No Bake Baileys Cheesecake Balls
These No-Bake Baileys Cheesecake Bites are the perfect indulgence for any occasion! Combining rich mascarpone cheese with the delightful flavor of Irish Cream liqueur, these bites are both creamy and decadent.
Coated in a luscious layer of white chocolate and drizzled with dark chocolate, they make for an irresistible treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy a little taste of luxury with every bite!
No Bake Baileys Cheesecake Balls
Ingredients
2 dozen chocolate-covered butter cookies
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
⅓ cup Irish Cream Liqueur
2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
10 ounces white chocolate, chopped
Instructions
Crush Cookies: Place the chocolate-covered butter cookies into a bowl and crush them into fine crumbs.
Mix Ingredients: Add the Irish Cream Liqueur to the cookie crumbs, followed by the mascarpone cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form Balls: Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
Chill: Put the tray in the freezer for at least 45 minutes to allow the bites to firm up. If you have more time, chill them longer.
Melt White Chocolate: In a double boiler, melt the chopped white chocolate, stirring constantly until it’s completely smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides as needed.
Dip Cheesecake Bites: Remove the bites from the freezer and dip each one into the melted white chocolate. Return them to the baking sheet after dipping.
Refrigerate Again: Place the tray back in the refrigerator for an hour to let the coating set.
Drizzle Dark Chocolate: Using the double boiler method, melt the chopped dark chocolate. Once smooth, drizzle it over the tops of the cheesecake bites.
Set: Allow the bites to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes:
Cookie Variation: You can experiment with different types of chocolate-covered cookies for varied flavors, such as peanut butter or mint.
Chilling Time: For the best texture, ensure you chill the cheesecake bites long enough to firm up properly; overnight chilling is ideal if you have the time.
Chocolate Melting Tip: If you don’t have a double boiler, you can melt the chocolate in a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating.
Make Ahead: These cheesecake bites can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them a great option for parties or gatherings.
Serving Suggestions: Garnish with additional chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant touch before serving.
Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 24 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 120 | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 30mg | Total Carbohydrates: 12g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 9g | Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can use cream cheese as a substitute, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Make sure to soften it before mixing.
How can I make these cheesecake bites alcohol-free?
You can replace the Irish Cream liqueur with a combination of milk and a splash of vanilla extract for flavor without the alcohol.
What type of chocolate can I use?
You can use any high-quality white and dark chocolate.
If you prefer, you can also try milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
How long can I store the cheesecake bites?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Can I make these bites smaller or larger?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the bites to your preference; just be mindful of the chilling time, as larger bites may need more time to firm up.
What can I do if my chocolate isn’t melting smoothly?
Make sure to stir frequently and avoid overheating.
If using a microwave, melt in short bursts.
Adding a tiny bit of vegetable oil can also help smooth it out.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
While it’s not strictly necessary, using parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bites from the tray without sticking.
Can I add toppings or mix-ins?
Yes! You can incorporate crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even mini chocolate chips into the mixture for added texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to freeze the bites?
Freezing helps the bites firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate.
If you skip this step, they may be too soft to handle.
Can I use gluten-free cookies?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free chocolate-covered cookies to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.