Bailey’s Irish Cream Mini-Cheesecakes

Prepare your taste buds for a journey of exquisite flavors with these Bailey’s Irish Cream Mini-Cheesecakes, lovingly crafted by the skilled hands of your daughter. This delectable treat combines the richness of cream cheese, the warmth of Bailey’s Irish Cream, and the sweetness of chocolate, all nestled in a perfectly baked Oreo crust. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the culinary artistry and dedication that went into creating these mini-masterpieces.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 16 whole Oreo cookies, finely ground in a food processor
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

For the Filling:

• 16 oz (2-8 oz pkgs) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/3 cups sour cream
• 3 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly

For the Ganache Glaze:

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons light corn syrup

Instructions:

Step 1: Crust Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Combine the finely ground Oreo cookies and melted butter in a bowl until well combined.
3. Spoon the mixture into 24 mini cheesecake cups, pressing it into the bottom of each cup. Partially bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.

Step 2: Filling Creation

4. In a large bowl with a handheld or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
6. Stir in sour cream, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and vanilla.
7. Pour or spoon the batter into the cheesecake pan cups, filling them to a little less than half of the cup.
8. Add the melted chocolate to the remaining batter and fill the cups to about 3/4 full.
9. Bake for 25-28 minutes until the cheesecakes are cooked through. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Step 3: Ganache Glaze

10. Once the cheesecakes have cooled, loosen the edges with a plastic knife and remove them from the pan by pushing up on the removable bottoms.
11. Arrange them on a piece of waxed paper and prepare the ganache glaze.

Conclusion: Let your taste buds dance with joy as you savor the divine combination of textures and flavors in these Bailey’s Irish Cream Mini-Cheesecakes. Kudos to your daughter for crafting such a delightful culinary masterpiece. Each bite is a testament to her talent and love for creating unforgettable desserts. Be sure to shower her with compliments for bringing this sweet symphony of flavors to your table!