Aunt Elenore’s Bailey’s Irish Cream Bars

🍀 Aunt Elenore’s Bailey’s Irish Cream Bars 🍀

What is it?
Aunt Elenore’s Bailey’s Irish Cream Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, creamy flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur with the sweet and satisfying goodness of a dessert bar. These bars offer a perfect blend of a crunchy cookie crust, a velvety Irish cream filling, and a luscious chocolate topping.

History:
The history of Bailey’s Irish Cream Bars is not well-documented, but they are inspired by the popular Irish cream liqueur, Bailey’s. Bailey’s Irish Cream was created in 1974 by David Dand, a distillery executive. Its smooth, velvety taste made it an instant hit, and it has since been incorporated into various dessert recipes, including these bars.

Components:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups of crushed chocolate graham crackers
  • ½ cup of melted butter
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
  • 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 large eggs
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup of heavy cream

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Prepare the Crust:

   • In a bowl, combine the crushed chocolate graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
   • Press this mixture into the bottom of the greased pan to form the crust.

3. Make the Filling:

   • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s creamy.
   • Add the sweetened condensed milk and Bailey’s Irish Cream, and mix until smooth.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.

4. Bake:

   • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.

5. Cool:

   • Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

6. Prepare the Topping:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

7. Pour Topping:

   • Pour the chocolate topping over the cooled bars and spread it evenly.

8. Chill:

   • Refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours or until the topping is set.

9. Cut and Serve:

   • Once the bars are set, cut them into squares or bars of your desired size.

Time Needed:
The total time needed for preparation and cooking is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including cooling and chilling time.

Enjoy Aunt Elenore’s Bailey’s Irish Cream Bars with a cup of coffee or a glass of Bailey’s Irish Cream for a delicious and indulgent treat! 🍫🍀🥃

Sure, here’s some nutritional information and health considerations for Aunt Elenore’s Bailey’s Irish Cream Bars:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving, assuming 16 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 4g

Health Information:

1. Calories: These bars are relatively high in calories, mainly due to the butter, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. They should be enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. Total Fat: The bars are quite rich in fat, with a significant amount of saturated fat, primarily from the butter and cream cheese. Excessive saturated fat intake is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, so it’s essential to consume such treats sparingly.

3. Cholesterol: The bars contain a moderate amount of cholesterol, mainly from the cream cheese and eggs. If you have dietary restrictions related to cholesterol, be mindful of your overall daily intake.

4. Sodium: The sodium content in these bars is relatively low, which is good for those who need to limit their sodium intake.

5. Total Carbohydrates and Sugars: The carbohydrate content is mainly from the graham cracker crust and the sweetened condensed milk, which contributes to the high sugar content. High sugar intake is associated with various health issues, including weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

6. Protein: While there’s some protein from the cream cheese and eggs, it’s not a significant source of protein.

In summary, Aunt Elenore’s Bailey’s Irish Cream Bars are a delicious but indulgent treat. They are high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar, which makes them best enjoyed as an occasional dessert rather than a regular part of your diet. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to consume them in moderation or explore alternative dessert options that are lower in these less desirable nutrients.