Baileys Cheesecake

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This Baileys Cheesecake has a chocolate cookie crust, creamy Baileys cheesecake filling, Baileys chocolate ganache and Baileys whipped cream. The flavor is amazing, the filling is decadent and it’s sure to be a hit!

Creamy Homemade Baileys Cheesecake

Two things I really love are Baileys and cheesecake. There’s no shortage of Baileys-flavored desserts on this site. So when I realized I didn’t just have a pure Baileys cheesecake recipe, I knew I had to fix the situation.

This cheesecake is very similar to my classic vanilla cheesecake base, with some sour cream swapped out for Baileys. There’s a half cup of Baileys in the filling, which gives it great Baileys flavor without being overpowering. There’s also Baileys in the chocolate ganache and whipped cream. Even when all combined, it’s not too much, but it’s definitely the perfect flavor and SO good!

The final cheesecake is thick, creamy and the perfect combination of Baileys and cheesecake, with a bit of chocolate to compliment it. While cheesecakes take a while to bake, they are really quite simple, yet impressive. Perfect for serving at a dinner party and sure to wow your guests!

Baileys cheesecake on a serving platter with a slice taken out of it.

Why You’ll Love this Cheesecake Recipe

What’s not to love about a cheesecake that has been infused with Baileys Irish Cream from top to bottom? Let me share a few of my favorite things about this delectable dessert.

  • Great texture. This cheesecake is thick, creamy, and delicious. The cream cheese and sour cream come together to create a texture that will have you reaching for the next bite before you even finish the first.
  • Lots of Baileys. Baileys has such a unique, amazing flavor to it. I made sure to give it a place in most every aspect of this recipe. You won’t miss Baileys in a single bite.

What You’ll Need

Here is a list of everything you will need to make this delightful Baileys Cheesecake. Scroll to the recipe below for detailed measurements.

Crust

  • Oreos – You’ll use the entire Oreo – filling and all.
  • Butter – Use salted or unsalted butter here. Salted butter will add a bit more flavor though.

Filling

  • Cream cheese – It is important to start off with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese won’t mix well with the other ingredients and will leave you with a chunky filling.
  • Sugar – Granulated sugar is best.
  • All-purpose flour – You can use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour instead.
  • Sour cream – Start with room-temperature sour cream. It will incorporate more easily with the other ingredients, giving you a smoother filling.
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs – The eggs should be at room temperature.

Chocolate Ganache

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips – I love semi-sweet because it’s a nice balance between the more sweet and bitter varieties.
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Heavy whipping cream

Baileys Whipped Cream

  • Heavy whipping cream – The heavy whipping cream should be cold otherwise it won’t whip up properly.
  • Powdered sugar – To stabilize the whipped cream
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Oreo crumbs – Feel free to play with other toppings as well such as crumbled chocolate chip cookies or chocolate shavings.

What is Baileys Irish Cream?

Baileys Irish Cream is a dessert liquor made from Irish whisky, Irish cream, cocoa, and a hint of vanilla. Originally it was (and still often is) enjoyed as a sweet beverage served over ice and sipped slowly. Since its origination in 1973, however, it has made its way into all sorts of desserts. Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, trifles, you name it.

A slice of Baileys cheesecake on a plate with a bight taken out of it near a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream and 2 glasses of Baileys Irish Cream.

How to Make Baileys Cheesecake

This recipe may seem somewhat daunting, as there are a variety of components that go into it. But it really isn’t hard and cheesecake truly is forgiving. Just follow my instructions carefully and you will have the cheesecake of your dreams. Here’s an overview of how to make Baileys cheesecake. Scroll to the recipe below for more detailed instructions.

To make the crust:

  • Prep. Preheat oven to 325°F, line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
  • Make the crust. Combine the crust ingredients and press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Cool. Allow the crust to cool.
  • Leak-proof the pan. Set up your pan for a water bath.
Oreo crust in the bottom of a springform pan.

To make the filling:

  • Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour together on low speed until smooth. Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
  • Add the Baileys, vanilla, and eggs. Add Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until smooth.
  • Prepare to bake. Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust and place the pan in a water bath.
Placing a springform pan filled with cheesecake filling in an empty water bath.
  • Bake. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Cool. Turn off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes before cracking the door of the oven and allowing the cheesecake to sit for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Chill. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath, remove the aluminum foil, and place the dessert in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours.

To Finish off the Cheesecake:

  • Make the chocolate ganache. Microwave the Baileys and heavy whipping cream until the mixture boils slightly and pour it over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes until mixing to a smooth consistency.
  • Pour the ganache over the cheesecake, spread evenly, and place the cake in the refrigerator.
  • Make the whipped cream. Whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and Baileys on high speed until stiff peaks form. Pipe the whipped cream onto the cheesecake.

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake

Cheesecakes are a labor of love. Here are some important things to keep in mind if you want to end up with the best Baileys cheesecake possible. Check out my post on How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake for more tips and tricks.

  • Start with room-temperature ingredients. It is essential to start off with room-temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs. They will incorporate more smoothly with each other and the other ingredients saving you from a clumpy cheesecake filling.
  • Don’t skip the water bath. It can seem like a hassle to make a water bath for your cheesecake but trust me it’s worth it. It will help the cheesecake cook more evenly, save you from overly browned edges, and will help keep the cheesecake moist and crack-free.
  • No peaking. Whatever you do, don’t open the oven once you’ve put the cheesecake inside. The steam from the water bath will escape, disrupting the baking process and potentially giving you a cheesecake that falls flat in the middle.
  • Cool gradually. It might be tempting to pull the cheesecake out of the oven once the bake time is up. Don’t. Allowing the dessert to cool gradually in the oven (and continue baking simultaneously) is an important step in the process.
Overhead of Baileys cheesecake on a serving platter near a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream and 2 glasses of Baileys Irish Cream.

Topping Ideas

Because this cheesecake has an Oreo crust, I felt it fitting to suggest Oreo crumbles as a topping. That being said, there are a variety of other ways to go about it as well. Here are some options.

How to Store a Cheesecake

Once the cheesecake has chilled, place it in a cake carrier or wrap it in a double layer of saran wrap before storing it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. I recommend using toothpicks to prop the saran wrap away from any decorations you may have added. You can also hold off on adding the whipped cream and other decorations until ready to serve.

Alternatively, you can slice the cake and arrange the slices in an airtight container with parchment paper separating any layers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Check out my post on how to store cheesecake for more tips.

A slice of Baileys cheesecake on a plate with a fork near a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream and 2 glasses of Baileys Irish Cream.

Can You Freeze Cheesecake?

You can! After the Baileys cheesecake has chilled, place it in the freezer for a couple of hours to give it a chance to set. This is called flash freezing. Next, wrap the entire cake in a double layer of saran wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can also slice Baileys cheesecake, flash freeze the slices, and wrap individual slices in saran wrap or store them together in an airtight container (with any layers separated with parchment paper). The slices should be fine in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Regardless of what method you choose, when it comes time to enjoy the cheesecake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before diving in.

More Baileys Dessert Ideas

Do you love Baileys just as much as I do? You’re in luck. While this cheesecake is to die for, I also have a variety of other desserts featuring this tasty ingredient. Here they come.

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A slice of Baileys cheesecake on a plate near a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream and 2 glasses of Baileys Irish Cream.
Recipe

Baileys Cheesecake

  • Author: Lindsay Conchar
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Chill Time: 5 hours
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 14
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Baileys Cheesecake has a chocolate cookie crust, creamy Baileys cheesecake filling, Baileys chocolate ganache and Baileys whipped cream. The flavor is amazing, the filling is decadent and it’s sure to be a hit!


Ingredients

Crust

  • 35 Oreos (3 cups | 403g Oreo crumbs)
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted (salted or unsalted is fine)

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
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

Chocolate Ganache

  • 4 oz (113g | 2/3 cup) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) heavy whipping cream

Baileys Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) Baileys Irish Cream
  • Oreo crumbs, optional

Instructions

To make the crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
  2. Combine the crust ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  4. Cover the outsides of the pan with aluminum foil so that water from the water bath cannot get in (see how I prepare my pan for a water bath). Set prepared pan aside.

To make the filling:

  1. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Add the sour cream and mix on low speed until well combined.
  4. Add Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix on low speed until well combined.
  5. 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.
  6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust.
  7. Place the prepared springform pan inside another larger pan. 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.
  8. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. The center should be set, but still jiggly (See how to tell if your cheesecake is done baking).
  9. 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.
  10. Crack the door of the oven for 30 minutes to allow the cheesecake to continue to cool slowly. This process helps prevent cracking.
  11. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath wrapping and refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight.

To Finish off the Cheesecake:

  1. To make the chocolate ganache, put the chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl.
  2. Microwave the Baileys and heavy whipping cream just until it begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
  3. Pour the ganache onto the cheesecake and spread into an even layer. Use an offset spatula to add a little texture/design, if you like. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator while you make the whipped cream.
  4. To make the whipped cream, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and Baileys to a large mixer bowl and then whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  5. Pipe the whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake, then sprinkle on a few Oreo crumbs, if desired.
  6. Store the cheesecake in the fridge until ready to serve. Cheesecake is best if eaten within 4-5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 492
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 235.8 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Protein: 7.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 133.8 mg

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25 Comments
  1. Elaine Monks

    I’ve made this for hubby’s birthday! All went well and I used the slow cooker bag for the water bath! Love this recipe!






  2. K. Laponis

    I have never been successful at making cheesecakes, they end up dry, or cracked, or under done. I have made this recipe 5 times in 3 months and it has been perfect every single time! Thank you; you are bookmarked. 😉






  3. Barbara

    I have made this 2x and the top is brown. It still tastes amazing as I know basque cheesecakes are brown. Any thoughts as I’m following your recipe and instructions but your pic before ganache is not brown.

    1. Lindsay

      I’m guessing it’s your oven. I’ve baked in many different ovens over the years and can tell you it really does make a difference. Our upstairs kitchen oven browns things so much more than my ovens downstairs (where I work/bake). They are even the same brand, but still one browns more than the other. And the oven downstairs is a double oven and the bottom oven browns more than the top. It can be frustrating, but more than likely it’s just your oven. You could try baking it a few minutes less to see if that helps – as long as the cheesecake is still fully baked.

  4. Katie

    This looks so yummy and I can’t wait to make it for St. Patrick’s Day! Can I add mini chocolate chips to the batter or is it too loose? Thanks! 💗

  5. Nicky

    My ganache didn’t come out smoothly. Thankfully I was able to cover it with the whipped cream topping. I loved how you included the Baileys in the different parts of the cheesecake. Delicious! Will be trying this recipe again.
    Thanks much!






    1. Lindsay

      Could it have just been that the chocolate wasn’t fully melted and that you needed to heat the mixture a little bit more? There’s nothing in the ganache that should cause it to not be smooth other than the chocolate not being fully melted. I’m glad you enjoyed the cheesecake!

  6. Ernst Mittelstrass

    can I use chocolate gram crackers instead of Oreo cookies for the crust in the bailey’s cheesecake

    1. Lindsay

      Sure! I’d recommend freezing it without the whipped cream, if you haven’t added it already. Just flash freeze it for about an hour, then wrap it well. You can read more about my recommendations on freezing cheesecake here.

    1. Lindsay

      Are you trying to replace it with another liqueur? Or make it non-alcoholic? You can really replace it with any other liquor or liquid. Or you can replace it with additional sour cream and reduce it to half a cup, which would be like my regular vanilla cheesecake filling. I hope that helps!

      1. Antonietta

        Thank You, I just didn’t have Baileys in the house. I replaced it with equal parts whisky and Godiva liqueur. Smells and looks great. Hopefully it will taste good also. Will let you know when I cut into it.

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I’m the baker, recipe developer and photographer behind Life, Love and Sugar. I love sharing trusted recipes with helpful tips to give you great results.

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29