Pin it
It's St. Patrick's Day this week! I've got something special to share with you. These Bailey's Cheesecake Brownie Bites combine fudgy brownies on the bottom with smooth Bailey's Irish Cream cheesecake and topped off with velvety chocolate ganache. They're so tasty you won't be able to stop at just one - trust me!
The first batch I made for friends vanished before I could blink! Everyone loves how the different textures work together, and their small size makes them so easy to grab and enjoy.
Key Ingredients You'll Need
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Go for chocolate bars instead of chips for smoother melting
- Cream Cheese: Don't skimp on fat - you need the full-fat kind for the creamiest results
- Bailey's Irish Cream: This gives your treats that special holiday flavor
- Instant Espresso: Just a small amount brings out the chocolate taste without making it coffee-flavored
- Sour Cream: This gives your cheesecake that slight tang and extra smoothness
- Heavy Cream: Needed for making that glossy chocolate topping
Step-By-Step Baking Guide
- Mix Your Brownie Base: Gently melt butter and chocolate on low heat. Take your time - rushing will burn your chocolate. While that's happening, mix your eggs with sugar, and sift the dry stuff to avoid lumps.
- Let Chocolate Cool Down: Make sure your melted chocolate isn't too hot before you add it to the eggs. If it's too hot, you'll end up with scrambled eggs in your brownie mix!
- Put Brownie Mix Together: After adding the chocolate, slowly mix in dry ingredients bit by bit. You want your batter thick but without lumps.
- Bake The Brownie Bottoms: Put about 2 tablespoons of batter into each greased mini cheesecake mold. Bake at 350°F for around 12 minutes until they're just done. Don't overbake them!
- Whip Up Cheesecake Mixture: Beat room-temp cream cheese with sour cream until it's fluffy, then add sugar, salt, and vanilla. Drop in eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Mix espresso powder with a little warm water, then stir in the Bailey's and cinnamon.
- Top Brownies With Cheesecake: Turn oven down to 325°F. Put about 2 tablespoons of cheesecake mix on each brownie base, filling almost to the top.
- Bake With A Trick: Bake for 12 minutes, then turn off your oven but leave them inside with the door shut for another 10 minutes. This stops them from cracking or sinking in the middle.
- Let Them Get Cold: Cool them all the way down, then stick them in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. They need this time to set up right and come out of the molds easily.
- Make Your Topping: Warm up heavy cream until it's steamy (but not boiling), then pour it over chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 10 minutes before stirring until it's shiny and smooth.
- Put It All Together: Take your cold treats out of the molds. Drop half a teaspoon of ganache on each one, and if you want to get fancy, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top.
Pin it
I found all this out the hard way when I made these for a party once. I tried to rush and take them out of the molds while they were still warm - what a mess! Now I always make them the day before so they turn out perfect.
Thoughtful Homemade Presents
These cute brownie bites make awesome gifts for friends and family. During holiday season, I put them in colorful mini cupcake papers and pack them in little boxes with see-through lids to show off that shiny ganache. For St. Patrick's Day, I tie green ribbons around the boxes and add little shamrock tags. People always think I bought them from a fancy bakery and can't believe I made them myself!
Easy Prep-Ahead Treats
The worst part of hosting is rushing around at the last minute, but these treats take that stress away. I often make them three days before a party and keep them in the fridge until about half an hour before serving. They actually taste better after sitting a day or two as the flavors mix together. I've even frozen them (without the ganache) for up to a month, then let them thaw overnight in the fridge before adding fresh ganache.
Pin it
Tasty Options For Any Time of Year
Bailey's makes the classic version, but I've tried tons of other flavors too. For summer, try using Malibu coconut rum and sprinkle with toasted coconut. In fall, swap in some bourbon and a dash of cinnamon. Winter holidays are great with peppermint schnapps and crushed candy canes on top. Spring feels fresh with limoncello and lemon zest. The brownie-cheesecake combo works with so many different flavors.
Making Lots For Big Groups
These little treats have been my secret weapon for big parties. You can double or triple the recipe without changing anything but the amounts. When my sister got engaged, I made 120 of these using a simple system: I baked all the brownie bases one day, added the cheesecake layers the next day, and put the ganache on the morning of the party. With a little planning, you can make tons of them without getting overwhelmed.
Pin it
Wrapping It Up
These Bailey's Cheesecake Brownie Bites have become my favorite dessert for special events. There's just something wonderful about the combo of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and silky ganache that makes everyone want more. The hints of Bailey's and espresso turn them from ordinary brownies into something really special that fits any celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should ingredients be at room temperature?
- It helps them mix smoothly, so you avoid over mixing and achieve better texture.
- → Why does the middle of my cake sink?
- A little sinking is fine, but opening the oven door too early can cause it to collapse more than usual.
- → How can I tell if it’s done?
- The edges will turn golden, and the center will still have a slight wobble. Don’t bake too long, or it’ll lose its gooeyness!
- → Is it okay to freeze this baked good?
- You can! Freeze it whole or in pieces for up to 2-3 months. Defrost to enjoy.
- → Where did Gooey Butter Cake come from?
- It started in St. Louis back in the 1930s, thanks to a sweet mistake made by a baker.