our most important cooking step! Pay attention to the consistency changes, especially when you mix in that Baileys; it needs to feel sturdy.
Getting this timing right means you’ll have the perfect dessert ready for your next celebration, whether it’s St Patrick’s Day or just a Tuesday craving. You can check out more easy recipes perfect for those quick treats, like this easy snack ideas collection.
Preparing the No-Bake Base
First things first, let’s make the foundation. In a bowl, combine those crushed biscuits, the melted butter, and the cocoa powder until everything looks like damp, dark sand. You really want it uniform!
Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared 7-inch tin. Use the back of a spoon or maybe even the bottom of a small glass to really pack it down tightly. Once it’s flat and sturdy, pop it straight into the refrigerator. It needs a good chill while we whip up that lovely filling.
Whipping the Baileys Cheesecake Filling
Grab your mixing bowl! Start by beating that drained cream cheese with the icing sugar until it’s just smooth. Don’t go crazy here; we are just combining them initially. Over-beating cream cheese without the cream added can sometimes make it grainy, and we absolutely want smooth sailing here.
Now for the fun bit! Add in your cold double cream and the Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur. Grab that electric whisk and beat it until the mixture gets really thick. I mean seriously thick—it should almost feel like soft ice cream when you stop the whisk. Remember, this needs to hold its own weight!
Chilling and Setting the Baileys Cheesecake
Once that filling is perfectly whipped, take your chilled base out of the fridge. Gently spoon that rich, creamy mixture right on top. Use a spatula to smooth the surface so it looks professional, even if it’s just for us later!
This is the hardest part, I know! The cheesecake needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but honestly, overnight is my go-to recommendation. That time allows the Baileys and cream to fully firm up, giving you that perfect sliceable texture for the final **Baileys Cheesecake**.
Finishing Touches: The Chocolate Drizzle
Right before serving, we melt the milk chocolate. Set up a gentle bowl over simmering water—make sure the bowl isn’t touching the actual water, or the chocolate will seize up on you! Stir it slowly until it’s glossy and totally liquid.
Take the chocolate off the heat and let it cool down for about ten minutes. If it’s too hot, it will just melt right through your lovely chilled filling! When it’s cooled slightly (body temperature is perfect), take your cheesecake carefully out of the tin, and drizzle that cooled chocolate artfully over the top. Finish with sprinkles or those little truffles, and serve quickly!
Tips for Perfect Baileys Cheesecake Success
Even though this Baileys Cheesecake is no-bake, you still need a few crucial steps nailed down to avoid a runny mess. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after serving a slightly floppy slice once—never again!
First, temperature is huge for that filling. Make sure your double cream is absolutely ice cold straight from the fridge. This allows it to whip up high and stiff, which is what gives structure to the whole cheesecake.
Also, please don’t skip draining that cream cheese! If you see any liquid pooling in the container, gently press it out with paper towels or let it sit in a fine-mesh sieve for 15 minutes first. Excess water is the enemy of a firm set.
When you finally add the Baileys, fold it in gently after the cream is whipped. We want to keep all those lovely air bubbles we created. A quick stir just to incorporate is all it needs to guarantee that ultra-creamy, dreamy finished texture.
Storage and Serving Suggestions for Your Baileys Cheesecake
Since there’s no baking involved, storing this glorious **Baileys Cheesecake** is super simple, but you do need to respect the chill time! Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Because the base is chocolatey and the filling is rich, it stays incredibly fresh for about three good days. Honestly, though, it rarely lasts that long in our house!
You never reheat cheesecake, of course—it needs to stay cold for that signature mouthfeel. For serving, pull it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before you plan to slice it. This just lets the chill come off the filling slightly, making the texture even silkier.
This dessert is a fantastic centerpiece, especially if you’re looking for something impressive for your next gathering. It slides right in as a showstopper among other easy savory recipe ideas or as that one sweet bite everyone talks about at your St Patrick’s Day table!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baileys Cheesecake
When you are deep into making something this rich and delicious, questions are bound to pop up. I get asked all the time how to tweak this for different events or dietary needs. Don’t worry, making small changes to this **Baileys Cheesecake** is pretty straightforward!
Can I make this Baileys Cheesecake without alcohol?
Oh, that’s a very common question, especially when serving it to people who don’t drink or if you’re making treats for kids! You totally can. If you leave out the Baileys entirely, you’ll lose that specific creaminess, so I suggest swapping it out. Try using about 3 tablespoons of strong vanilla extract plus another 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk or extra cream mixed with a teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in it. It won’t be the exact same, but it keeps that rich depth that makes it fabulous for parties!
Is this considered a St Patrick Day Food Ideas Party hit?
YES! A thousand times yes! This cheesecake is seriously my go-to centerpiece for any **St Patrick Day Food Ideas Party**. It screams Irish indulgence without being overly cliché, and the chocolate base makes it feel substantial compared to lighter **Green Snacks**.
It’s rich enough that a small slice goes a long way, which I love because it means I can serve up some lighter savory bites on the side, too. It complements the whole vibe of festive, hearty Irish Appetizers perfectly.
How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
This is where the no-bake nature really shines. You need a *minimum* of three hours for the structure to set properly, especially since you want that thick filling. But my secret is making it the afternoon before the party. I find that 18 hours of chilling time results in the absolute best texture—it’s super firm but melts beautifully in your mouth. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert!
If you are looking for other great ways to use your food processor or mixer for desserts like this, check out my guide on other Thermomix baking desserts using similar techniques.
Nutritional Estimates for Baileys Cheesecake
Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks, because while this Baileys Cheesecake is pure indulgence, I know many of you track your eating, just like I do! Because we are building this masterpiece from scratch—and using full-fat cream cheese, because texture matters!—it is certainly a treat, not an everyday snack.
As a Registered Dietitian, transparency is everything to me. These numbers below are calculated based on the ingredient quantities listed and divided across 8 generous servings. Remember, these are just estimates. If you use a different brand of biscuits or a higher proof alcohol, your numbers might shift a tiny bit!
For the full breakdown and context on how I approach comfort food with balance, you can always check out my full disclaimer page, but here is what you can generally expect per slice:
- Calories: Approximately 480-520 kcal
- Fat: Around 35g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 40g (depending on the sugar content of your Baileys)
- Protein: About 6g
See? It’s definitely rich, but remember: one slice is incredibly satisfying! If you are trying to lighten the load for a bigger spread, this is why I always remind people that small slices of something this luxurious go a long way. Enjoy every bite!
Share Your Creamy Baileys Cheesecake Creations
Now that you have this incredible, creamy **Baileys Cheesecake** cooling away in your fridge, I desperately want to see what you do with it! I spend so much time tasting and adjusting things here in my kitchen, and knowing you all are successfully whipping up these treats is what makes it all worthwhile.
When you give this recipe a try, please come back and leave me a rating! Five stars if you loved it, or let me know how you tweaked it if you made changes. Did you go heavy on the chocolate drizzle? Did you try using it as a centerpiece for your **St Patrick Party Food** this year?
Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram! Or, if you have questions about substituting ingredients or just want to share your experience making this adult dessert, you can always head over to my contact page. I absolutely love hearing from all of you. Happy slicing!
Baileys Cheesecake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the crushed biscuits with the melted butter and cocoa. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared tin. Chill the base in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Beat the cream cheese with the icing sugar until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing the ingredients.
- Add the double cream and Baileys to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until the mixture is very thick. Use an electric whisk if you have one available.
- Remove the base from the refrigerator. Add the cheesecake mixture on top of the base and smooth the surface.
- Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
- When you are ready to serve, melt the milk chocolate very gently in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bowl does not touch the water.
- When the chocolate is melted, let it cool for about 10 minutes until it reaches body temperature.
- Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and take it out of the tin. Gently drizzle the cooled chocolate over the cheesecake, working quickly. Add your chosen decorations.