Name: Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe
Prep time: 3 h 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 300 g digestives; 35 g cocoa powder; 150 g unsalted butter (melted); 175 g dark chocolate; 175 g milk chocolate; 300 ml double cream; 150 ml Baileys Irish Cream; 50 g unsalted butter; 125 ml double cream; 25 ml Baileys Irish Cream; 2 tbsp icing sugar; Grated chocolate for garnish

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!

A single slice of chocolate tart is shown on a white plate with brown sprinkles. The tart has three layers: a bottom crumbly brown crust, a thick smooth dark brown chocolate filling in the middle, and a shiny dark chocolate topping. On top of the tart are two swirls of light cream colored whipped cream sprinkled with fine chocolate shavings. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred whole tart and a dark green bottle in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe

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.

Flat lay of a round pile of golden brown digestive biscuits, a small white bowl of rich dark cocoa powder, a small white bowl with melted golden unsalted butter, chunks of glossy dark chocolate, shards of smooth milk chocolate, a small white bowl filled with thick double cream, a small white bowl holding a creamy light beige Baileys liqueur, a small white bowl of fine white icing sugar, and a small white bowl with delicate shavings of dark grated chocolate, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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

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.

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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.

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

The image shows a round dark chocolate tart with three main layers. The bottom crust layer is crumbly and chocolate brown, forming the base and the sides of the tart. On top of this is a smooth, dark chocolate filling covering the whole inside of the crust. Around the edge, there is a ring of cream-colored whipped topping piped in rosette shapes, evenly spaced and dusted with fine shavings of dark chocolate. The tart is on a clear glass plate, placed on a white marbled surface with a sprig of fir in the lower left corner and a bottle of Bailey’s in the lower right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

A close-up top view shows a shiny silver metal pot filled with a smooth, glossy dark brown sauce being stirred by a wooden spatula with a red silicone tip. The sauce has thick, creamy texture with soft swirls and some small bubbles. The pot sits on a metal rack over a white marbled surface. The wooden spatula handle extends out of the pot towards the bottom right of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I make this Baileys Chocolate Tart Recipe without alcohol?

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.

How long does it take to set the ganache filling?

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.

Can I prepare the tart in advance?

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.

What type of chocolate works best for this tart?

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!