If you’re craving something decadently delicious with a little Irish twist, this Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a crisp chocolate biscuit crust, silky Baileys-infused chocolate ganache, and a cloud of Baileys whipped cream topped with grated chocolate—pure bliss!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Baileys Chocolate Tart more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress at gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s rich, but not overwhelming, and the Baileys adds that indulgent creaminess that makes it special.
- Luxuriously Rich Flavors: The combination of dark and milk chocolate layered with Baileys makes every bite divine.
- Simple No-Bake Ganache: No complicated baking times here—just some chilling and simple mixing.
- Crispy Chocolate Crust: A cocoa-spiked digestive biscuit base holds the creamy ganache perfectly.
- Elegant and Easy Topping: Baileys whipped cream and grated chocolate finish the tart off beautifully and effortlessly.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this tart plays an important role, from the crunchy chocolate biscuit crust to the creamy Baileys ganache and whipped cream. When shopping, try to get good-quality chocolate and fresh double cream to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Digestives: The perfect base biscuit that’s sturdy yet crumbly, providing a lovely texture with a mild sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor to the biscuit crust for extra indulgence.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Binds the biscuit crumbs together and gives the crust a delicious buttery richness.
- Dark Chocolate: Brings intense, slightly bitter chocolate notes that balance the sweetness.
- Milk Chocolate: Adds smoothness and sweetness to the ganache for a perfect balance.
- Double Cream: The backbone of the ganache and whipped cream, offering luxurious creaminess.
- Baileys Irish Cream: Infuses the ganache and whipped cream with that iconic Irish cream flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (for ganache): Makes the ganache silky and glossy, enhancing the texture.
- Icing Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just right without overpowering the Baileys flavor.
- Grated Chocolate: For garnish, adding a touch of texture and an extra chocolatey pop on top.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe is just how flexible it is—feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or the occasion. Whether it's boosting the Baileys for an extra kick or adding your favorite garnish, personalization makes it even more special.
- Variation: Swap the digestives for gluten-free biscuits if you need a gluten-free option. I've done this for a friend with gluten intolerance, and the tart still sets beautifully with an equally delicious crunch.
- Variation: Add a hint of orange zest to the ganache for a fresh citrus twist. It brightens up the richness and adds a lovely aroma—perfect for festive gatherings.
- Variation: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream to make a dairy-free version. While I haven’t personally tried this one yet, several friends have successfully adapted the recipe to suit plant-based diets.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Biscuit Crust
Start by crushing 300 grams of digestives into fine crumbs—using a food processor makes this quick, but a sealed plastic bag and rolling pin work just as well. Once your crumbs are ready, mix them with 35 grams of cocoa powder and 150 grams of melted unsalted butter. This mixture should feel slightly damp and hold together when pressed. Press it firmly and evenly into the base and sides of a 23 cm (9 inch) tart tin. Pop the crust into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up nicely—it helps the ganache set later without sogginess.
Step 2: Whipping Up the Silky Baileys Chocolate Ganache
Break 175 grams each of dark and milk chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Warm 300 ml of double cream on the stove over medium heat until it just begins to simmer—watch closely to avoid boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, then let it rest for 2–3 minutes so the chocolate can melt smoothly. Gently stir until you have a glossy, silky ganache. Now, stir in 150 ml of Baileys Irish Cream and 50 grams of unsalted butter until everything is beautifully combined and luxuriously smooth.
Step 3: Assembling and Chilling the Tart
Pour the Baileys-infused chocolate ganache over your chilled biscuit crust, spreading it out evenly for a smooth top. Refrigerate the tart for at least 3 hours so the filling can set firm and rich—trust me, this patience is totally worth it for that perfect slice.
Step 4: Whipping Up the Baileys Whipped Cream Topping
In a cold mixing bowl, whisk 125 ml of double cream with 2 tablespoons of icing sugar until soft peaks form—this usually takes a couple of minutes with an electric whisk. Gently fold in 25 ml of Baileys Irish Cream to add that signature flavor. Be careful not to overwhip; you want the cream light and airy, not stiff.
Step 5: Decorating and Serving Your Baileys Chocolate Tart
Once the ganache filling has set firmly, spread the Baileys whipped cream topping evenly over the tart. Finish it off with a generous sprinkle of grated chocolate for garnish—that final touch adds texture and extra chocolatey goodness. Slice with a hot knife for cleaner cuts, and serve chilled. This tart is perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself after a special meal.
Top Tip
Mastering this Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe really comes down to a few key tips that elevate the final dessert from great to unforgettable.
- Chilling is Key: Make sure to chill the chocolate biscuit crust for at least 30 minutes before adding the ganache. This helps the crust set firmly so it holds the luscious filling beautifully.
- Chocolate Quality Matters: Using a mix of good-quality dark and milk chocolate creates a perfect balance of rich depth and creamy sweetness – I’ve found the difference is worth it!
- Gently Fold the Whipped Cream: When adding Baileys to your whipped cream topping, fold it in gently to keep the cream light and airy instead of deflating it.
- Don’t Rush the Ganache Setting: Patience pays off! Waiting a full 3 hours for the ganache to set ensures that perfect silky texture that cuts cleanly when sliced.
How to Serve Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this Baileys Chocolate Tart is a delightful stage where you can add your personal flare. Classic grated dark chocolate sprinkled over the Baileys whipped cream topping adds a lovely texture and extra chocolate punch. For a festive touch, try a few chocolate curls or shards. If you're feeling adventurous, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few fresh mint leaves bring a fresh contrast to the rich dessert.
Side Dishes
Since this tart is richly indulgent, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit such as raspberries or sliced strawberries to cut through the richness. A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of extra Baileys whipped cream also pairs beautifully. For a more grown-up touch, a glass of Baileys or a smooth dessert wine complements the flavors perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, store any leftover Baileys Chocolate Tart covered in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for 2-3 days. Be sure to keep it well wrapped or in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for Baileys Chocolate Tart because the ganache texture can change, but if necessary, freeze the tart unwhipped cream topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and whip fresh Baileys cream to decorate.
Reheating
This tart is best served chilled, so avoid reheating. If you want to warm a slice slightly, do so gently at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the ganache just a touch without melting it completely.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can substitute the Baileys Irish Cream with a non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored syrup or simply additional double cream if you want to keep the flavor profile but skip the alcohol.
The ganache should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to achieve the perfect firm yet silky texture ideal for slicing and serving.
Absolutely. You can make the crust and ganache filling a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and add the Baileys whipped cream topping just before serving for the freshest presentation.
A combination of dark and milk chocolate provides a balanced flavor. Dark chocolate adds richness and a slight bitterness, while milk chocolate contributes sweetness and creaminess for that perfect ganache consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe is one of those decadent desserts that feels like a celebration on a plate. Each silky bite with the velvety ganache and the light Baileys whipped cream takes you on a truly indulgent journey. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, it’s a dessert that always brings a smile. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every luscious slice!
Print
Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and luxurious Baileys Chocolate Tart featuring a chocolate biscuit crust, silky Baileys-infused chocolate ganache filling, and topped with Baileys whipped cream and grated chocolate for an indulgent dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Biscuit Crust
- 300 g digestives
- 35 g cocoa powder
- 150 g unsalted butter (melted)
For the Baileys Chocolate Ganache Filling
- 175 g dark chocolate
- 175 g milk chocolate
- 300 ml double cream
- 150 ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 50 g unsalted butter
For the Baileys Whipped Cream Topping
- 125 ml double cream
- 25 ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 tablespoon icing sugar
- Grated chocolate for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the biscuit crust: Crush the digestives into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed biscuits with cocoa powder and melted unsalted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the base and sides of a 23 cm (9 inch) tart tin to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Baileys chocolate ganache: Break the dark and milk chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream and unsalted butter until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble and chill the tart: Pour the Baileys chocolate ganache over the chilled biscuit crust, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the tart for at least 3 hours or until the filling is set and firm.
- Prepare the Baileys whipped cream: In a cold mixing bowl, whisk the double cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the Baileys Irish Cream until evenly combined.
- Decorate and serve: Once the tart filling is set, top with the Baileys whipped cream. Garnish with grated chocolate over the cream. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a balanced chocolate flavor with smooth sweetness.
- Ensure the biscuit crust is chilled well to hold the ganache filling properly.
- If preferred, adjust the Baileys quantity to taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
- The whipped cream topping can be prepared fresh just before serving to maintain its lightness.
- Store any leftovers refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 568 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg

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