📝 About This Recipe
Celebrate the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day with this ultra-creamy, decadent cheesecake infused with the silky warmth of Baileys Irish Cream. Featuring a deep cocoa-flavored Oreo crust and a luxurious ganache topping, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated spirits and sweet indulgence. It is a show-stopping centerpiece that brings a touch of Dublin elegance to any holiday gathering.
🥗 Ingredients
The Chocolate Crust
- 24 pieces Oreo Cookies (finely crushed into crumbs)
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
The Cheesecake Filling
- 32 ounces Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (at room temperature)
- 2/3 cup Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur (original or espresso flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (pure Madagascar vanilla preferred)
- 4 pieces Large Eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (to help stabilize the batter)
Irish Ganache & Garnish
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (high quality)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream (for the ganache)
- 1 cup Whipped Cream (for piping borders)
- 1 pinch Green Sprinkles or Gold Leaf (for festive decoration)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the exterior tightly with three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.
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2
Combine the Oreo crumbs, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
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3
In a large stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape the sides frequently.
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4
Add the sour cream, Baileys Irish Cream, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
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5
Sift in the flour and mix until just combined. This helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking and gives it a tighter crumb.
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6
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on the lowest speed just until the yellow yolk disappears. Do not overbeat at this stage, as air bubbles cause cracking.
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7
Pour the batter over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
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8
Bake for 70-75 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly puffed, but the center should still have a slight 'jiggle' like Jell-O when gently shaken.
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9
Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This slow cooling is the secret to a crack-free surface.
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10
Remove from the water bath, take off the foil, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set.
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11
To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until glossy. Mix in the 2 tablespoons of Baileys.
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12
Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it to the edges. Return to the fridge for 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
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13
Before serving, pipe mounds of whipped cream around the border and decorate with green sprinkles or chocolate shavings for that festive Saint Patrick's Day flair.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use room temperature ingredients (eggs, cream cheese, sour cream) to ensure a perfectly smooth, lump-free batter. Avoid over-mixing the batter once the eggs are added; excess air will cause the cake to rise and then collapse/crack. For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between every single cut. If you don't have a roasting pan for a water bath, place a pan of water on the rack below the cheesecake to create steam. If the top cracks despite your best efforts, don't worry—the chocolate ganache layer will hide any imperfections beautifully!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a chilled glass of Baileys on the rocks to echo the flavors in the cake. Pair with a hot cup of Irish Coffee (coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar) for a cozy dessert experience. A side of fresh raspberries provides a tart contrast to the rich, creamy chocolate and liqueur. For a true celebration, serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean or coffee-infused gelato. Dust the plate with a little cocoa powder or matcha powder for a professional restaurant-style presentation.