No-Bake Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake

Baileys feels like the essence of Christmas to me, so a gluten free No Bake Baileys Cheesecake seemed the perfect dessert for the holiday table.

It has a crunchy, buttery base made from gluten free chocolate Digestive biscuits and a silky, creamy Baileys cheesecake topping. Rich, simple and entirely no-bake, it sets in the fridge overnight so you can make it in advance and relax on the big day.

I usually prepare this cheesecake the night before guests arrive — it frees up oven space and gives the flavours time to meld. It’s also a great solution when eating out or ordering dessert; gluten free cheesecakes can be hard to find in restaurants, so making your own is both easy and reassuring.

I hope this recipe helps you get into the festive mood — enjoy this No Bake Baileys Cheesecake as much as we do.

Is Baileys Gluten Free?

There’s often confusion about gluten in alcoholic drinks, but the short answer is yes: Baileys is considered gluten free. Although Baileys contains whisky, spirits distilled from gluten-containing grains are generally safe because the final product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, which meets the usual coeliac-safe threshold.

Baileys also does not include other gluten-containing ingredients, so it’s a suitable choice for this recipe. In our house it’s a seasonal staple — perfect in coffee, hot chocolate or in this cheesecake.

Ingredients and substitutions

Below are the main ingredients for this No Bake Baileys Cheesecake and simple ideas for substitutes where applicable. A full printable recipe card is included in the instructions section.

Gluten free chocolate Digestive biscuits: These form the base. You can use plain digestives if you prefer, or another gluten free chocolate biscuit for a similar result.
Butter: Melted butter binds the base. Unsalted butter is ideal, but margarine can be used if necessary.
Full fat cream cheese: Use a full fat, good-quality cream cheese for a stable, creamy topping. Low-fat varieties won’t set properly.
Double cream: This whips up to provide structure and a rich mouthfeel. It’s best referred to as heavy cream in some regions.
Baileys: The star flavour. Use about 75ml for a pronounced Baileys taste; reduce to 50ml if you prefer a lighter hint.
Baileys truffles or chocolates: Use any gluten free chocolates you like to decorate the top. They’re optional but add a festive finishing touch.

Can I make this Baileys cheesecake dairy free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy — both the cream cheese and double cream are central to texture and flavour. I don’t recommend replacing them with dairy-free Baileys alternatives or plant-based creams without significant recipe testing, as the results can vary widely and the cheesecake may not set correctly. If you need a dairy-free dessert, consider a different recipe designed specifically for those ingredients.

How to line a cheesecake tin

A deep, 20cm springform tin works best for an even, tall cheesecake. If you only have a larger tin, the cheesecake will be thinner but still delicious.

To line the tin, pop the bottom out and place a square of baking paper over it so the paper overlaps the edges. Reattach the ring on top, which clamps the paper in place; trim any excess so it sits neatly. This approach avoids the common problem of the base sticking to the lip and makes removing the cheesecake far easier.

My gluten free no bake Baileys cheesecake

This No Bake Baileys Cheesecake is fuss-free and indulgent; even guests who aren’t following a gluten free diet will enjoy it. Make it in a 20cm tin and it will serve about 16 slices, or 12 generous portions if you prefer larger wedges. It keeps in the fridge for up to three days, though I recommend consuming it within that time for the best texture.

If you try the recipe, I’d love to see your photos and hear how it turned out — sharing baking makes it more fun.

Yield: 16

No Bake Baileys Cheesecake (Gluten Free)

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Chill Time:
6 hours (preferably overnight)

Total Time:
6 hours 30 minutes

This No Bake Baileys Cheesecake is an easy gluten free dessert, perfect for Christmas or any celebration. It has a chocolate Digestive base and a smooth Baileys-infused topping — make it the night before to serve a crowd.

Ingredients

For the base:

300g gluten free chocolate Digestive biscuits
100g butter, melted

For the topping:

600g full fat cream cheese
300g double cream
100g icing sugar
75ml Baileys

To decorate:

Grated dark chocolate
10–12 Baileys truffles or other gluten free chocolates

Instructions

To make the biscuit base:

Line the bottom of a deep 20cm springform tin with baking paper. Melt the butter gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave.
Blitz the gluten free chocolate digestives in a food processor until they form a fine crumb.
Add the melted butter and blitz again to combine. Press the biscuit mix firmly into the base of the lined tin until level. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the topping.

For the cheesecake topping:

Put the cream cheese and icing sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk until smooth.
Pour in the double cream and Baileys. Whisk, starting slowly and increasing speed gradually, until the mixture becomes very thick and holds soft peaks.
Spread the mixture evenly over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top and removing any air pockets. Refrigerate for at least six hours, preferably overnight, until set.
To finish, grate dark chocolate over the cheesecake and top with Baileys truffles. Serve chilled.

Notes

Best made the night before to allow proper setting. Keeps for up to three days in the fridge.

Need more gluten free Christmas inspiration?

If you enjoy this cheesecake, there are plenty of other gluten free festive recipes to try. Below are a few popular options from the same collection:

Gluten Free Mincemeat Flapjack
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
Easy Gluten Free Yule Log
Gluten Free Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding
Amaretti Biscuits
No Bake Chocolate Tart
Gluten Free Frangipane Mince Pies
Gluten Free Profiteroles
Baileys Fudge

There is also a full gluten free Christmas guide and a variety of seasonal recipes for savoury and sweet treats if you need ideas for a complete festive menu.

If you make this recipe, please share your photos and feedback — seeing your bakes is always a highlight and helps others decide if the recipe will work for them.

Like this Gluten Free No Bake Baileys Cheesecake recipe?

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