Irish Cream Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Irish Cream Cheesecake offers a harmonious blend of creamy sweetness and a hint of Irish cream liqueur, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. The combination of a rich, velvety filling and a buttery crust creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be garnished with your favorite toppings, adding a personal touch to this indulgent treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

  • 6 ounces graham crackers (170 grams)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (225 grams), softened
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup Irish cream liqueur (80 milliliters)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 milliliters)

Optional Toppings:

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Whipped cream

Directions

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, a pinch of salt, melted butter, and Irish cream liqueur. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
    • Line the bottom and sides of a 7-inch (18 cm) springform pan with baking parchment. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
    • Place the pan in the freezer to chill while preparing the filling.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, Irish cream liqueur, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
    • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
    • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
    • Remove the crust from the freezer. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
    • Cover the pan with cling film or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set.
  4. Add Optional Toppings and Serve:
    • Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with your choice of chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
    • Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: At least 3 hours (overnight preferred)
  • Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

  • Chocolate Crust: Substitute chocolate graham crackers or crushed chocolate wafer cookies for the graham crackers to add a rich chocolate flavor to the crust.
  • Flavored Liqueurs: Experiment with different liqueurs, such as coffee liqueur or hazelnut liqueur, to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped toasted nuts, like hazelnuts or almonds, into the cream cheese filling for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cheesecake (whole or in individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

What type of Irish cream liqueur should I use?

Baileys Irish Cream is a popular choice, but any quality Irish cream liqueur will work well in this recipe.

Can I make this cheesecake without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the Irish cream liqueur with an equal amount of heavy cream and add a teaspoon of coffee extract or vanilla extract to mimic the flavor.

Do I need to bake this cheesecake?

No, this is a no-bake cheesecake recipe. The filling sets in the refrigerator.

How can I prevent the crust from being too crumbly?

Ensure that the graham cracker crumbs are finely crushed and evenly moistened with butter and liqueur. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill it to help it set properly.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but using a different size pan will affect the thickness of the cheesecake and may alter the setting time. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly if using a significantly larger or smaller pan.

How long should I chill the cheesecake?

Chill the cheesecake for at least 3 hours, but overnight chilling is recommended for the best texture and flavor development.

Can I add gelatin to make the filling firmer?

Yes, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can dissolve a teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in a small amount of warm water and mix it into the cream cheese filling before folding in the whipped cream.

What toppings pair well with this cheesecake?

Chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream are excellent choices. Fresh berries can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

How should I slice the cheesecake cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each


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Irish Cream Cheesecake


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8-6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the ultimate no-bake Irish Cream Cheesecake, a luscious dessert featuring a velvety Baileys-infused cream cheese filling over a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for celebrations or special occasions, this creamy delight is versatile and easy to make, with optional toppings like chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.


Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) graham crackers
  • A pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) Irish cream liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, whipped

Optional Toppings:

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
    • Mix crumbs, salt, melted butter, and Irish cream liqueur in a bowl until moistened.
    • Press the mixture into the base of a 7-inch (18 cm) springform pan lined with parchment. Chill in the freezer.
  2. Make the Filling:
    • Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, Irish cream liqueur, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    • Fold in whipped heavy cream until incorporated.
  3. Assemble Cheesecake:
    • Pour filling over chilled crust and spread evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 3+ hours or overnight.
  4. Serve:
    • Garnish with desired toppings before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use chocolate graham crackers for a richer crust.
  • Substitute liqueur with extra cream and flavoring for an alcohol-free version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Irish-American

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