Bailey’s Ice Cream
This Bailey’s Ice Cream is a fantastic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! It’s boozy, creamy and absolutely delicious.
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Robbie and I have been busy building an epic leprechaun trap lately. I tell ya – this is the year! I feel it in my bones. This is the year we’ll finally capture that tricky little leprechaun. There’s no way he’ll be able to resist that trail of Lucky Charms cereal. And as soon as he eats the pile of cereal – *boom* The door will close down, and he’ll be ours!
While Lucky Charms might be the way to tempt a leprechaun, this Bailey’s Ice Cream is the way to tempt me. Good thing we didn’t build a larger trap and bait it with this ice cream – I’d be in trouble!
Bailey’s Ice Cream
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, and this Bailey’s Ice Cream is a great way to celebrate! Of course, this boozy ice cream would be delicious anytime of the year…it just feels especially appropriate around March 17. (On a side note, St. Patrick’s Day is always on March 17 because it is believed that St. Patrick died on March 17 in the year 461.)
Bailey’s Irish Cream (or any Irish cream liqueur) is creamy by nature. A Bailey’s on the rocks tastes like drinking melted ice cream – it’s delicious. So it’s not a far stretch to turn that creamy cocktail into a dessert! This Bailey’s Ice Cream starts with an egg yolk base (technically that makes it a custard) so it’s already super creamy. Add in the Bailey’s, and you’ve got a frozen treat that’s basically boozy dessert perfection!
Ingredients in Bailey’s Ice Cream
- Heavy Cream and Whole Milk. These bring the fat content that you need to make creamy, delicious ice cream.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream. Adds a sweetness along with the boozy flavor of Irish cream. As Bailey’s contains alcohol, this lowers the freezing point of the ice cream. The result is an ice cream that is soft yet creamy.
- Sugar. Sweetens the cream and milk.
- Egg yolks. Egg yolks stabilize ice cream and also provide a rich texture.
- Vanilla extract. For added vanilla flavor.
- Chocolate chips. These are optional, but the chocolate pairs nicely with the Irish cream. They also add texture to the finished ice cream.
Several brands used to make Bailey’s Ice Cream, but I haven’t come across it in recent years. No matter, homemade ice cream is the way to go here. If you’ve never made homemade ice cream, don’t fret – it’s surprisingly easy!
Growing up, I remember using the old-timey churn style ice cream machine with my grandpa. You know, the kind where you pack rock salt all around the outside and then start turning the hand crank until your hand falls off. That method is still totally acceptable!
However, for a much easier method that saves your arm, I recommend picking up an electric ice cream maker. They’re not all that expensive, and you’ll be all set to make easy homemade ice cream recipes. No need for bags of ice or rock salt. No need to turn that crank a million times. The hardest part is remembering to freeze the bowl the night before!
Once the ice cream base is ready and chilled, just pour the liquid into the bowl of the ice cream maker. Turn it on, and in about 30 minutes you’ll have homemade ice cream! The initial ice cream is rather soft (think soft serve). If you transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container and then freeze it for another couple of hours (or overnight), it will become harder and easier to scoop.
Whether you’re getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit or just in the mood for a delicious, creamy ice cream, put this Bailey’s Ice Cream on the list! We served it after a dinner party with neighbors, and it didn’t last long. Guess it’s time to make another batch!
Did you make this homemade Baileys Ice Cream recipe at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!
Bailey’s Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- {optional} ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Using a medium saucepan, add heavy cream, milk and Bailey’s; stir until well combined.
- Place over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, using a separate heat-proof bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until smooth.
- Once Bailey’s mixture begins to simmer, pour half into the bowl with the eggs, whisking vigorously while you pour to prevent eggs from scrambling.
- Pour egg mixture back into the saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture thickens noticeably and coats the back of a spoon.
- Once the custard mixture has thickened, remove from heat and add the vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Pour mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean container. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the mixture, and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- {Optional} When ice cream is almost done churning, add mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer ice cream into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to harden.
Looking for more St. Patrick’s Day recipes? Check out these other favorites, too:
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i leave out the irish cream as i don’t use alcohol at home i never had bailey’s ice cream before perfect for hot days in Singapore love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Hey Ramya! I totally understand wanting to omit alcohol if you don’t drink at home. I would suggest replacing the Bailey’s with heavy cream, though – otherwise the proportions in this recipe wouldn’t be quite right.
David,
Here’s to catching that tricky little leprechaun! I think you could easily lure him with your delicious seasonal ice cream.
Happy St. Patty’s Day coming up to you!
Velva
Haha – this is the year, Velva! This is the year. 🙂 Thank you for the kind wishes…Happy St. Patrick’s Day right back at ya!
Yum. I know this is delicious.
Oh, it was so tasty, Mimi! Thank you!
Ooo I love Irish cream infused ice cream (and milkshakes!) And let’s be honest: even if you drizzle simple vanilla ice cream with some Irish cream, it will be elevated to a new level! I don’t know what about leprechauns, but you can definitely catch my attention with this luscious ice cream 🙂
You’re absolutely right, Ben – vanilla ice cream with an Irish cream drizzle is an easy way to replicate this recipe. But I do think you should try this homemade batch! It’s insanely delicious!
Chocolate chips optional? Never!:=) This sounds fabulous David. Can’t believe how fast this year is flying by. St Paddy’s Day already? Eeek…
Haha – I’m with ya, Sherry! Chocolate is never optional…well, unless it’s in the morning. I’m just not a chocolate in the morning kinda guy. Happy (early) St. Patrick’s Day!
Now were talking! this is my type of dessert.
It’s SO good, Raymund – and a fun way to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, too!
Boozey ice cream? Sign me up! Happy St Paddy’s Day. I forgot it was coming up..
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up soon – better find your green, Frank!
Love Bailey’s and pairing it in ice cream it such a great idea! Really looks incredibly creamy, and perfect for celebrating!
Bailey’s and ice cream is such a great combination – the flavor and creaminess of this ice cream is amazing! Thanks, Michelle!
I can’t say I’ve had Bailey’s ice cream before, but I’d love to try it! Such a fun recipe because it’s a dessert and cocktail all in one! So creamy and delicious, and I know I’d have to have at least two scoops! 🙂 Happy weekend, my friend!
This Bailey’s ice cream would be a great dessert – it’s creamy and delicious! It’s like an after-dinner cocktail and dessert all wrapped up into one. 🙂
I’m unclear about what happens if you catch a leprechaun. Do you get three wishes? Or a pot of gold? Let me know when you find out. In the meantime, save some of that Bailey’s ice cream for me! It sounds delicious!
You know, Jeff…I’m unclear about what happens if we catch a leprechaun, too. Will the dogs start barking like crazy? Will it run around the house dropping gold coins? I don’t think it grants wishes – that’s a genie. I think I’ll just stick to eating this ice cream!
What a genius dessert for St. Patrick’s day! Looks so rich and creamy.
Oh this was indeed a great one for St. Patrick’s Day…although truthfully this ice cream would be tasty any time of the year!
Boozy ice cream? Yum, count me in! I don’t have an ice cream maker and totally want to nab one.
You know, we wondered for a while whether an ice cream maker was worth it. Short answer: yes. 🙂 We really do make different ice creams throughout the year (not just summer). I say grab an ice cream maker and start with this boozy treat!!