Decadent Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge: Your Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Treat
Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly rich and impossibly creamy Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge! This isn’t just any fudge; it’s a luscious concoction bursting with deep chocolate flavor, beautifully infused with the iconic taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated sweet indulgence for yourself or a festive dessert to share, this recipe is your golden ticket. And for those special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, a scattering of sweet, vibrant sprinkles transforms it into a perfectly themed treat that everyone will adore.
Why This Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge Will Be Your New Favorite
This Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s designed to be effortlessly delicious, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Imagine bringing these delightful, bite-sized squares to your next St. Patrick’s Day party or holiday gathering. Adorned with charming shamrock and gold coin toppings, alongside shimmering green sugar sprinkles, they are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a festive sight. That burst of fresh, vibrant green instantly evokes the joy of spring!
The Irresistible Blend of Baileys and Chocolate
The magic of this fudge lies in the harmonious marriage of rich chocolate with the smooth, creamy notes of Baileys Irish Cream. Baileys, a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa, naturally complements chocolate, elevating the fudge from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. Each bite offers a velvety texture and a luxurious flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate. While the recipe calls for just 1 teaspoon of Baileys Original Irish Cream for a subtle “hint” of flavor, its presence is undeniable and perfectly balanced with the chocolate. For those who crave a bolder taste of Irish cream, feel free to experiment and add a little more to suit your preference. Just remember to enjoy responsibly!
Unmatched Creaminess and Simple Preparation
One of the standout features of this fudge is its ultra-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, achieved with the clever inclusion of mini marshmallows and butter. These ingredients work together to create a fudge that is consistently creamy, never grainy. What’s more, this entire process is surprisingly simple, requiring only a medium-large pot on your stovetop. With just about 15 minutes of active cooking time, you’ll be well on your way to a perfect batch of fudge. The setting process is equally straightforward: 30 minutes at room temperature, followed by 1 hour in the refrigerator. After that, it’s ready to slice and savor! You can conveniently store this delectable treat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the best taste experience, we suggest allowing it to come to room temperature briefly before devouring.
An 8-Ingredient Wonder
Could it get any better? Yes, it can! This incredible fudge recipe only requires 8 simple ingredients, making it an accessible and stress-free dessert. Just like our popular Chocolate Walnut Fudge recipe, simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor here. Who doesn’t appreciate a straightforward yet incredibly delicious fudge recipe? We certainly do!
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
A square (or two!) of this rich Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge is an absolute dream when enjoyed with a steaming cup of hot coffee. The coffee’s bitterness perfectly cuts through the fudge’s sweetness, creating a balanced and comforting treat. Beyond coffee, consider serving it alongside a glass of milk, a creamy Irish coffee, or even as a sophisticated conclusion to a festive meal.
While seasonal sprinkles are a fun addition for holidays, this Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge is equally delightful in its purest form, allowing the incredible Irish cream and chocolate flavors to truly shine. You absolutely cannot go wrong with that decision – it’s a classic for a reason.
Remember, the 1 teaspoon of Baileys provides a subtle yet distinct flavor. If you find yourself craving a more pronounced Irish cream kick, feel free to increase the amount to your liking. It pairs exceptionally well with the rich chocolate, and a little extra can truly transform the profile without overpowering the other delightful notes. Always be mindful of the alcohol content when adjusting. This recipe is an invitation to customize and make it your own!
Ingredients for Your Decadent Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this heavenly fudge. With just a few pantry staples and, of course, that special bottle of Baileys, you’ll be well on your way to a delightful dessert.
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, plus a little extra for greasing your 8″ x 8″ x 2″ pan. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in your fudge.
- 3 cups of mini marshmallows. These are key for achieving that incredibly smooth and creamy texture without the need for a candy thermometer.
- 1 cup sugar. I personally use organic pure cane sugar, and it yields excellent results, contributing to the fudge’s sweet foundation.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream. Also known as heavy whipping cream, this adds to the richness and luxurious mouthfeel of the fudge.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. A touch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the deep chocolate flavors.
- 1 teaspoon (or more, to taste) Baileys Original Irish Cream. The star ingredient that infuses our fudge with its signature boozy, creamy essence.
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate (chips or morsels). The quality of your chocolate truly makes a difference here, so opt for the best you can find. Dark chocolate morsels can also be substituted for a deeper, less sweet chocolate profile.
- Optional: Seasonal holiday sprinkles. For that extra festive touch, especially perfect for St. Patrick’s Day with green, gold, or shamrock shapes!
Essential Kitchen Tools for Fudge Making
Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable fudge-making process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8″x 8″ baking pan: The perfect size for a generous batch of fudge.
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal of your perfectly set fudge.
- Cookie sheet (optional, for cooling/setting).
- Chef’s knife: For clean, precise cuts once the fudge has set.
- Cutting board: To protect your surfaces when slicing.
- Baking spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the pan and spreading the fudge evenly.
- Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula: For stirring your fudge mixture on the stovetop.
- Medium-large saucepan: To combine and melt your ingredients.
We trust you’ll absolutely love making and savoring this Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and an easy way to bring a touch of indulgence to any day. Remember to enjoy responsibly, especially with the Irish cream! If you’re “fudge-alicious” and craving more, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic fudge recipes:
- Red Velvet Fudge
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
- Easy Pumpkin Pie Fudge
- White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
More St. Patrick’s Day Delights
Looking to round out your St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Here are some other festive recipes to get you in the spirit!
- Classic Irish Coffee
- Savory Fried Cabbage
- Authentic Irish Soda Bread
- Fun Green Jello Shots
- Hearty Corned Beef Hash
- Naturally Green Shamrock Shake
- Boozy Leprechaun Cocktail
- Easy Instant Pot Corned Beef
Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for greasing the 8 x 8 x 2 in. pan
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sugar I used organic pure cane sugar and it works very well
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream heavy whipping cream works as well
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 12 ounces semi sweet chocolate use the best quality you can find, it does make a difference, you can also substitute dark chocolate morsels
- Optional: Seasonal holiday sprinkles
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Prepare your pan: Grease an 8″ x 8″ pan with a little butter. Then, line the greased pan with two pieces of parchment paper, crisscrossing them and leaving an overhang on all sides. Butter the parchment paper as well. This crucial step will make it incredibly easy to remove the finished fudge from the pan later. Set the prepared pan aside.
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Melt the base: In a medium-large saucepan, combine the 4 tablespoons of butter, 3 cups of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and continuously until the mini marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. This process typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Patience here ensures a silky base for your fudge.
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Combine and set: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add 1 teaspoon of Baileys Original Irish Cream (or more, if desired for a stronger flavor) and the 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips or morsels. Stir vigorously until the chocolate is fully melted and all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a homogenous, glossy fudge mixture. Pour this hot fudge mixture into your prepared 8″ x 8″ pan. Gently shake the pan a few times to help level out the fudge. After about 5 minutes, if you’re using them, sprinkle your optional holiday sprinkles evenly over the top. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for 25 minutes. Once slightly cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
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Slice and serve: Once the fudge is completely set and firm, use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan and onto a clean cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the fudge into desired serving squares. For the best cuts, you can run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. Enjoy your homemade Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge!
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on January 25, 2017, and has been updated to provide even more delicious details and tips for making the best Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge!