Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irish Cream Chocolate Tart is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and Irish cream lovers alike. It combines the decadence of a rich, creamy filling with the satisfying crunch of a chocolate cookie crust. The filling is perfectly smooth and balanced with just the right amount of Irish cream, making it indulgent yet light. The toppings, from the gold sugar pearls to the fluffy green whipped cream, add a touch of elegance and fun, ensuring that this tart will be the star of your dessert table. It’s a visually appealing and mouth-watering treat that’s sure to impress guests!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 17 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of fine salt
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup cold heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 12 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
For the Topping:
- 1 teaspoon mini gold sugar pearls
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
- Green gel food coloring
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Irish cream liqueur
- Splash of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Crust:
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Add the confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down tightly. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
For the Filling:
- Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the cold water and powdered gelatin. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Blend the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the Irish cream liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until well incorporated.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the cooled heavy cream and gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the filling is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the filling into the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Refrigerate the tart for at least 3 hours, or until set.
For the Topping:
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, Irish cream liqueur, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Add a drop or two of green gel food coloring and mix until the cream is tinted green.
- Decorate the Tart: Spread the green whipped cream over the chilled tart, covering it completely. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Finish with Garnishes: Top the tart with mini gold sugar pearls and fresh mint sprigs for a festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 8-10 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Chilling Time: 3+ hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours (including chilling)
Storage/Reheating
Store this Irish Cream Chocolate Tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so ensure you keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. The tart does not need reheating, as it’s meant to be served cold.
FAQs
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes! The crust can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to set. Just add the filling when you’re ready.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the Irish cream liqueur?
You can replace the Irish cream liqueur with a mixture of heavy cream and a splash of vanilla extract to keep the creaminess without the alcohol.
Can I use a pre-made crust for convenience?
Absolutely! You can use a pre-made chocolate tart or cookie crust if you want to save time.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies or another gluten-free cookie option for the crust. Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make this tart dairy-free?
To make the tart dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter with plant-based alternatives. There are dairy-free Irish cream liqueurs available that can be used in place of the traditional one.
Can I freeze this tart?
Yes, you can freeze the tart, but it’s best to do so without the whipped cream topping. Freeze the tart for up to a month, and then add the whipped cream just before serving.
Can I use regular whipped cream instead of making the green whipped cream topping?
Yes, you can use regular whipped cream, but the green coloring and festive look will be missed. If you’re skipping the green color, add some chocolate shavings on top for decoration.
How long does the tart need to set in the fridge?
The tart needs at least 3 hours to set in the refrigerator. For best results, you can leave it in the fridge overnight.
Can I substitute other liqueurs for the Irish cream?
You can substitute Irish cream with another cream liqueur, such as chocolate or coffee-flavored liqueur, to change the flavor profile. Just ensure the liqueur is similar in texture.
What if I don’t have a tart pan?
You can use a pie pan or a springform pan if you don’t have a tart pan. Just be sure to adjust the presentation accordingly.
Conclusion
This Irish Cream Chocolate Tart is a delightful combination of rich flavors, creamy textures, and festive presentation. Perfect for any celebration or as a decadent treat to enjoy with friends and family, this tart is sure to impress. Whether you’re indulging in a St. Patrick’s Day feast or simply looking for a special dessert, this tart is a showstopper that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Print
Irish Cream Chocolate Tart
- Total Time: 3 1/2 to 4 hours (including chilling)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irish Cream Chocolate Tart is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy Irish cream liqueur, and a crunchy chocolate sandwich cookie crust. Topped with green-tinted whipped cream, gold sugar pearls, and chocolate chips, this tart is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion, this indulgent dessert is sure to be the star of your dessert table!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 17 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of fine salt
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup cold heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 12 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
For the Topping:
- 1 teaspoon mini gold sugar pearls
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
- Green gel food coloring
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Irish cream liqueur
- Splash of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Add the confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the cookie mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Gelatin: Combine cold water and powdered gelatin in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until it simmers. Remove from heat, add bloomed gelatin, and stir until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
- Blend the Cream Cheese: Beat softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add Irish cream, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the cooled gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the filling into the prepared crust and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until set.
- Make the Whipped Cream: Beat cold heavy cream, Irish cream, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Add green gel food coloring and mix well.
- Decorate the Tart: Spread the green whipped cream over the chilled tart, then top with mini chocolate chips, gold sugar pearls, and mint sprigs.
Notes
- Crust can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Substitute Irish cream liqueur with heavy cream and vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use a pre-made chocolate crust for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Irish
