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This Baileys Brownie Cheesecake is made with a dense, chewy chocolate brownie on the bottom topped with creamy Baileys cheesecake and finished off with Baileys chocolate ganache and whipped cream! It’s all your Baileys dreams come true in one fantastic cheesecake!
By now you know that I have a serious love of Baileys and baking it into things. The number of recipes I have using Baileys is a little insane. There’s even some Baileys in my cookbook. I just love love the smooth and creamy texture and flavor of it. There’s always some stocked in our cupboard.
Well I have a layered cake, brownies, a poke cake, a mousse cake – and even mini cheesecakes – but no full sized cheesecake with Baileys. So I decided to fix that. And since I love giving cheesecakes a brownie bottom (like I did here and here), I did that with this cheesecake too. So many delicious layers!
To get started you’ll want to make the brownie. Bake it in the same springform pan that you’ll bake the whole cheesecake in so that it’s the right size. Not all 9 inch pans are created equal. Once it’s baked, you’ll add the cheesecake filling on top – which by the way is full of half a cup of Baileys – and bake it all again.
One of the questions I’m asked a lot is whether or not the brownie gets dry and the question is without a doubt a “no”. It doesn’t get dry AT ALL! The cheesecake filling insulates it and it stays super moist, dense and delicious!
Now I like to try everything I can to ensure that the edges of this cheesecake don’t stick to the pan. To do that, I wash the pan after the brownie has been baked and before adding the cheesecake filling. Then I use baking spray to re-grease the sides. Then once the whole cheesecake has been baked and gone through the slow cooling process – before putting it in the fridge – I kind of tilt the pan around a little from side to side to let the cheesecake loosen from the sides of the pan a bit. It really helps!
And just a side note – if you want to bake the brownie ahead of time and then finish the cheesecake later or the next day, you can totally do that. I love breaking up the steps if I can and doing it over a couple days.
Once the brownie and cheesecake layers are baked and cooled, it’s time for the ganache topping! It’s also made with Baileys because duh! More Baileys! And then the whipped cream – more Baileys! This cheesecake is full of Baileys flavor and plenty of chocolate for one of my very favorite combinations. It’s smooth, creamy, delicious and will surely be a new hit for you just as it was for us!
Baileys Brownie Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 Slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baileys Brownie Cheesecake is made with a dense, chewy chocolate brownie on the bottom topped with creamy Baileys cheesecake and finished off with Baileys chocolate ganache and whipped cream!
Ingredients
BROWNIE BOTTOM
- 10 tbsp (140g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup (98g) all purpose flour
- 6 tbsp (43g) natural unsweetened cocoa
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
CHEESECAKE FILLING
- 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Baileys Irish Cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
CHOCOLATE GANACHE
- 8 oz (227g) semi sweet chocolate chips
- 5 tbsp (75ml) Baileys Irish Cream
- 5 tbsp (75ml) heavy whipping cream
WHIPPED CREAM
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Baileys
- 6 tbsp (43g) powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
2. Combine the butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl.
3. Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
4. In another medium sized bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
TO MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING:
8. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour on low speed until well completely combined and smooth. Be sure to use low speed to reduce the amount of air added to the batter, which can cause cracks. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
9. Add the sour cream and mix on low speed until well combined.
10. Add Baileys and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix on low speed until well combined.
11. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
12. When the brownie is done baking, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). Remove the brownie from the oven and pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the brownie.
13. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil, then place the springform pan inside another larger pan. (See my tutorial for preventing springform pans from leaking. I also like to use a slow cooker liner.) Fill the outside pan with enough warm water to go about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water should not go above the top edge of the aluminum foil on the springform pan.
14. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. The center should be set, but still jiggly.
15. Turn off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes. The cheesecake will continue to cook, but slowly begin to cool as well.
16. Crack the door of the oven for 30 minutes to allow the cheesecake to continue to cool slowly. This process helps prevent cracking.
17. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath wrapping and refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight. Once completely cool and firm, remove from the springform pan.
TO FINISH OFF THE CHEESECAKE:
18. To make the ganache, place the chocolate chips in a small heat proof bowl.
19. Combine the heavy whipping cream and Baileys in a glass measuring cup heat just until it begins to boil.
20. Pour the hot liquid over the chocolate chips and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
21. Pour the chocolate ganache onto the top of the cheesecake and spread evenly.
22. To make the whipped cream, add the heavy whipping cream, Baileys and powdered sugar to a large mixer bowl. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
24. Pipe the whipped cream onto the top of the cheesecake. I used Ateco tip 844.
25. Sprinkle the top of the cheesecake with cocoa powder and/or sprinkles, if desired.
26. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Cheesecake is best for 3-5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 559
- Sugar: 47.7 g
- Sodium: 268.8 mg
- Fat: 31.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 59.5 g
- Protein: 10.4 g
- Cholesterol: 140.9 mg
Filed Under:
Enjoy!
This is a great recipe. I have made it 3 times since Thanksgiving. The first time I increased the amounts to make a 10″ cheesecake, the second time, I made it as written, the third time, I decreased the amounts to make it in my Instant Pot. For the IP, I used an oreo crust since I couldn’t use my oven for the brownie base, although the brownie base tastes better, the oreo one is good too.. Each time it turned out great. Everyone loved it. You can really taste the Baileys in it.
I made this to take to work for a co-worker’s birthday. It was perfect. (I hate to admit, I used a boxed brownie mix but it was still great.) Co-worker was overhead saying, “This might be Joe’s best cheesecake yet.” For anyone thinking about using a cheaper brand of Irish Cream … don’t do it. Use Bailey’s. The cheaper ones have a thinner consistency and the taste just isn’t the same. It’s worth the few extra $$$ to buy the real thing.
Wonderful! So glad it was a hit!
Hi I Have made this before and it was so yummy i am looking at making again but as cupcakes instead can you let me know cooking times please:)
I haven’t ever made as cupcakes, so I’m not exactly sure.
I made this cheesecake once before and it is DIVINE!! I’m looking to make it again, but am wonder if I can I make the brownie crust the night before.
Whoops, meant to include a 5 star rating too
So glad you enjoyed it! And yes, you can definitely make the brownie the night before.
Hi I just have a question. So you bake the brownie for 20-25 minutes till it is done and the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs and then you said to add the cheesecake batter on top of the baked brownie and bake it for a furthur 1 hour 15 mins. Just checking, will the brownie base not turn hard as it’s been in the oven for initially 25 mins and now an additional 1 hour 15 mins?
No, the brownie doesn’t get hard or over baked. With all that moisture sitting on top of it and actually gets softer.
Now I have a question, what kind of sprinkles did you use and where can I buy them ?
Thank You
I bought the gold star sprinkles here.
Hi, I’m so happy & found your site about a year ago, I’ve learned so much! Especially when it comes to cheesecakes.
About a week ago I went to get the springform ready for a water bath & I don’t know why but I grabbed a 10″ silicon cake pan & set the springform pan in it. IT WORKED !!!
No more worrying about leaks.
I’m glad that worked well!
So Susie, you didn’t use the water bath at all but just set your springform pan in the 10 inch Silicone pan?
Hello,
This sounds amazing, but it will only be my husband and myself eating it. Do you have the ingredient amounts, and any changes in technique for a 6 inch cheesecake?
Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
Diane Anthony
I have a guide for reducing cheesecake sizes if you’d like to look at it. It doesn’t talk about ones with a brownie crust but hopefully the math will still work. https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/guide-to-adjusting-cheesecake-sizes/
This looks delicious!
Can I substitute the Sour cream with yogurt? As we don’t get it easily here.
OMG, I made this for Easter, and everyone really raved! It was so perfect, the brownie layer was so moist and so complimentary to the cheesecake! The only change I made, which I have done with several cheesecakes recipes, instead of wrapping it in foil and immersing it in a pan of water to bake the cheesecake part, I placed a pan of hot water on the rack underneath, so no foil needed, and it still turned out incredibly moist and great! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! This is my go to site for incredible deserts!
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you!
Hi, what do you recommend if I want to add coffee flavor to this cheesecake as well? Espresso powder, instant coffee, make coffee and pour some in?
I would check out this recipe to add some coffee flavor to the cheesecake filling. I don’t think you’ll notice it much if you add it to the brownie. https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/kahlua-coffee-brownie-cheesecake/
This was the HIT of the party last night! A friend can’t have gluten so I used gluten free cookies instead of the brownie bottom and substituted the flour for almond flour. It was wonderful. She was so thankful that she was able to enjoy the dessert…. she had 3 pieces!! I just wish I was better at cutting the cheesecake so it looks as pretty as your slices. Tell us your secret!
Just found your turtle brownie cheesecake! That question taken care of! 🙂
Hi Lindsay,
Just curious, in your narrative you mentioned that you wash the pan after the brownie bakes, and then regrease the sides. How do you do that? So, do you release the springform pan? Is it easy to reassemble around the brownie again? Is this step necessary, or can I simply add the cheesecake batter and return to the oven? Thanks! Looking forward to trying many of your cheesecake recipes. Could I use the brownie bottom with the turtle cheesecake?
Yes, I release the springform pan. The brownie should be plenty easy to move around and set aside while you wash the pan, then you can just re-place the pan around it. It’s not totally necessary, just something I like to do to make sure the sides look clean and nice when the cheesecake is done.
Hello! Came across this recipe on Pinterest and wondered….can I divide this up into individual size desserts?
How would I adjust cooking time if I can….How many do you think one recipe would make?
I am wanting to make some to give to my friends at work.
Thank You and I LOVE your blog. 👩🍳
I honestly haven’t tried mini cheesecakes with the brownie base, so I’m not sure of bake times and such. It would probably be fine though. I’m guessing you’d be able to get about 18-20 minis.
Glad to hear you love the site! Thanks Chris!
Made the cheesecake last night left it in the refrigerator all night too it out now to do the ganache but the cheese seems a little stiff and hard is that normal being in the refrigerator all night? I hope so I have to take it to a party later on tonight.
Without being there to see it, it sounds normal to me.
I made this last night and it was fabulous. It’s the second recipe I’ve made from the site and both went down a treat with all who made them. This is definitely my go to recipe place from now on!
I’m UK based so really appreciate the alternative cup measurements… Thank you 😀
Awesome! I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks Gail!
Hi
This recipe was fabulous for a dinner party!
We really enjoyed the taste of this cheesecake.
Warning…it’s rich so a small piece will make your taste buds love you!
If you want to make it a little lighter try changing the brownie out with just a chocolate graham crust and I think you will enjoy it just as much.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome recipe! I have become a huge fan of Lindsay’s cheesecake recipes. I’ve made the Bailey’s, the Banana Cream, Turtle, Animal Cookie, and Red Velvet– each of them have turned out awesome! I’m a high school teacher and I always get lots of comments when I bring them to the teacher’s lounge. The credit should go to Lindsay’s recipes and instructions. Very easy to follow and almost completely fool-proof for a novice like me. Thanks Lindsay and keep up the good work!
That’s so wonderful to hear, Brian! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the recipes! 🙂
Can I make this with a graham cracker crust?
Hey Lindsay
Can you tell me a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
Honestly, I think sour cream is best in any cheesecake. But if you really don’t like it, you could try using yogurt.
Really want to buy your cookbook SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL HOMEMADE CAKES COOKBOOK! I am from UK and just want to clarify if ingredients are given in grams as well as cups, as I’m not familiar to cup sizing.
Yes, the book has both! 🙂 I hope you enjoy the book!
Morning Lindsey,
I’m curious, does the brownie in this recipe get hard after the second baking (with cheesecake)? I’ve made a similar brownie cheesecake and for whatever reason, the brownie part gets hard. Is there someway of avoiding this? Let me know. Appreciate all that you do and have a good one!!
I can’t speak for the other recipe you used, but this one does not get hard. There really isn’t a way of avoiding that I know of, it just shouldn’t. 🙂
Made this for my sister in law for her Bday, and it was SOOO GOOOOD. Will make it again for sure. Thank you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the cheesecake!
I made this for a fundraising auction. It was lovely. The only thing I fund was the ganache was a bit bitter so I added some sifted icing sugar to it.
I would like to make as much of this in advance and freeze it. What parts, if any, can I make in advance and freeze?
The brownie could be frozen in advance, but I haven’t ever frozen a fully baked cheesecake before to know just how well it does. If you tried it, I’d definitely leave the toppings until after you defrost it to keep those looking fresh.
I freeze fully baked cheesecake often. They freeze perfectly! By the way…you are my go to website for all cheesecakes recipes. I’ve made many, my favorite is the lemon cheesecake with the lemon curd. My neighbor loved the Boston cream cheesecake. Thanks for all of the creative recipes. Join finished making the mini mint cheesecake….today will make the bailey’s Cheesecake. Taking both to a party tomorrow.
Wonderful! So glad to hear you enjoy them all!
I have a 7″ cake dish. How long should I cook this for?
I’m not sure – I haven’t baked any cheesecakes at that size.
Hoi Lindsay
can i leave the baileys
out of this recept?
i have medication so no alcohol
Yes – in the cheesecake you can leave it out and add an additional 1/4 cup of sour cream. In the ganache, replace it with additional heavy whipping cream. In the whipped cream, leave it out and reduce the powdered sugar to 4 tablespoons.
Probably a dumb question, but I’m making this for my mom’s birthday…can my 11 year old daughter eat this? I know the whipped cream is a no but what about the rest? Does the alcohol bake out?
I honestly don’t know for sure if it bakes out. That would be a personal call.
If I leave out the Bailey’s would I have to up any of the other ingredients?
I’d increase the sour cream to 1 cup and probably use 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
Hy Lyndsay, i have a bottle of bailey’s salted caramel. Can i replace the receipt with one this?
That should be fine.
can i use amarula instead of baileys. its also a cream
Yes, you can. That would be delicious!
Hi. I am wondering if the Baileys is a coffee creamer or liquor, please?
I use the liqueur.
Hi Lindsay, this cheesecake looked so amazing that I just had to try making it. Well to my surprise it turned out very nice. I did do something different I added chocolate chunks to the brownie layer so that when you eat it there’s that little nugget of chocolate coming through, now the chunks did not get melty like I hoped that they would but the cheesecake still taste delicious and you can’t beat that Bailey’s flavor all through it. Thanks for sharing the recipe. The babies are adorable, as a grandma I could not help but love them so much.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Henrietta!
Can I substitute mascarpone for cream cheese 1:1? I know it is three times more expensive but the end product is definitely worth it. Thank you.
I haven’t actually made a cheesecake with just mascarpone cheese, so I can’t say for sure.
That is beautiful and must taste so yummy. I love the piping of the whipped cream!
What a great idea to combined a brownie crust with a baked Bailey’s cheesecake filling! Pinned for late.
What did you sprinkle on the top of this cheesecake?? Your cheesecakes are great!! My favorite is the peach one!!
Thanks Shannon! Glad you enjoy them! It’s cocoa and sprinkles on top.
Hi Lindsay,
How are you? I love your page and all your recipes. Thank you for publishing. Do I need to let thw brownie cool (at anytime) before putting in the cheesecake batter?
No, you can add the cheesecake filling while the brownie is still warm.
hi Lindsay, I was wondering if you thought the strawberry baileys would be good in this cheesecake? I have a bottle and not sure what to make with it.
thanks
I haven’t actually tried any of the Baileys flavors. I’ve considered it many times! So I’m not really sure how much the strawberry flavor comes through and whether it’d make much difference. You could totally try it and maybe serve it with strawberries.
Hi Lindsay,
Hope your little men are doing well! I love to look at your pictures, everything is so beautiful! I know this recipe is not a cake but is there a secret to frosting a cake so you don’t get crumbs in the frosting? I made a cake this past weekend and frosted it in the pan, but still had crumbs! Good thing that doesn’t affect the taste – ha! Thanks!
Hi Suzanne! They are doing well – just turned 4 months! Lots of smiles from them these days.
I have a tutorial for frosting layer cakes, in which you’d use a crumb coat to help with that. But it sounds like you might be talking about something more like a 9×13? My suggestion would probably be to drop spoonfuls of frosting over the top of the cake, then smooth that out. You won’t have to spread the frosting as far and it won’t pick up as many crumbs. Also, I really love using my 9 inch spatula for spreading. I really think it gives more control. I hope that helps!