Irish Cream Cheesecake with Mixed Berries
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Description:
Delight in a luxurious, creamy dessert that pairs the rich flavors of Irish Cream liqueur with a tangy cheesecake base, complemented by a fresh and colorful mixed berry topping. This indulgent Irish Cream Cheesecake with Mixed Berries is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or as a special treat for family and friends. The combination of smooth cream cheese filling and a buttery graham cracker crust offers a sophisticated twist on the classic cheesecake, while the berry topping provides a refreshing, natural sweetness. Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Category: Cheesecake
Keywords: Dessert, Raspberries, Strawberries, Berries, Fruit, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
For the Crust:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Graham cracker crumbs |
1 cup |
| Sugar |
3 tbsp |
| Butter (melted) |
3 tbsp |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Cream cheese |
3 (8 oz) packages |
| Sugar |
1 cup |
| Vanilla extract |
1 tsp |
| Sour cream |
1 cup |
| Irish Cream liqueur |
1/3 cup |
| Eggs |
4 large |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Sour cream |
1 cup |
| Sugar |
1/4 cup |
For the Berry Topping:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Strawberries |
1 cup |
| Raspberries |
1 cup |
| Blackberries |
1 cup |
| Sugar |
To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient |
Amount |
| Calories |
487.2 kcal |
| Fat Content |
32.7 g |
| Saturated Fat Content |
17.8 g |
| Cholesterol Content |
152.1 mg |
| Sodium Content |
296.8 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content |
43.4 g |
| Fiber Content |
5.2 g |
| Sugar Content |
34.4 g |
| Protein Content |
7.9 g |
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir well to ensure the mixture is evenly moist.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom (but not the sides) of a 9-inch springform pan. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press the crumbs down firmly for an even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and fragrant. Once done, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool. Maintain the oven temperature at 350°F.
For the Filling:
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes to achieve a creamy texture.
- Add Sour Cream and Irish Cream: Add the sour cream and Irish Cream liqueur to the mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate the Eggs: With the mixer on its lowest setting, add the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—just beat until each egg is incorporated into the batter.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for evenness.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and golden, and the center is just set. When you gently shake the pan, the center should no longer jiggle.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. During this time, the cheesecake will continue to firm up slightly.
For the Topping:
- Prepare the Sour Cream Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth and well blended.
- Spread the Topping: Gently press down on the edges of the cheesecake to flatten them slightly, then spoon the sour cream topping evenly over the cheesecake.
- Bake the Topping: Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step ensures the sour cream topping is set and smooth.
- Cool Again: After 10 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
For the Berry Topping:
- Prepare the Berries: In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Gently toss them together to combine.
- Sweeten the Berries: Taste the mixed berries and add sugar as needed. Start with a teaspoon or two and adjust based on your preferred sweetness.
- Serve the Cheesecake: After the cheesecake has been refrigerated overnight, carefully release it from the springform pan.
- Top with Berries: Spoon the berry mixture over the top of the cheesecake just before serving, ensuring an even distribution of fruit across the surface.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: This cheesecake is best when made a day ahead, as chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- Berry Variations: Feel free to experiment with other berries or fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, or even peaches, depending on what’s in season.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Enjoy this decadent Irish Cream Cheesecake with Mixed Berries, a dessert that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration or a special family gathering, this cheesecake will quickly become a favorite treat.
