This Baileys ice cream is cool, smooth, moreish and made with just four core ingredients: cream, condensed milk, cocoa and Baileys!
To make this stunning no-churn dessert that's sure to have Baileys lovers falling at your feet, you'll start by whipping double cream to soft peaks.
Next, you'll add condensed milk, cocoa and, of course, Baileys and whisk again to produce irresistibly voluptuous, creamy, chocolatey, Baileys-flavoured waves.
Pile into a container and freeze overnight, then adorn with Baileys chocolates and chocolate sauce to achieve some serious wow factor.
The finished Baileys ice cream scoops beautifully and has a gorgeous, distinctive hue that tells your its Baileys before you even take your first bite.
Here's the full recipe.
Ingredients
For the ice cream
- 600 ml double cream
- 20 g cocoa powder
- 200 g condensed milk
- 100 ml Baileys
To decorate (optional)
- 3 tbsp chocolate sauce
- 100 g Baileys chocolates
Equipment
- 1.5ltr freezer container with lid
Instructions
Put the cream in a mixing bowl.
Whisk to soft peaks.
Add the condensed milk and Baileys, then sift the cocoa powder on top.
Whisk until thick and even.
Spoon the mixture into the container and level off. Place in the freezer overnight to set.
Once set, you can add the chocolate sauce.
And a few Baileys chocolates, if you like. I think they look attractive slightly smashed on top.
Stand your ice cream scoop in warm water to make it easier to serve your Baileys ice cream.
If it's still too firm to serve, allow the tub to stand covered for 10 minutes (or less on a hot day) and it should be easier to work with.
Enjoy!
Is Baileys ice cream easy to make?
This Baileys ice cream recipe is very easy to make! All you need is Baileys, double cream, and condensed milk. Simply combine the cream and condensed milk in a bowl and whip until thick, then mix in the remaining ingredients and freeze it. Simple!
I topped my Baileys ice cream with some Baileys liquor chocolates, but feel free to skip that step or top it with any other chocolate you prefer.
This recipe has only a few steps and ingredients, so it should be straightforward to follow. But if you get lost at any point, you can always refer back to the photos above.
Will I need any special equipment to make Baileys ice cream?
This recipe is designed so you can make it using household tools. So you'll only need a measuring jug, a bowl, a whisk and a 1.5ltr freezer safe container with lid, although you could use any size freezer safe tub as long as it has a lid.
What is condensed milk?
Condensed milk is milk that has been boiled down until about 60% of the water has evaporated. This process makes it much sweeter than regular milk and it's often used in desserts.
How can I tell if double cream has gone off?
A sure way to tell if double cream has gone bad is to give it a sniff. Fresh cream will have a mild, milky smell while sour cream will smell faintly of cheese. If you see any lumps or notice that the cream has separated, it's best to discard it.
Does Baileys go off?
Baileys has a relatively long shelf life and according to the label, it doesn't need to be refrigerated even after opening. This is probably because the high alcohol and sugar content work as effective preservatives.
At the time of writing, (June 2022), bottles of Baileys come with a Best Before date of around 24 months from the production date.
However, over time Baileys will start to lose its flavour and become less creamy. If you notice any changes in appearance or taste, it's best to discard it.
How can I tell if my Baileys has gone off?
A sure way to tell if Baileys has gone bad is to give it a sniff. Fresh Baileys will have a mild, chocolatey smell while sour Baileys can sometimes smell faintly of cheese.
Baileys should be a pale, creamy brown colour, though as it gets older the colour becomes darker. So if you aren't sure if your Baileys is fresh, pour some into a clear glass and check the colour.
You can also give it a little taste as the last check to confirm it's safe to use.
Where can I buy Baileys?
Baileys is available from most supermarkets and liquor stores worldwide. It's most popular and easily available in the UK, US and Australia. Remember you can use any brand of Irish cream if you can’t find Baileys.
Is Baileys ice cream suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Baileys ice cream is suitable for vegetarians as it doesn't contain any meat or fish.
Animal-derived products can be used to thicken, colour or flavour sweet and savoury food, so it sneaks into the most surprising ingredients!
So always make sure that you double-check all of your ingredients labels to ensure that they are vegetarian. Also, don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your recipe.
Is Baileys ice cream suitable for vegans?
No, Baileys ice cream is not suitable for vegans as it contains milk and cream.
However, you could use vegan ingredients to make a suitable version of this recipe.
Baileys make their own plant-based version with almond milk - so you could swap the Baileys for that. Or there are other plant-based versions of Irish cream liquor available.
For the cream and condensed milk, you could try using plant-based cream and condensed milk. Coconut cream might work well in this recipe. However, the texture might not be as creamy, as the fat content is different to dairy cream.
You could try making Baileys 'nice cream' instead!
Nice cream is a dairy-free and vegan alternative to traditional ice cream. It's made by blending frozen bananas until they are smooth and creamy. You could add plant-based Baileys, cocoa powder and condensed milk to the bananas and blend until combined.
Is there a vegan Baileys?
For a vegan alternative to Baileys there are many options. Baileys offer a plant-based version of the original recipe called ‘Baileys Almande’, made using Almond milk, almond oil and almond essence.
At the time of writing this (June 2022) Baileys Almande is suitable for vegans. However make sure you buy a certified vegan version of Baileys Almande, as some previous versions contained beeswax in the ingredients, making it unsuitable for vegans.
There has been some talk of Baileys discontinuing production of Baileys Almande. So if you can't find it in-store feel free to use a different brand of vegan Irish cream liqueur.
Is Baileys ice cream gluten-free?
Yes, Baileys ice cream is gluten-free as it doesn't contain any wheat or barley.
At the time of writing (June 2022), Baileys is considered gluten-free.
However, please check the labels of the Baileys and condensed milk to be sure they are also gluten-free.
Is Baileys ice cream keto-friendly?
Baileys ice cream is not keto-friendly as it contains condensed milk and Baileys which are high in sugar.
Is Baileys ice cream healthy?
This recipe for Baileys ice cream is not particularly healthy as it contains a lot of cream and condensed milk. However, there's nothing wrong with enjoying a little treat every now and then!
Baileys ice cream is an indulgent dessert that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Is Baileys ice cream safe to eat during pregnancy?
This ice cream contains Baileys, which is alcoholic - so it isn't suitable for pregnant people. It also contains a fair amount of sugar, which can also pose issues for pregnant people.
A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.
Is Baileys ice cream suitable for babies and toddlers?
No! This ice cream contains alcoholic Baileys, sugar and dairy. So it's definitely not suitable for babies, toddlers or children.
A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a health professional.
The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.
What goes well with Baileys ice cream?
There are lots of things that go well with Baileys ice cream! Why not try serving it with:
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh fruit
- Whipped cream
- A drizzle of Baileys
- Crushed meringue
- Chopped nuts
Can I make the Baileys ice cream without Baileys?
Yes, you could make this recipe without Baileys. However, it would no longer be Baileys ice cream!
If you want to make an alcohol-free version, you could try using a non-alcoholic Baileys or another flavoured syrup.
What's the difference between double cream and heavy cream?
In the UK, double cream is a little bit thicker than heavy cream. It has a fat content of around 48%, whereas heavy cream has a fat content of around 36%.
In the US, heavy cream and double cream are often labelled as the same thing. Though whipping cream tends to have a fat content closer to double cream.
So if you're using this recipe in the US, you can most likely use either heavy or double cream. Just make sure to check the fat content on the label of your cream.
Do I have to use double cream in this Baileys ice cream recipe?
No, you don't have to use double cream. You can use whipping cream or even single cream if you prefer.
The type of cream you use will affect the texture of your Baileys ice cream. Whipping cream will give you a lighter, fluffier ice cream. Single cream will make a richer, more dense ice cream.
Can I make Baileys ice cream without condensed milk?
Yes, you could make Baileys ice cream without condensed milk. However, it would no longer be as rich and creamy.
You could try using Baileys or another flavoured syrup instead.
Can I make Baileys ice cream without an ice cream maker?
This recipe is designed so that you don't need an ice cream maker. However, if you have one, it will speed up the process slightly. Simply add all of the ice cream ingredients into your ice cream maker and churn as you would for other ice cream recipes.
How should I store Baileys ice cream?
You need to store your Baileys ice cream in the freezer. Otherwise, it will turn into
Before serving, Baileys ice cream needs to be thawed for about 30 minutes. To do this, remove it from the freezer and leave it on the counter until it's soft enough to scoop.
How long will Baileys ice cream keep?
Baileys ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Though the texture will begin to deteriorate after a month.
Make sure to make and store it in a freezer-safe container.
Can I leave Baileys ice cream out on the counter?
No, Baileys ice cream needs to be stored in the freezer. Otherwise, it will turn into a puddle of Baileys and cream!
If you want to eat it sooner, you can remove it from the freezer and leave it on the counter until it's soft enough to scoop. This will take about 30 minutes.
Can I make Baileys ice cream ahead?
Yes, Baileys ice cream can be made ahead. In fact, it's best to make it a day or two in advance so that it has time to freeze properly.
When you're ready to eat it, remove it from the freezer and leave it on the counter until it's soft enough to scoop. This will take about 30 minutes.
Can I keep Baileys ice cream in the refrigerator?
No, Baileys ice cream needs to be stored in the freezer. Otherwise, it will turn into a puddle of Baileys and cream!
If you want to eat it sooner, you can remove it from the freezer and leave it on the counter until it's soft enough to scoop. This will take about 30 minutes.
Can I freeze Baileys ice cream?
Yes, Baileys ice cream is supposed to be frozen. In fact, it's best to make it a day or two in advance so that it has time to freeze properly.
When you're ready to eat it, remove it from the freezer and leave it on the counter until it's soft enough to scoop.
What's the best way to scoop Baileys ice cream?
The best way to scoop Baileys ice cream is to let it soften on the counter for about 30 minutes first. This will make it easier to scoop.
If you're in a hurry, you can put it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up. Just be careful not to melt it!
If you want to be really fancy you could even quenelle your ice cream.
How to do a quenelle?
A quenelle is a classic ice cream serving technique. It's simple, but it gives your Baileys ice cream a professional finish.
Here's how to do it:
- Warm two dessert spoons in warm water.
- Scoop up some Baileys ice cream with one of the spoons.
- Use the other spoon to shape it into an oval shape.
- Place your Baileys ice cream quenelle on a plate and enjoy!
If you need any more help, here's a good video explainer for how to scoop a quenelle.
How do I make Baileys ice cream smooth and creamy?
There are a few things you can do to make Baileys ice cream smooth and creamy:
- Let it soften on the counter for about 30 minutes before scooping.
- Don't over-mix it when you're stirring in the Baileys.
- Use a high-quality ice cream or condensed milk.
What's the best way to prevent Baileys ice cream from getting icy?
To prevent Baileys ice cream from getting icy, make sure to:
- Let it soften on the counter for about 30 minutes before scooping.
- Don't over-mix it when you're stirring in the Baileys.
- Use a high-quality ice cream or condensed milk.
- Store it in a freezer-safe container. If you leave the ice cream exposed to air in the freezer, it will develop freezer burn. Freezer burn is when ice crystals form on the surface of the ice cream, making it dry and icy.
What's the best way to prevent Baileys ice cream from getting too soft?
You can prevent Baileys ice cream from getting too soft by storing it in a freezer-safe container. If you leave the ice cream exposed to air in the freezer, it will develop freezer burn.
Freezer burn is when ice crystals form on the surface of the ice cream. The ice crystals form because of a process similar to evaporation. When ice cream is stored in the freezer, the water molecules in the ice cream slowly escape into the air. This process is called sublimation.
Sublimation happens more quickly when there is more surface area exposed to the air. So storing Baileys ice cream in a container with a tight lid will help prevent it from developing freezer burn.
Can I make Baileys ice cream with a different kind of alcohol?
Yes, you could make Baileys ice cream with a different kind of alcohol. However, Baileys is a cream liqueur, so it's already pretty creamy. If you use a different kind of alcohol, you might want to add some additional cream to the recipe to make up for the fact that it won't be as creamy.
You could also experiment with other flavours of Baileys. Baileys has a few different flavours, like mint chocolate and even a birthday cake flavour. So these could make for some interesting ice cream flavours!
Can I make Baileys ice cream in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?
Yes, you could make Baileys ice cream in a stand mixer. However, you would need to use the whisk attachment to whip up the cream and condensed milk.
If you don't have a stand mixer, you can simply use a hand mixer or even a whisk - though unless you lift weights, you'll probably get very tired!
Can I make Baileys ice cream with a food processor?
A food processor would be too difficult to use for this recipe. Cream splits easily in a food processor, so it's best to avoid using one for this recipe.
How can I make sure my Baileys ice cream turns out perfectly?
This recipe is super simple, so you should easily end up with picture-perfect Baileys ice cream.
However, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure your Baileys ice cream turns out perfectly:
- Don't over-mix it when you're stirring in the Baileys.
- Use a high-quality ice cream or condensed milk.
- Store it in a freezer-safe container. If you leave the ice cream exposed to air in the freezer, it will develop freezer burn.
- Let it soften on the counter before scooping.
What should I do if my Baileys ice cream turns out too soft?
If your Baileys ice cream turns out too soft, you can store it in a freezer-safe container. If you leave the ice cream exposed to air in the freezer, it will develop freezer burn.
Freezer burn is when ice crystals form on the surface of the ice cream. The ice crystals form because of a process similar to evaporation. When
Why did my cream split or turn very loose when I mixed it?
When you mix cream, it can sometimes split or turn very loose. This usually happens if you mix the cream for too long, or if the cream is too warm.
In this recipe, the cream is mixed with condensed milk, which should reduce the chance of it splitting.
However, if you mixed your cream before adding the condensed milk and it split, you can try putting it in the fridge for a little while to see if that helps it firm up.
You can also try adding a little bit of milk to the mixture to see if that helps.
If all else fails, you can always start again with fresh cream!
Where is the origin of ice cream?
Some say that the first ice cream was made in China over 2000 years ago. Others say that it was first made in Persia.
However, the first known recorded recipe for ice cream was written in 1671 by Antonio Latin, a famous Italian chef. The recipe was for a frozen mixture of milk, cream and flavouring.
However, it wasn't until the 18th century that ice cream began to be popular in Europe and North America.
Who invented Baileys?
Baileys or Baileys Irish Cream was invented in 1974 by Tom Jago, a British marketing executive, and his team at Diageo. Jago also created Johnnie Walker Black Label and many other popular alcohol brands.
Baileys was inspired by a whiskey-based cream liqueur that Jago had tasted in County Cork, Ireland.
When Baileys was first created, it was originally only sold in Ireland. However, due to its popularity, it was soon being sold worldwide. Baileys is now the world's number one selling liqueur.
Are there other recipes I can make with Baileys?
Yes! I love Baileys, so I have a lot of Baileys recipes on the site. Here are a few of my favourites:
- Ultimate Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Luxurious Baileys Brownies
- Baileys Lava Cakes
- Baileys Cheesecake (No Bake!)
Print this Baileys ice cream recipe
Baileys Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
For the ice cream
- 600 ml double cream
- 20 g cocoa powder
- 200 g condensed milk
- 100 ml Baileys
To decorate (optional)
- 3 tbsp chocolate sauce
- 100 g Baileys chocolates
Equipment
- 1.5ltr freezer container with lid
Instructions
- Put the cream in a mixing bowl and whisk to soft peaks.
- Add the condensed milk and Baileys, then sift the cocoa powder on top.
- Whisk until thick and even.
- Spoon the mixture into the container and level off. Place in the freezer overnight to set.
- Once set, you can add the chocolate sauce and a few Baileys chocolates, if you like. I think they look attractive slightly smashed on top.
- Stand your ice cream scoop in warm water to make it easier to serve your Baileys ice cream.
- If it's still to firm to serve, allow the tub to stand covered for 10 minutes (or less on a hot day) and it should be easier to work with.
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