Go Back
- 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - A pinch of sea salt When making Baileys Irish Cream fudge, you need quality ingredients. The sugar adds sweetness. Cocoa powder gives the fudge a deep chocolate flavor. Unsalted butter helps create a creamy texture. Heavy cream adds richness and helps the fudge set. Baileys Irish Cream is the star of this recipe. It brings a unique flavor that makes the fudge special. You can use a non-alcoholic version if you prefer. The vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and extra flavor. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. You can swap Baileys Irish Cream for a non-alcoholic version or flavored syrup. If you need dairy-free options, use coconut cream for heavy cream. Substitute vegan butter for unsalted butter. These swaps will still give you tasty fudge. Always choose high-quality chocolate and butter. Good chocolate will melt smoothly and taste better. Look for butter with a high-fat content for a rich flavor. Using quality ingredients will make your fudge shine. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Mixing dry ingredients Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients well. This mix gives your fudge a rich, chocolatey base. - Incorporating wet ingredients Next, add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the dry mix. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to boil. This step is crucial; it helps blend everything smoothly. - Boiling and simmering techniques Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring all the time. You want it to be thick and bubbly. This simmering allows flavors to meld, making the fudge even tastier. - Cooling process and proper methods After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of Baileys Irish Cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. If you like nuts, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans now. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Pour the fudge mixture into the dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, transfer it to the fridge for at least 2 hours to set completely. Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out. Cut it into squares for serving. Enjoy your sweet treat! - Overheating the mixture: Fudge can burn if you heat it too much. Keep your heat low after boiling. This helps the fudge set right. - Not allowing the fudge to cool correctly: If you cut it too soon, the fudge will be too soft. Be patient and let it cool fully. - Using a candy thermometer: This tool helps you measure the temperature. Aim for soft-ball stage, around 234°F to 240°F. This ensures your fudge has the right texture. - Mixing techniques for smooth fudge: Stir slowly and gently. This helps to blend the ingredients well. Avoid whipping air into the fudge for a dense texture. - Soft fudge issues: If your fudge is too soft, it may not have cooked long enough. Try cooking it a bit more next time. It should be thick and not runny. - Hard fudge solutions: If your fudge is too hard, it may have cooked too long. You can fix it by melting it again with a bit of cream. Add a little liquid and stir to soften. Pro Tips Use a Candy Thermometer: For perfectly smooth fudge, monitor the temperature of the mixture. It should reach around 234°F (112°C) for the ideal texture. Chill Before Cutting: Allow the fudge to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for easier cutting and a cleaner edge. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts such as almond or hazelnut for a unique twist on the classic Baileys flavor. Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can make this fudge even better! Try adding espresso or coffee flavors. Just mix in a tablespoon of instant coffee with the dry ingredients. You can also switch out Baileys for other liqueurs like Kahlúa or Amaretto. Each choice brings a new taste to enjoy. Toppings can make your fudge special. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries also work well. Just fold them in after mixing in the Baileys. This adds texture and flavor to your fudge. Serving matters too! Cut the fudge into neat squares. Place them on a decorative platter for a nice look. Dust with cocoa powder or edible gold glitter for a fancy touch. You can also serve with whipped cream on the side. This adds a creamy finish that everyone will love. You can store Baileys Irish Cream fudge at room temperature or in the fridge. For room temperature, keep it in an airtight container. This helps it stay fresh and soft. If you choose the fridge, it will last longer, but the fudge may harden a bit. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving. How long does Baileys fudge last? When stored properly, this fudge lasts about two weeks at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to four weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like a change in smell or texture. You can freeze Baileys Irish Cream fudge for longer storage. To freeze, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fudge in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will keep the fudge fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. After thawing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Yes, you can! Use a non-alcoholic version of Baileys or a flavored syrup. This way, you keep the taste without the alcohol. Many brands offer great options. Look for "Irish cream flavored syrup" in stores or online. You can tell the fudge is done when it thickens and bubbles. Stir it for about five minutes after it boils. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon. If it looks thick, it's ready to cool. If your fudge doesn’t set, it may need more time. Place it in the fridge for a few more hours. If it’s still soft, you can reheat it gently. Add more sugar and cook until it thickens. Pour it back into the pan and chill again. Absolutely! You can mix in peppermint or orange extract. Use about a half teaspoon. This adds a fun twist to your fudge. Just be careful not to add too much, or it may overpower the taste. Cut the fudge into small squares. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. If it’s too soft, chill it a bit longer. For a pretty display, dust it with cocoa powder or edible glitter before serving. Enjoy! This blog post covered how to make Baileys Irish Cream Fudge. We explored ingredients, substitutions, and quality tips. We went over step-by-step instructions and important techniques to ensure great results. I offered tips to avoid common mistakes and shared fun variations to try. Lastly, we discussed storage options and answered common questions. Whether you make it with or without alcohol, this fudge is a treat. Enjoy your sweet creation!

Creamy Baileys Fudge

A rich and creamy fudge infused with Baileys Irish Cream, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Irish
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir to combine.
  • Add the unsalted butter and heavy cream to the dry ingredients. Over medium heat, constantly stir until the mixture starts to boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring continuously. The mixture should be thickened and bubbly.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
  • Line a square baking dish (8x8 inches) with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. Pour the fudge mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  • Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about half an hour, then transfer it to the fridge to fully set for at least 2 hours.
  • Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment overhang, and cut it into squares.

Notes

Serve the fudge squares on a decorative platter and dust with cocoa powder or edible gold glitter for an elegant finish. Consider pairing with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch!
Keyword Baileys, chocolate, dessert, fudge