Ingredients:
- 250g Digestive Biscuits
- 100g Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 600g Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
- 300ml Double Cream (Heavy Whipping Cream), very cold
- 150g Icing Sugar, sifted
- 150ml Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 Gelatine Sheets (optional)
- 50g Dark Chocolate, chopped
- 50ml Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur (for topping)
Instructions:
- Line the base of a 9-inch springform tin with parchment paper. Crush the Digestive biscuits finely (using a food processor or rolling pin) until coarse sand consistency is achieved.
- Combine the crushed biscuits, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl until uniformly coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared tin base. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set firmly.
- If using gelatine sheets, soak them in cold water for 5 minutes until pliable, then squeeze out excess water. Gently warm the 50ml of Baileys (for the topping mix) in a small saucepan—do not boil. Remove from heat and dissolve the softened gelatine into the warm liqueur, stirring until clear. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free. Gradually beat in the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Pour in the 150ml of Baileys and mix on low speed until incorporated. If using gelatine, gently fold the cooled gelatine/Baileys mixture into the cream cheese mix.
- In a separate, very cold bowl, whip the double cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions using a large spatula, taking care to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Pour the entire filling mixture over the chilled biscuit base. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Cover loosely with cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally overnight, until completely firm.
- Once set, carefully run a thin, warm knife around the edge of the tin before releasing the springform side.
- For the final drizzle, gently melt the 50g of dark chocolate. Stir in the remaining 50ml of Baileys until smooth. Drizzle the topping over the cheesecake just before serving.