Quick and easy to prepare in advance, this indulgent Baileys Cheesecake features a luscious layer of hidden white chocolate Lindor truffles. With a classic shortbread biscuit base and an elegant white chocolate drip decoration, this no-bake cheesecake is sure to become your new favourite dessert. This rich, creamy, and ever so slightly boozy Baileys and White Chocolate Cheesecake is the ultimate treat for any event or party.
Indulge in this creamy Baileys and White Chocolate Cheesecake, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
When I made the first test version of this recipe for friends and family, it was devoured in seconds. I took that as a good sign but this Baileys cheesecake is addictive – you have been warned!
My cheesecake journey started when I was in awe of a Mary Berry Cheesecake. Watching her make them made me realise it wasn’t so hard and I should have a go. I was about 10 years old. Now, many years later, I’ve played with recipes and found one that I use time and time again.
This is a super easy recipe for cheesecake and it’s amazing how many times we have made this in my house. Cheesecake is moreish anyway and adding Baileys and white chocolate will only increase your love of this no bake dessert.
Why you’ll love this Baileys Cheesecake recipe
The rich, creamy taste of Baileys Irish Cream paired with the sweetness of white chocolate creates a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions
It’s no bake! This recipe (along with my other cheesecake recipes) don’t require baking, making it an easy recipe, even for beginner bakers or those without an oven.
Change the biscuit to customise the cheesecake crust. The use of Oreo or Digestives biscuits for the crust adds an extra layer of flavour. If you wanted to use dark chocolate truffles in this recipe you could use Bourbon chocolate biscuits for the base to really emphasise the chocolate.
This cheesecake is beautiful! With its creamy layer and potential for all of your favourite decorations like chocolate drizzle or whipped cream, this cheesecake is an eye-catching show stopper of a no bake dessert.
My favourite reason I love this recipe is that this dessert can be prepared in advance. Being able to make it a few days or even earlier in the day makes it ideal for parties or holiday meals. I would recommend to decorate on the day you want to serve it.
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys Irish Cream combines whiskey, cream, and cocoa to deliver a unique flavour that’s simultaneously rich, creamy, and slightly boozy. It is an iconic flavour and is widely available all year, however at Christmas is it’s most popular time of year.
Baileys is a popular ingredient in desserts, where it adds depth and a hint of indulgence. In a cheesecake, Baileys infuses the dish with a warm, festive feel, making it a favourite for holidays and celebrations.
Cream Cheese
Philadelphia cream cheese is known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavour. Its mild tang complements the sweetness in desserts like cheesecakes, providing a balanced base for the other flavours to shine.
Due to its high-fat content, it helps create a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, which is essential for indulgent desserts like this Baileys cheesecake recipe.
Branded Cream Cheese Vs Own Brands
There are so many different types of cream cheese available and having tried a few different ones for this recipe, I think they all work pretty well. Philadelphia is probably the most well known brand in the UK and US and this is obviously great to use.
I would however recommend that you avoid using super savers versions as sometimes they can be a bit bitty, watery and not have the nicest flavour. I would also recommend that you avoid any flavoured varieties.
Shortbread Biscuits
Shortbread biscuits are a classic biscuit which are buttery and crumbly. When crushed and combined with butter, they create a sturdy base for cheesecakes that holds up well when adding the cream cheese layer. Their traditional buttery flavour allows them to pair beautifully with the Baileys and white chocolate.
Double Cream / Heavy Cream
Double cream (heavy cream in the US), with its high fat content of around 48%, is a key ingredient for achieving a luxuriously smooth cheesecake filling that sets well. Its neutral taste allows it to support the flavours of other ingredients like the Baileys and white chocolate in this recipe.
White Chocolate Truffles
White chocolate truffles are an indulgent treat, offering a creamy sweetness that pairs well with the creamy Baileys. For the best results I recommend roughly chopping the white chocolate so they can be stirred in and
Adding Whole Truffles as Decorations for a Baileys Cheesecake
The gold wrappers of the Lindor chocolate truffles look so fantastic on the cheesecake. If you want you can remove the wrappers first but I’ve found when presented everyone loves that they are wrapped. Especially when children are involved – the truffles get pinched off the top!
Luckily guests will find extra truffles inside the cheesecake so not to worry about the ones on the top. They will be surprised with how well the truffles taste with the Baileys. (Don’t eat the wrappers!).
How many people does a 6 inch cheesecake serve?
This recipe uses a 6 inch / 15 cm tin to make a fairly small cheesecake. I often find that large cheesecake recipes can involve large and often expensive quantities of ingredients that most of the time make more than you need.
Making a smaller cheesecake with 8 portions means that it can be a more regular treat for a smaller family and doesn’t need to be saved for a special occasion. More cheesecake can only be good right?
Scaling up to a larger cheesecake
You can easily scale up this recipe to make a bigger version. If you want to make this to feed a lot more people then double or triple the recipe;
•To make an 8inch / 20cm cheesecake, you should double the recipe. This will serve 12 to 16.
•To make a 12inch / 30cm cheesecake you should triple the recipe. This will serve 16 to 20.
If you want to make little portions but a lot of them, try using a square tin and cutting the cheesecake into nice little squares. A little square of cheesecake is rather lovely.
How to Make Baileys Cheesecake – Step by Step
Keep scrolling to find the full printable instructions and ingredient quantities.
Making the cheesecake base
Crush the shortbread biscuits into crumbs. You can use a food processor or hit the biscuits (in a food bag) with a rolling pin.
Melt the butter and add it to the biscuit crumbs.
Mix the crumbs together well so they are all coated with the butter.
Add the crumbs to the cake tin and press down to form the base. Then place it in the fridge to set while you make the cream cheese layer.
How to make the cream cheese cheesecake layer
In a bowl cream the cream cheese and sugar together.
It is done when the sugar has dissolved and is well distributed.
In a new bowl lightly whip the double cream until it starts to thicken.
Stir in the Baileys.
Chop the truffles and mix into the cream cheese mixture.
Remove the cake tin from the fridge and add the cream cheese to the base and put back into the fridge to set.
Remove the cheesecake from the tin and it is ready to decorate.
Once the white chocolate is melted, allow to cool but while it is still molten drizzle over the cheesecake.
Baileys Cheesecake Top Tips
Use Full-Fat Ingredients
Full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream (or double cream) are essential to ensure a firm texture that holds its shape. Low-fat alternatives may lead to a runny or soft cheesecake. You can still use them but make sure you leave it in the fridge for longer than normal to make sure it sets properly.
Chill the cheesecake for Long Enough
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4–6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly. Using a springform tin to help easily remove it when you are ready.
Pick tasty biscuits!
Crushed biscuits (like digestives or shortbread) mixed with melted butter create a stable crust. Press firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon for an even layer that won’t crumble. It can take practice to get the level of firmness that gives you a sturdy base but doesn’t turn to crumbs when you cut it.
Use a Springform Pan
A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake cleanly without damaging the edges. Line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking to make it even easier.
Before you release, run a knife around the edges to keep the cream cheese layer together and remove any possibilities of it sticking to the tin.
Decorate Just Before Serving
Add toppings like fruit, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent them going soggy.
Serving Suggestions for a Baileys Cheesecake
Add a Festive Topping
Garnish this delicious Baileys cheesecake with whipped cream swirls, chocolate shavings, or your favourite Christmas sprinkles for an elegant, holiday-inspired presentation. Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or gold flakes for a celebratory touch.
Side Pairings Options
Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream to complement the cheesecake’s creamy richness.
Contrast the topping flavours
For added texture and flavour contrast, include a side of caramelized nuts, salted pistachios or even a dollop of spiced berry compote. Chopped chocolate coffee beans could also be a lovely way to add a boost of flavour to the topping.
Individual Portions
Prepare the cheesecake in mini jars or ramekins for cute personalised servings. Top each portion with a small white chocolate truffle or a sprinkle of crushed biscuits for an extra-special finish. This is a great way to make cheesecakes if you are short on fridge space too as you can stack them as they set.
Paired Beverages
Serve your Baileys cheesecake with a complementary drink, like a hot espresso or Baileys-spiked coffee for a warm contrast. Alternatively, pair it with a chilled glass of Baileys on the rocks or a creamy Irish coffee cocktail to make it a dessert experience.
How To Decorate Baileys White Chocolate Cheesecake
I love when the cheesecake has just come out of the fridge and is put on the plate ready to decorated. This is a very classic looking cheesecake. You wouldn’t guess there is truffles inside!
Adding the White Chocolate Drip
I really like adding extra white chocolate to the top creating a cheesecake drip cake. They look so gorgeous and definitely attract everyone’s eyes.
To make the drip, start by melting the white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave so it doesn’t burn. If it’s a bit thick you can add a few drops of vegetable oil or even a tiny bit of coconut oil to make it thinner and easier to drizzle.
Drizzle the melted chocolate around the edge of the cheesecake. You can use a spatula to tease it over the edge if needed. Take your time and keep turning the cheesecake as you work.
I keep the chocolate towards the edge of the cheesecake because it’s easier to cut the cheesecake when you want to serve it. If it’s completely covered, it can be hard to slice as the cream cheese under is soft. If you push too hard it will get squashed.
Equipment
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Substitutions and variations for a Baileys Cheesecake
Non-Alcoholic Version
Replace Baileys with an Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer. There are also some great non alcoholic alternatives available on amazon.
Different Liqueur Flavor
Swap Baileys for other liqueurs like Kahlúa (for a coffee twist), Amaretto (for a nutty flavour), or try a flavored Baileys variety such as mint or salted caramel to add a unique spin to your cheesecake. The mint chocolate chip Baileys would work incredibly well.
Gluten-Free Cheesecake crust
It is really easy to make this cheesecake gluten free by using gluten-free biscuits with melted butter for the base. Almonds or pecans can create a crunchy alternative.
Chocolate Cheesecake Variation
Add in melted dark or milk chocolate into the filling to add chocolate chips for a Baileys chocolate cheesecake. You can also use a chocolate biscuit crust (like Oreos or bourbon biscuits) for even more chocolate.
Storing Baileys Cheesecake / Making ahead of time options
Storing leftovers
You will need to store your cheesecake in the fridge. It is a good idea to cover it if you can to prevent it from absorbing other flavours from the fridge.
A well stored cheesecake will keep for up to 3 days. This means that you can make it up to several days in advance.
Freezing
No bake cheesecakes are ideal to freeze. You should remove the cheesecake from the tin and wrap it in clingfilm (saran wrap) then freeze. Storing it in an airtight container will add an extra layer of protection if you have room in the freezer.
It is best to freeze the cheesecake before decorating.
Thawing
To enjoy frozen leftovers, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly overnight. Thawing slowly allows the creamy texture to remain and prevents sogginess.
Baileys Cheesecake FAQS
- What is Baileys Original Irish Cream?
- What Cream Cheese is best for no-bake cheesecake?
- What are Lindt Lindor Truffles?
- Why Make a No-Bake Cheesecake?
- How can I substitute Baileys for a non-alcoholic option?
- How long does it take for Baileys cheesecake to set?
What is Baileys Original Irish Cream?
Baileys is a little bit of an institution in the UK, especially around Christmas time. It’s a cream based liqueur with hints of chocolate, vanilla and more than a hint of Irish whiskey.
It lends itself perfectly to both cocktails and desserts alike. I love to use it in my Baileys Flat White Martini Pudding. Over the years there have been various other flavour varieties.
There are of course other brands of Irish cream liqueur available. Whilst many of them are delicious in their own right, I’ve not really found one that tastes like the original Bailey’s brand. So you can use an alternative but you won’t regret trying to get hold of the real thing.
What Cream Cheese is best for no-bake cheesecake?
Most cream cheeses are best for cheesecake. The full fat versions are great and do give a great taste. I would always go for Philadelphia, especially when it’s on offer in the supermarket.
What are Lindt Lindor Truffles?
Lindt is a Swiss company who make delicious chocolate and are especially famous for their Lindor truffles. The classic version is milk chocolate and comes in distinctive red wrappers.
You could substitute any other white chocolate truffles or chopped white chocolate if you can’t get hold of the Lindt version.
They now make many other varieties and the white chocolate version is divine. They keep it nice and simple with a smooth white chocolate truffle filling covered in crisp white chocolate.
By mixing chopped truffles into the cheesecake cream layer, each eater gets a delicious surprise extra texture and burst of flavour. White chocolate Lindt truffles also go incredibly well with the Baileys.
I love Lindor truffles so much that I use the orange flavoured variety in my Orange and Cinnamon Cheesecake and the white chocolate and strawberry truffles in my Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake. Both are also super simple no bake cheesecake recipes.
Why Make a No-Bake Cheesecake?
The best reason to make a no bake cheesecake is that they’re really easy as well as being creamy and delicious.
Many no-bake cheesecakes use gelatin to help set the cheesecake but I do not find this necessary. This means that this cheesecake recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
You can find my whole range in this handy roundup post – The Best No Bake Cheesecake Recipes. There is everything from fruity and boozy favourites to halloween and Christmas themed cheesecakes.
How can I substitute Baileys for a non-alcoholic option?
There are options available in supermarkets like Irish cream-flavored coffee creamers or check out amazon to find other versions to try.
How long does it take for Baileys cheesecake to set?
Cheesecakes take on average about 2-4 hours to set fully. You can get away with less time as long as your cream layer has set enough to hold together. If you can make it and leave it to set overnight then even better.
Other Recipes you might like
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Recipe
Baileys Cheesecake with White Chocolate – no bake recipe
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 50 g (¼ cup) Unsalted butter
- 150 g (5 ½ oz) Shortbread biscuits
Baileys Cheesecake Filling
- 300 g (1 ⅓ cups) Soft cream cheese
- 60 g (½ cups) icing sugar / confectioners sugar
- 150 ml Double cream / heavy cream
- 50 ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur (You can add up to 100ml if you want a really strong flavour)
- 10 Lindt white chocolate truffles (optional but delicious)
Decorations
- 100 g (¾ cups) white chocolate
- extra truffles for decorating (optional but a lovely way to decorate)
Instructions
Making the biscuit base
- Lightly grease an 6 inch loose base cake tin. (I also added a greaseproof paper circle at the bottom to help it off the base later)
- Melt the butter gently in the microwave or in a pan and then take off the heat.
- Crush the shortbread biscuits in a food processor, or put the shortbread in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them up.
- Put the biscuit crumbs in a bowl and add the melted butter. Stir until all the biscuits are coated in the butter.
- Scoop the crumbs into the tin and push down to make a hard layer. Put in the fridge for 20-30minutes to set.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a bowl cream together the cream cheese and icing sugar until the sugar has dissolved and is well distributed.
- In a new bowl lightly whip the double cream until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in the Baileys.
- Stir in the double cream and cream cheese mixture together.
- Chop the truffles and mix into the cream cheese mixture.
- Remove the cake tin from the fridge and add the cream cheese to the base and put back into the fridge to set. It takes roughly about 45-60 minutes.
- When it is set remove from the fridge and remove from the tin.
Decorating The Baileys Cheesecake
- Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl in 10 second bursts in the microwave. Once it’s melted, allow to cool for a few minutes but while it’s still molten drizzle over the cheesecake. Option – Add a few drops of vegetable oil to make it more pourable.
- For the easiest and cutest decorations, you can add more truffles. Leave them wrapped if you want to add some gold sparkle to the finished cheesecake. (remind them to unwrap before eating) or unwrap them so they are ready to go if your guests won't be held back from eating it.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
Originally posted December 2018. Updated November 2024.
Baileys just SCREAMS Christmas and this recipe would be perfect for any special meal over the holidays.
I agree. I can’t stop making them and eating them
Baileys and white chocolate now that’s a good combination.
I agree. I can’t even believe how good they taste.
Oh my god. YUM. We’ve already got through so much Baileys this December haha, my favourite! This looks incredible!
Bailey is almost the official sponsor of Christmas I feel this year.
If you could just suspend all Christmas plans with your family and come over and be my Christmas day slave please, so I can get you to make this for me in outrageously huge quantities? No? I guess I’ll have to try making it myself then! It does look utterly fabulous!
You are too cute! I’d love to make you one xx
I am mad about cheesecake and know I would love this one. Sharing it now!
Have a fabulous Christmas
Merry Christmas Jacqueline x
I can’t overstate how amazing this recipie is. Absoloutely delicious, 10/10 party in my taste buds.
This is the best comment I’ve ever had!
Was looking for a good cheesecake recipe – can’t help but WONDER – why are you putting candy WITH inedible wrappers on top of the cake?
The chocolates in the wrappers are only for decorations to make it look pretty Just like you would with candles, take them off before you slice into the cake. You can remove the chocolates form the wrappers to serve if you would like to. It’s up to personal preference.
I love this Recipie, and I love to display it with the excellent truffles displayed on top!
That’s so sweet!