Baileys Irish Cream Tiramisu

Published on October 18, 2024

Baileys Irish Cream Tiramisu is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a sophisticated dessert with a kick.

This luxe twist on the classic Italian confection combines espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and Baileys Irish Cream. 

Each indulgent bite balances coffee, cream, chocolate, and Irish whiskey deliciously.

The best part? It's an easy but fancy, make-ahead dish that’s even better the next day. 

Square slice of tiramisu served on a white plate, close up

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Why You'll Love This Baileys Irish Cream Tiramisu

Simple No-Bake Dessert: This no-bake recipe is easy to make, taking only about 20 minutes to assemble before refrigeration. It's perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Rich & Creamy Layers: The combination of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone creates a decadent dessert that is visually appealing and satisfying.

Make-Ahead: Make it a day in advance to save time on the day you need it.

Unforgettable Taste: The blend of coffee, Irish Cream, and mascarpone results in a smooth, creamy, and extraordinary taste. It will delight any dessert lover.

Ladyfingers biscuit soaked in bowl with espresso, top view

Ingredients

  • Espresso or Strong Coffee: The foundation of this indulgent dessert. Cooled espresso infuses the ladyfingers with a rich, robust flavor.
  • Baileys Irish Cream: A luxurious addition that elevates the tiramisu to new heights.
  • Ladyfingers: Delicate, finger-shaped sponge cookies that form the layers cake-like of the tiramisu.
  • Egg Yolks: The key to a velvety, smooth mascarpone cream. Use pasteurized, so they're totally safe to eat.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the mascarpone cream.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Rich, buttery Italian cheese lends a decadent, creamy texture to the cream filling.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Whip to soft peaks, it adds a light, airy texture to the mascarpone mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: A subtle yet essential flavor enhancer.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A generous dusting of cocoa powder adds a bitter-sweet note and an elegant appearance to this show-stopping dessert.
Ladyfingers in a baking dish on mascarpone cream, topped with cocoa powder, top view.

How to Make Baileys Irish Cream Tiramisu

Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving a decadent after-dinner treat, this Baileys tiramisu is sure to impress.

Here are the steps:

1. MIX the espresso and ¾ cup of Baileys in a shallow bowl. Set aside.

2. WHISK the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.

3. ADD the mascarpone and remaining Baileys to the egg mixture. Whisk until smooth.

4. WHIP the cream and vanilla until medium peaks form, then fold into the mascarpone mixture.

5. DIP each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture and arrange in a 9×13-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers and repeat.

6. CHILL for at least 6 hours or overnight.

7. DUST generously with cocoa powder before serving. Enjoy!

Baileys Tiramisu in a white baking dish with a large slice removed

Tips For the Best Baileys Irish Cream Tiramisu

I love making this for friends and family – the look on their faces when they take that first bite is priceless.

Plus, it’s one of those dishes that gets even better after a night in the fridge, so it's perfect for planning ahead.

Here's a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Use strong coffee. It needs to be robust, so you get a nice coffee kick with all that creamy goodness.
  • Don’t let the ladyfingers soak too long. Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture quickly to avoid oversaturating them, which can lead to a soggy texture. A few seconds is enough.
  • Egg safety. Use pasteurized egg yolks to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
  • Use room-temperature mascarpone. It'll mix easier that way. But be sure the heavy cream is cold for better whipping!
  • Give it time to chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture set.
  • Wait to top with cocoa powder. Dust the cocoa powder just before serving to maintain a fresh appearance. If you do it too soon, it will darken and start to soak into the cream.
  • Variations. Experiment with different liqueurs, such as Amaretto, Kahlúa, or Frangelico. Or add chocolate shavings or fruit compotes for a unique twist.

How to Store

Baileys tiramisu is a delightful way to end any meal and a surefire way to bring a bit of indulgence to your day.

It doesn't freeze well, but you can store it for a day or two.

To Store: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 days. For the best taste and texture, consume within 1-2 days.

More Decadent Tiramisu Recipes You'll Love

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Classic Tiramisu

Baileys Irish Cream Tiramisu

4.5 from 6 votes
Course: DessertCuisine: Italian
Servings

16-20

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Chill time

6

hours 
Calories

331

kcal

Baileys Irish Cream tiramisu is a decadent yet light dessert with layers of coffee and Baileys-soaked ladyfingers, and fluffy mascarpone cream.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strong espresso or coffee, cooled

  • 1 1/2 cups Baileys Irish Cream, divided

  • 2 (7 ounce) packs ladyfingers or Savoiardi cookies

  • 4 large egg yolks, pasteurized

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  • In a shallow bowl, mix the cooled espresso with 3/4 cup of Baileys. Set aside.
  • Whisk the egg yolks and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the mascarpone cheese and the remaining Baileys to the thickened egg yolks. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  • Whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until medium peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
  • Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (about 2-3 seconds per side) and arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a little less than half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
  • Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture quickly to avoid oversaturating them, which can lead to a soggy texture. A few seconds is enough.
  • Use pasteurized egg yolks to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

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4.5 from 6 votes

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1 Comments

  1. Nancy says:

    Can I use gluten free graham crackers instead of ladyfingers,since there are no gluten free ladyfingers