Name: Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 Oreo Cookies; 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 ¼ cup heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream liquor; 1 Tablespoon strong brewed coffee; 11 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate bar; 2 packages cream cheese, room temperature (8 ounces each); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup sour cream, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; 6 ounces dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate; 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon espresso powder; ¼ cup dark chocolate espresso beans; 1 cup heavy whipping cream

If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that blend rich flavors with a touch of boozy elegance, you’re going to absolutely adore this Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe. I first tried this at a friend’s holiday party, and I was hooked instantly — it’s creamy, smooth, and just boozy enough to make every bite feel special. Trust me, once you make this cheesecake, it’ll become your go-to dessert for any special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself to something extra decadent.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant Flavor Blend: The combination of Bailey’s Irish Cream and white chocolate creates a silky, boozy richness that’s hard to beat.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: Achieved with a careful balance of cream cheese, sour cream, and whipped heavy cream for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Water Bath Baking: The secret to a smooth, crack-free cheesecake that tastes as good as it looks.
Versatile Presentation: From elegant dinner parties to cozy family gatherings, this cheesecake impresses every time.

The image shows a slice of cheesecake being lifted, revealing three layers: a dark crumbly layer at the bottom, a thick and creamy pale beige middle layer, and a smooth, dark chocolate layer on top. Around the edge of the cheesecake, there are dollops of light brown whipped cream topped with glossy dark chocolate spheres. The cheesecake sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. A silver fork is visible near the plate, and a woman's hand is holding the slice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake, white chocolate cheesecake with Bailey’s, boozy white chocolate dessert, indulgent cheesecake recipes, holiday cheesecake ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe uses ingredients that naturally complement each other, giving you that perfect blend of sweetness, creaminess, and a bit of drink-inspired warmth. When shopping, aim for room-temperature dairy for smooth mixing and good-quality chocolate for the richest taste.

Flat lay of a stack of Oreo cookies, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl of Bailey’s liquor, a small white bowl of strong brewed coffee, a small pile of white chocolate chunks, two blocks of cream cheese with smooth surfaces, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of cornstarch, a small white bowl of sour cream, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, three whole large eggs with clean shells, a small pile of dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of espresso powder, and a small pile of dark chocolate espresso beans placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake, white chocolate cheesecake with Bailey’s, boozy white chocolate dessert, indulgent cheesecake recipes, holiday cheesecake ideas

Oreo Cookies: Use these for a crunchy, chocolatey crust that adds contrast to the creamy filling.
Unsalted Butter: Melted to bind the Oreo crumbs together for the crust’s perfect texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Used in both the filling and ganache, it adds lusciousness and richness.
Bailey’s Irish Cream Liquor: The star ingredient that infuses the cheesecake with that unmistakable boozy vanilla flavor.
Strong Brewed Coffee: Just a splash enhances the white chocolate and Bailey’s flavor without overpowering.
White Chocolate Chips or Chopped White Chocolate: Provides sweetness and creaminess — I love chopping a white chocolate bar for better melting.
Cream Cheese: Room temperature makes it easier to blend into a smooth filling without lumps.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling while balancing the tartness from sour cream.
Cornstarch: A small amount helps stabilize the cheesecake, preventing cracks during baking.
Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang that lightens the flavor and texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix in easier and give the cheesecake structure.
Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate: For the decadent ganache topping that contrasts perfectly with the sweet cheesecake.
Powdered Sugar: In the whipped cream for just the right touch of sweetness.
Espresso Powder: In the whipped cream and ganache for a subtle coffee kick that complements the Bailey’s.
Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans: For garnish – these add crunch and a sophisticated touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe is—you can easily make it your own depending on your taste or dietary needs. I often tweak it with a few personal touches to keep things exciting.

Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Try swirling in some dark chocolate chunks into the filling for extra richness—I did this once and my family went crazy for that surprise snap.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Simply swap Bailey’s with cream or Irish cream-flavored syrup for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, perfect when hosting a crowd with mixed preferences.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust if you have friends or family avoiding gluten—you won’t miss a thing.
Seasonal Twist: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or cinnamon to the crust and filling for fall vibes that everyone’ll love.

How to Make Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Perfect Oreo Crust

First up, pulse those Oreo cookies in a food processor until you get fine crumbs—that’s the hallmark of a sturdy, crunchy base. Mix in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Here’s a trick: press down with the bottom of a glass for an even, compact crust. Pop it in the freezer while you prep the filling — this helps it set up perfectly and keeps those flavors crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Lush White Chocolate Bailey’s Mixture

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place a large broiler pan on the bottom rack with about an inch of water—this water bath keeps the cheesecake moist and crack-free while baking. Now, over a double boiler, gently heat the heavy cream, Bailey’s, and brewed coffee until just hot but not boiling. Stir in the white chocolate chips until fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Set it aside to cool down; this step is crucial because adding hot chocolate mix to your cream cheese can scramble the eggs.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, cornstarch, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat for about 2 minutes until it’s silky smooth, scraping the sides of your bowl halfway through. Slowly add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix just until combined—you don’t want to overwork it. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently until you get a mousse-like texture. This slow, gentle mixing helps prevent cracking later on.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake to Perfection

Pour the silky filling into your prepared crust. Carefully place the springform pan on a baking sheet on the oven rack just above your water bath. Make sure the pan isn’t touching the water—that’s just to add moisture, not soak the cheesecake. Bake for 1 hour, and here’s a golden rule: do NOT open the oven door while baking or you risk the cheesecake cracking. When time’s up, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit undisturbed for 30 minutes—this gradual cooling is what yields that perfect smooth texture.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Prepare the Ganache

After your cheesecake has rested in the oven, remove it and let it cool completely at room temperature. Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen any stuck spots, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you want the full flavor to develop. While it chills, prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream over a double boiler until hot but not boiling. Take off the heat and stir in dark chocolate chips until silky smooth. Let it cool to room temp before pouring over your cheesecake to avoid melting the cake itself.

Step 6: Whip Up the Espresso-Kissed Whipped Cream and Garnish

For the final flourish, beat your heavy cream with powdered sugar and espresso powder until stiff peaks form — this whipped cream adds a light, coffee-kissed top layer that balances the sweetness beautifully. Pipe or dollop your whipped cream over the ganache and finish with dark chocolate espresso beans for texture and a hint of crunch. Slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for those perfect cheesecake slices.

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Pro Tips for Making Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It makes blending smoother and avoids lumps in your cheesecake batter.
Don’t Skip the Water Bath: I learned this the hard way — it’s what prevents cracks and keeps the filling creamy.
Cool Gradually: After baking, letting the cheesecake sit in the warm (but turned off) oven helps avoid shocking the batter and cracking.
Chill Overnight: Patience is a virtue here—chilling overnight really lets the flavors meld and texture set beautifully.

How to Serve Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

A slice of cheesecake sits on a white plate, showing three clear layers: a dark, crumbly base at the bottom; a thick, creamy beige middle layer; and a smooth, dark chocolate top layer with a glossy finish. The edge of the slice is decorated with beige cream swirls, each topped with a shiny, round chocolate piece. A silver fork rests beside the slice on the plate. In the background, a larger cheesecake with the same layers and decoration is on a white cake stand, while a white bowl filled with dark chocolate pieces is also visible. The surface under everything is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake, white chocolate cheesecake with Bailey’s, boozy white chocolate dessert, indulgent cheesecake recipes, holiday cheesecake ideas

Garnishes

I usually stick with the whipped cream and espresso beans as a simple, elegant garnish—this adds just the right hint of coffee flavor and a lovely crunch. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh raspberries or shaved white chocolate curls when serving guests for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Since this dessert is quite rich, I like to pair it with light and fresh sides like a small mixed berry salad or a citrusy sorbet. These palate cleansers help balance the sweetness and keep things from feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve layered this cheesecake in individual glasses with some crushed Oreos and fresh berries for mini parfaits — it’s a showstopper and super easy to portion. I’ve also piped decorative patterns with whipped cream right before serving to impress guests with no extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftover cheesecake in the fridge tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and moist for up to 4 days. I’ve found cutting small slices ahead makes it easy to grab a sweet bite without messing up the rest.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully! Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture stays impressively creamy and delicious.

Reheating

Generally, cheesecake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it at room temperature, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, since it can alter the texture and make the ganache melt too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different liquor if I don’t have Bailey’s?

Absolutely! While Bailey’s Irish Cream is ideal for its creamy, vanilla-y flavor, you can substitute with other cream liqueurs like Amarula, or for a non-creamy option, try a coffee liqueur like Kahlua. Just be sure to keep the quantity the same for balanced flavor.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Cracking usually happens from oven temperature fluctuations or rapid cooling. The water bath technique is key, along with not opening the oven during baking and letting the cheesecake cool gradually inside the oven after turning it off. Using room temperature ingredients and gentle mixing also helps.
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?

Yes! This cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set. It can be made up to 2 days ahead of serving, or you can freeze it for longer storage.
What pan size should I use for this recipe?

A 9-inch springform pan is perfect for this recipe. It gives the cheesecake enough height without being too thick or thin, ensuring even baking.
Can I skip the ganache topping?

Definitely! The cheesecake itself is delicious on its own, but the ganache adds a rich contrast. If you prefer, you can replace it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or fresh fruit topping.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bailey’s White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up whenever I want to impress without stress. It strikes that perfect balance between elegance and comfort, and I love how the subtle espresso notes and chocolate layers come together to make every bite memorable. If you take away anything from this, it’s this: don’t rush the chilling and don’t skimp on quality ingredients—they make all the difference. Grab your apron and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and your friends and family will be begging for this recipe!