Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake Bars
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day calls for desserts that are both indulgent and festive, and these Bailey's Irish cream cheesecake bars fit the bill perfectly.
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz 450 g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Bailey's Irish Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Whipped cream
- Crushed cookies or graham crackers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Line your 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass.
- Pro Tip: Pressing firmly is key—it prevents the crust from crumbling when you cut the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add the vanilla extract and Bailey's Irish Cream, and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Fold carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Pro Tip: Fold in small batches and scrape the sides of the bowl to avoid lumps and keep the filling fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
- Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
- Pro Tip: Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and makes slicing neat, clean bars easier.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
- Once set, lift the cheesecake out using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board.
- Slice into bars using a sharp knife—wipe the knife clean between cuts for smooth edges.
- Add optional toppings like chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or crushed cookies.
- Pro Tip: For extra flair, drizzle a little melted chocolate over each bar right before serving—it adds a beautiful finishing touch!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Sodium: 180 mg