Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie

Introduction & Inspiration

I’m always on the lookout for decadent yet easy-to-make desserts, especially those that involve chocolate and a creamy texture. This Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie, with its Oreo crust, rich chocolate pudding filling, and boozy whipped cream, immediately caught my eye! It seemed like the perfect dessert for a special occasion, a dinner party, or simply a luxurious treat.

My inspiration came from a love of chocolate cream pies and a desire to create a version with a sophisticated, adult twist. The addition of Baileys Irish Cream to both the filling and the whipped cream promised a unique and delicious flavor combination.

My goal was to find a recipe that was mostly no-bake (aside from potentially baking the crust if making it from scratch), used readily available ingredients, and yielded a truly impressive and indulgent result. This Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie seemed to fit the bill perfectly: an Oreo crust, a quick chocolate pudding filling, and a homemade Baileys-infused whipped cream.

This recipe could be perfect for a romantic dinner.

Nostalgic Appeal

This Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie, while sophisticated in flavor, taps into several nostalgic elements. Chocolate cream pie, in general, is a classic dessert, often associated with diners, family gatherings, and comforting, familiar flavors.

The use of an Oreo pie crust is a nostalgic element for many, evoking memories of childhood treats, no-bake desserts, and easy baking projects.

The instant chocolate pudding mix, used in the filling, is a convenient and familiar ingredient that many of us grew up with, adding a touch of retro charm.

And the whipped cream topping, a classic addition to many pies and desserts, evokes a sense of simple elegance and homemade goodness.

Homemade Focus

While this recipe utilizes some convenience ingredients like instant pudding mix and a pre-made or homemade Oreo pie crust, the overall feeling is still very much homemade, thanks to the from-scratch Baileys-infused whipped cream and the thoughtful assembly of each component. It’s about taking shortcuts and elevating them with fresh, flavorful additions.

I appreciate recipes that balance convenience with homemade elements, and this one strikes that balance perfectly. You’re still putting in the effort to make a luscious whipped cream from scratch, infusing it with the unique flavor of Baileys Irish Cream.

The addition of Oreo crumbs and mini chocolate chips to the filling adds a personal touch and enhances the overall chocolate experience.

And the act of assembling the pie – layering the pudding filling, adding the Oreo crumbs and chips, and topping it with the boozy whipped cream – creates a beautiful and inviting dessert that feels truly special.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal of this Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie is a rich, creamy, and intensely chocolatey experience with a subtle boozy kick from the Baileys Irish Cream. It’s a multi-layered dessert that’s both decadent and satisfying.

The Oreo pie crust provides a crunchy, chocolatey base that complements the creamy filling.

The chocolate pudding filling, made with milk, Baileys, and instant chocolate pudding mix, delivers a rich, smooth, and intensely chocolatey flavor with a hint of Irish Cream.

The Oreo crumbs and mini chocolate chips added to the filling provide bursts of chocolate flavor and a pleasant textural contrast.

And the Baileys-infused whipped cream topping adds a light, airy, and subtly boozy finish that complements the other flavors perfectly.

The overall effect is a pie that’s both decadent and balanced, offering a truly unforgettable chocolate experience with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. I’ll explain why each one is important, without listing specific measurements (those are in the recipe section).

For the Pie:

Whole milk: This is used to make the chocolate pudding filling.

Baileys Irish Cream: This is the star ingredient, adding a subtle boozy kick and a creamy, caramel-like flavor to both the filling and the whipped cream.

Instant chocolate pudding mix: This provides the foundation for our quick and easy filling, offering a rich chocolate flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.

Homemade or store-bought Oreo pie crust:

Oreo cookies, filling removed, finely crushed:

Mini chocolate chips:

For the Whipped Cream & Assembly:

Heavy cream:

Granulated sugar:

Baileys or pure vanilla extract: You can choose to add Baileys to the whipped cream for an extra boozy kick, or use vanilla extract for a more traditional flavor.

Mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, Oreos, cocoa powder, and/or sprinkles, for decorating (optional):

This ingredient list is very simple.

Essential Equipment

You won’t need a lot of specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

A large bowl and a whisk: For making the chocolate pudding filling and the whipped cream. A hand mixer is helpful for whipping the cream, but you can also do it by hand.

An 8-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought):

Measuring cups and measuring spoons.

This is a very simple list.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

Pie:

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup Baileys
• 1 (5.9-oz.) packet instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 (8″) homemade or store-bought Oreo pie crust
• 6 Oreo cookies, filling removed, finely crushed
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Whipped Cream & Assembly:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. Baileys or pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. Mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, Oreos, cocoa powder, and/or sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

These ingredients will make a perfect dessert.

Gather all ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps. I’ll guide you through each stage.

Make the Pie:

Step 1: Prepare Pudding Filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, Baileys Irish Cream, and instant chocolate pudding mix until well combined. Let the pudding thicken for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie. Spread half of the pudding into the prepared Oreo pie crust in an even layer. Top with the crushed Oreo crumbs and mini chocolate chips. Gently spread the remaining pudding over the top.

Step 3: Chill. Cover the pan with a layer of plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming on the pudding) and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight. This allows the filling to set completely.

Make the Whipped Cream & Assembly:

Step 1: Whip Cream. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Baileys. Add the granulated sugar and Baileys (or vanilla extract) and whip until the mixture is thickened and creamy, about 1 minute (it should hold its shape when you lift the mixer up).

Step 3: Top and Decorate. Dollop the whipped cream onto the chilled pie (be sure to use all of it!). Top with desired toppings (mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, crushed Oreos, cocoa powder, or sprinkles), if using.

These instructions are very simple.

Troubleshooting

Let’s address some potential issues, and how to solve them:

Problem: My pudding filling is too runny. Solution: Make sure you used instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. Also, allow it to thicken for the full 5 minutes after whisking. If it’s still too runny, you can try adding a little more pudding mix, but this may alter the flavor slightly.

Problem: My whipped cream isn’t forming stiff peaks. Solution: Make sure your heavy cream is very cold. You can also chill the bowl and beaters for a few minutes before whipping.

Problem: My pie crust is crumbling. Solution: If using a homemade crust, ensure the butter wasn’t too warm.

These tips are very helpful.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations for this Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie:

Tip: For a more intense Baileys flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon or two to the filling or the whipped cream.

Variation: Use a different flavor of pudding mix, such as vanilla or white chocolate, for a different flavor profile.

Tip: If you don’t have an Oreo pie crust, you can make your own by combining crushed Oreo cookies with melted butter and pressing it into a pie dish.

Variation: Add a layer of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling or on top of the whipped cream.

Tip: For a smoother filling, make sure to whisk the pudding mix thoroughly with the milk and Baileys until there are no lumps.

Variation: Instead of whipped cream, you can top the pie with a chocolate ganache or a layer of chocolate shavings.

This recipe is very versatile.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie is a rich and decadent dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. Here are some serving and pairing ideas:

Serving: Serve the pie chilled, straight from the refrigerator.

Pairing: * A cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of cold milk pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and Baileys flavors. * This pie is perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a truly indulgent dessert.

Serving: Cut the pie into slices and serve on individual plates.

This is a perfect dessert for an event.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is approximate due to variations in specific ingredients and serving sizes. One slice of pie (assuming 8 slices per pie) may contain:

• Calories: 400-500
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
• Cholesterol: 70-100mg
• Sodium: 250-350 mg
• Total Carbs: 40-50 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 30-40 grams
• Protein: 5-7 grams

This pie is a treat, and it should be eat in moderation.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s conclude with a summary of the recipe and answers to some frequently asked questions:

Recipe Summary:

Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie features an Oreo crust, a rich and creamy no-bake chocolate pudding filling infused with Baileys Irish Cream, and a topping of homemade Baileys-infused whipped cream. It’s a decadent and surprisingly easy dessert that’s perfect for any chocolate lover.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes! In fact, it needs to chill for at least 8 hours, so it’s perfect for making ahead. You can make it up to a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: How long will the pie keep in the refrigerator? A: It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, stored in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze this pie? A: I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled pie, as the texture of the pudding and whipped cream may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the crust separately.

Q: I don’t have Baileys Irish Cream. What can I use instead? A: You can use another cream liqueur, such as coffee liqueur or chocolate liqueur, or you can omit it and use vanilla extract instead.

Q: Can I made it without alcohol? A: yes