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Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle Dessert Cups - Creamy, Boozy, and Easy

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate cookie base: 200 g chocolate cookies or Oreos (about 14–16 cookies), crushed
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Cream cheese: 16 oz (450 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • Powdered sugar: 3/4 cup (90 g), sifted
  • Baileys Irish Cream: 1/4 to 1/3 cup, to taste
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml), cold
  • Dark chocolate: 4 oz (115 g), finely chopped (for ganache and garnish)
  • Milk or cream (for ganache): 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Salt: Pinch (enhances flavor)
  • Optional garnish: Chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of flaky salt

Method
 

  1. Make the cookie crumb base: Crush the chocolate cookies in a food processor or in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Stir in melted butter and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles damp sand.
  2. Press into cups: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of crumbs into the bottom of each dessert cup or small jar. Lightly press to create a base. Set aside. Reserve a handful of crumbs for topping if you like.
  3. Whip the cream: In a cold bowl, whisk the heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks. Do not overwhip. Set aside.
  4. Beat the cheesecake mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Add Baileys gradually, tasting as you go. Aim for a smooth, spreadable texture.
  5. Fold it together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the Baileys cheesecake mixture in two additions until fully combined and airy.
  6. Make the chocolate ganache: Heat the milk or cream just to a simmer. Pour over the chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until glossy and smooth. Let cool to room temp so it thickens slightly.
  7. Layer it up: Add a layer of cheesecake filling over the cookie base, then drizzle or spoon a thin layer of ganache. Repeat with another layer of cheesecake. Finish with a final drizzle of ganache.
  8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. This helps the layers set and the flavors meld.
  9. Garnish and serve: Top with chocolate shavings, a pinch of reserved cookie crumbs, or a light dusting of cocoa. Serve cold.