Cream cheese, Baileys Irish Cream, cocoa powder, and Oreos come together in this indulgent no-bake chocolate trifle dessert.
So, the first time I made this Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle, I wasn’t trying to be fancy. Actually, I was trying to procrastinate doing dishes. I opened the fridge, saw half a block of cream cheese staring back at me, and the next thing I knew I was on a chocolate spiral that ended in this layered beauty of a dessert. I had some leftover Baileys from the holidays (okay, maybe more than some), Oreos in the back of the pantry, and heavy cream I didn’t want to waste. It felt like fate. Or a sugar craving. Either way, it worked out.
I tossed it all together with a whisk, a lot of hope, and very little measuring precision—and somehow landed on what I now call my “special occasion dessert.” Or, let’s be real, Tuesday night indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This baileys chocolate cheesecake trifle Recipe?
This isn’t your average trifle. It’s rich. It’s boozy. It’s layered like your favorite rom-com plot. You’ve got a smooth chocolate cheesecake filling that somehow manages to be both decadent and fluffy (thank you, Baileys). There’s a whipped cream situation going on that’s light but also very chocolate-forward, and then—then—there are the Oreo crumbles that give you that satisfying crunch and nostalgia in one bite.
The best part? You don’t need to bake a single thing. Nope. Not even the cookies. It’s a full-on no-bake dessert that feels like you spent hours on it—but actually took maybe 20 minutes and some very casual stirring.
Ingredient Notes:
Before we dive into the how-to, here’s a little low-key love letter to the ingredients:
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Cream Cheese: It’s not a cheesecake without it. Make sure it’s soft or you’ll be fighting lumps. No one likes that.
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Powdered Sugar & Cocoa Powder: Sweetness and that chocolate flavor we’re here for. I don’t sift it. You can if you want to feel professional.
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Baileys Irish Cream: The star. The reason this dessert feels adult and a little flirty.
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Heavy Cream: Cold, whipped, and ready to fluff everything up.
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Vanilla: Just a splash. She’s the backup singer keeping the flavor balanced.
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Oreos: Because you’re worth it. And because they’re already perfect.
How To Make baileys chocolate cheesecake trifle?
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Start with the cream cheese, cocoa, powdered sugar, sea salt, and vanilla. Beat it until it’s smooth. Then add the Baileys and keep beating until it’s light and fluffy—like chocolate mousse and cheesecake had a baby.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Now take that chilled cream and whip it until it starts to hold shape. Add more Baileys (yes, more), cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip it again until it’s got those stiff peaks going. Try not to eat it all with a spoon. I failed that part once.
Step 3: Crush the Cookies
Grab your Oreos, throw them in a zip-top bag, and smash ’em with a rolling pin or the bottom of a wine bottle. Therapy and dessert prep in one step? Yes, please.
Step 4: Assemble Like You’re a Pastry Chef
Get four small glasses (lowballs are great) and start layering: Oreo crumbs, cheesecake mixture, whipped cream. Repeat. Top with more whipped cream using a star tip if you want to feel like a Food Network star. Sprinkle with crushed Oreos on top. No garnish rules—do what makes you happy.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Eat it right away if you can’t wait (no judgment). Or chill for an hour to let it set up. Either way, it’s gonna disappear fast.
Storage Options:
Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The whipped cream might deflate a bit but honestly, no one will care. These things rarely make it to Day 2 in my house.
Variations and Substitutions:
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No Baileys? Use coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, or go alcohol-free with a splash of espresso or vanilla milk.
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Fruit It Up: Add a layer of raspberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
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Switch the Cookies: Graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or even brownies crumbled up will work.
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More Booze, Less Guilt: Add a few Baileys-soaked ladyfingers in the bottom for a tiramisu-meets-trifle vibe.
What to Serve with baileys chocolate cheesecake trifle?
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A hot espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness
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Irish coffee, because you’re already pouring the Baileys anyway
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling wild
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A cozy blanket and Netflix. No judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after chilling a bit. Just wait to add the top whipped cream swirl until just before serving.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes! Use a big glass trifle dish or even a 9×9 baking dish. Layer it all up like a dessert lasagna.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Sure thing. Just replace the Baileys with heavy cream or milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Still delish.
If you’re still reading this, you need to go make this Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle. It’s ridiculously easy, wildly decadent, and dangerously craveable. And if you do try it (please do), tag me. I want to see your masterpiece.
Can’t wait to hear what you think.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
baileys chocolate cheesecake trifle
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream
For the Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream well-chilled
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Additional Components:
- 20 Oreo cookies
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth. Add the Baileys Irish Cream and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Set aside.
Prepare the Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Add the Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
Crush the Cookies:
- Place the Oreo cookies in a resealable plastic bag. Using a rolling pin or flat-bottomed glass, crush the cookies into small, even crumbs.
Assemble the Trifles:
- Transfer the cheesecake mixture and the whipped cream to separate piping bags for easier layering (optional). In four lowball glasses or small dessert cups, begin by adding a layer of crushed Oreos, followed by a layer of cheesecake mixture, and then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layering once more.
Decorate and Serve:
- Using a star piping tip (such as Tip #1M), pipe a decorative swirl of whipped cream on the top layer. Garnish with remaining cookie crumbs. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
