Irish Dream Cheesecake Delight
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of our Irish Dream Cheesecake Delight, a heavenly confection inspired by the iconic Baileys Irish Cream. Celebrating the essence of Ireland, this cheesecake combines the smooth texture of cream cheese with the delightful flavors of Baileys, while the buttery vanilla wafer crust provides the perfect foundation. This decadent dessert offers a harmonious blend of sweet and slightly boozy notes, making it the ideal treat for any occasion. From dinner parties to family gatherings, this cheesecake will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will also transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Dublin. With its luxurious creamy filling and elegant presentation, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
vanilla wafers
1 1/2 cups (crushed)
butter
8 ounces (melted)
gelatin
5 envelopes (bloomed in water)
water
5 tablespoons (for blooming gelatin)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
granulated sugar
3/4 cup (n/a)
heavy cream
2 cups (whipped to stiff peaks)
Baileys Irish Cream
1/4 cup (n/a)
whipped cream
as needed (for garnish)
fresh strawberries
as desired (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the vanilla wafer crust. Place 1 1/2 cups of vanilla wafers in a plastic bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin or your hands until you have a uniform crumb consistency.
2
Transfer the crushed vanilla wafers to a small mixing bowl.
3
In a small saucepan, melt 8 ounces of butter over low heat, then combine it with the crushed wafers, mixing thoroughly to create a sandy mixture.
4
Press the wafer and butter mixture evenly into the base of an 8-inch springform cake pan, ensuring it is packed tightly and evenly.
5
In a mixing bowl, dissolve 5 envelopes of gelatin in 5 tablespoons of cold water. Set it aside to bloom for about 5 minutes.
6
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7
In another bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in 1/4 cup of Baileys Irish Cream until fully incorporated.
8
Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese and sugar mixture until well combined and smooth.
9
Heat the bloomed gelatin gently over low heat until it is completely dissolved, then slowly drizzle it into the cheesecake mixture, folding gently to ensure it's evenly incorporated.
10
Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared wafer crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
11
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until fully set.
12
Once set, garnish each slice with rosettes of whipped cream and a fan of freshly sliced strawberries, if desired.
13
Slice and serve the cheesecake chilled, keeping any leftovers refrigerated.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irish Dream Cheesecake Delight?
It is a rich and creamy no-bake dessert inspired by Baileys Irish Cream, featuring a vanilla wafer crust and a smooth cream cheese filling.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust requires 1.5 cups of crushed vanilla wafers and 8 ounces of melted butter.
How do I prepare the vanilla wafer crumbs?
Place the wafers in a plastic bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin or your hands until they reach a uniform consistency.
What size cake pan should I use?
An 8-inch springform cake pan is recommended for this recipe.
How many envelopes of gelatin are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 envelopes of gelatin to ensure the cheesecake sets properly.
How do I bloom the gelatin?
Dissolve the gelatin in 5 tablespoons of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
What amount of cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for the filling.
How much sugar is in the cheesecake filling?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How should the heavy cream be prepared?
Whip 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form before incorporating other ingredients.
Is there actual alcohol in this cheesecake?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of Baileys Irish Cream for its signature flavor.
How do I combine the Baileys with the filling?
Gently fold the Baileys Irish Cream into the whipped heavy cream until it is fully incorporated.
When should I add the gelatin to the mixture?
Heat the bloomed gelatin until dissolved, then slowly drizzle and fold it into the combined cheesecake mixture.
How long does the cheesecake need to refrigerate?
The cheesecake should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until it is fully set.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dessert?
Garnish each slice with rosettes of whipped cream and a fan of freshly sliced strawberries.
Should the cheesecake be served warm or cold?
The cheesecake should always be served chilled.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftover cheesecake should be kept refrigerated to maintain its texture and freshness.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a no-bake cheesecake that relies on gelatin and refrigeration to set.
Can I use something other than vanilla wafers for the crust?
While vanilla wafers provide a buttery base, you could substitute them with graham crackers if desired.
What is the best way to melt the butter?
Melt the 8 ounces of butter in a small saucepan over low heat to avoid burning.
How do I ensure the cream cheese mixture is smooth?
Use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is completely creamy.
What is 'blooming' gelatin?
Blooming is the process of letting gelatin soak in cold liquid so it hydrates and can be dissolved smoothly.
Does the recipe require salt in the crust?
No additional salt is listed; the butter and vanilla wafers provide sufficient flavor.
Can I make this without an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is highly recommended for beating the cream cheese and whipping the cream to the correct volume.
How do I prevent the gelatin from clumping?
Dissolve the bloomed gelatin completely over low heat and drizzle it slowly into the mixture while folding gently.
How do I get a flat top on the cheesecake?
After pouring the filling over the crust, use a spatula to smooth the top before refrigerating.
Is the crust baked at all?
No, the crust is made by pressing the wafer and butter mixture into the pan and is set by chilling.
What type of strawberries should I use?
Fresh strawberries are best for slicing into fans as a decorative garnish.
Can I omit the Baileys?
You can, but the Baileys provides the specific 'Irish Dream' flavor profile that defines this recipe.
How many steps are in the instructions?
There are 13 detailed steps to complete the cheesecake from crust to garnish.
What is the primary texture of this cheesecake?
The texture is described as luxurious, rich, and creamy thanks to the heavy cream and cream cheese base.