I have always had a soft spot for desserts that combine the comfort of tradition with a touch of indulgence. A few years ago, while watching one of Jamie Oliver’s shows, he whipped up a Baileys cheesecake. It was one of those moments when you can’t help but feel like you’ve just found the holy grail of desserts. The creamy richness of the cheesecake, combined with the smooth Irish whiskey flavor from the Baileys, had me hooked from the first bite. Since then, I’ve experimented with different variations of it and even perfected my own spin on the recipe.
Let me tell you, if you’re looking to elevate your dessert game-whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weekend treat-this Jamie Oliver-inspired Baileys cheesecake is the answer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be bookmarking it to make over and over again.
Jamie Oliver’s Inspired Baileys Cheesecake Recipe
If you’ve ever made a classic cheesecake before, this recipe will feel familiar, but with an added depth of flavor from the Baileys. Jamie’s version of this dessert takes all the best elements of a traditional cheesecake-creamy filling, crunchy base, and silky texture-and gives it an Irish twist.
The best part? It’s super easy to put together. No complicated techniques, just simple steps with a knockout result. This cheesecake isn’t just for Baileys lovers-it’s a crowd-pleaser for anyone who enjoys indulgent desserts.
Ingredients Needed
I like to make sure everything is fresh and easy to find, and the ingredients for this Baileys cheesecake are no exception. Here’s what you’ll need:
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For The Base
- 200g Digestive biscuits (or graham crackers if you can’t find Digestives)
- 100g unsalted butter (melted)
- A pinch of salt (to balance out the sweetness)
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For The Filling
- 600g cream cheese (room temperature, don’t use low-fat for this one)
- 200g double cream
- 100g caster sugar
- 100ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered gelatin (to help set the cheesecake)
- 2 tbsp water (for dissolving the gelatin)
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Optional Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder
- Fresh berries (to balance out the richness)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Inspired Baileys Cheesecake
Making this cheesecake doesn’t require a lot of time or effort, but you’ll need a bit of patience as it does require time to set. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare The Base
- Start by crushing the Digestive biscuits. You can do this by putting them in a plastic bag and smashing them with a rolling pin, or using a food processor if you have one.
- Melt the butter and mix it with the crushed biscuits and salt until combined. The texture should resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the base of a springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to compact it. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you make the filling.
Make The Filling
- In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then heat it gently in the microwave (or in a saucepan) until it turns clear.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, Baileys, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the double cream to soft peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently.
- Finally, stir in the dissolved gelatin. This will help set the cheesecake.
Assemble And Chill
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chilled biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but ideally, overnight. The longer it sets, the firmer and more flavorful it gets.
Serve
- Once set, remove the cheesecake from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
- Garnish with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries if you like.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Ever wonder what makes cheesecake so irresistibly creamy? A lot of the magic happens with the combination of cream cheese and double cream. Cream cheese provides that dense, tangy texture while double cream contributes to the smooth and luscious mouthfeel.
- Gelatin: In this recipe, gelatin is essential. It helps the cheesecake set without the need for baking. It’s a neutral-tasting ingredient that keeps the texture smooth and firm enough to hold up when sliced. Without it, the filling might not set properly, making it runny.
- Baileys Irish Cream: Baileys adds more than just flavor-it also helps make the cheesecake creamy and indulgent. The alcohol in Baileys doesn’t cook off, so you get all that deliciously smooth, boozy richness in every bite.
Expert Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your cheesecake filling, and no one wants that.
- Chill the base well: The biscuit base should be properly chilled before adding the filling. This ensures it stays firm and doesn’t crumble when you cut into the cheesecake.
- Don’t rush the setting process: Let the cheesecake set for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. If you try to serve it too early, it might fall apart.
- Don’t skip the gelatin: While you might think you can skip this step, it’s crucial for the texture. It ensures that your cheesecake has that perfect sliceable consistency.
Recipe Variations
Want to take this recipe up a notch? Here are some fun variations:
- Chocolate Baileys Cheesecake: Add melted chocolate to the filling for a chocolatey twist. You could even swirl some melted chocolate into the top of the cheesecake for a marble effect.
- Coffee Baileys Cheesecake: Add a shot of espresso or instant coffee powder to the filling for a coffee-flavored kick. The combination of coffee and Baileys is divine.
- Baileys & Nutty Crunch: Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the biscuit base for extra crunch. You could also sprinkle some on top as a garnish.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and a vegan butter substitute for the base. Just make sure the gelatin is plant-based or use agar-agar as a substitute.
Final Words
Making a Baileys cheesecake might seem like a lot of steps at first glance, but once you break it down, it’s quite straightforward. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses without being overly complicated. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time, which means no stress when guests arrive.
I’ve made this cheesecake for birthdays, holidays, and dinner parties, and it’s always a hit. Whether you stick to the original recipe or play around with variations, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Baileys Cheesecake Unique?
It’s a rich, creamy dessert that combines the smoothness of Baileys with a buttery biscuit base, making it both indulgent and easy to prepare.
Can I Substitute Baileys With Another Liqueur In The Cheesecake?
Yes, you can use other cream liqueurs like Amarula or even a flavored vodka if you prefer, but Baileys gives it that signature smoothness.
How Long Should I Chill The Baileys Cheesecake Before Serving?
Let the cheesecake chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better to allow the flavors to fully set and develop.