Description
Ingredients:
– 300g leftover Christmas cake
– 250g digestive biscuits
– 100g melted butter
– 400g cream cheese
– 250g mascarpone cheese
– 100g caster sugar
– 75g golden caster sugar
– 100ml double cream
– 1 tsp mixed spice
– 3 large eggs
– 3 tbsp Baileys
– Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 140°C (fan).
2. Crush the digestive biscuits with a rolling pin, then stir in ½ tsp of mixed spice.
3. Mix the melted butter with the crushed biscuits, pressing it firmly into the base of a 23cm springform pan. Sprinkle half of the Christmas cake over the base and press lightly. Chill in the fridge.
4. Whip the double cream in a separate bowl. Add the cream cheese, mascarpone, caster sugars, and eggs, blending until smooth. Mix in ½ tsp mixed spice, Baileys, and orange zest.
5. Carefully fold in the remaining Christmas cake, then pour the mixture over the chilled base.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake inside to cool—it should still have a slight jiggle.
7. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, gently remove the cheesecake from the pan. For a smooth finish, warm a knife in hot water and run it around the edge before removing the tin.
Prep time: 45 minutes, plus chilling overnight
Servings: 12+
This Baileys Christmas Cake Cheesecake is the perfect holiday dessert, combining the rich flavors of Christmas cake with a creamy cheesecake twist!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cheesecake. First, ensure all ingredients, especially the cheeses and eggs, are at room temperature for a smooth blend. When crushing the biscuits, place them in a sealed bag for a clean, even crumb. For the base, use the bottom of a glass to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the springform pan. When making the filling, mix the cheeses and sugars first until completely smooth before adding the eggs one at a time; this prevents overbeating and cracking. Folding in the Christmas cake last ensures it stays in pieces for bursts of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your cheesecake presentation with a drizzle of salted caramel or a chocolate ganache. A dollop of brandy-infused whipped cream complements the Baileys notes beautifully. For a festive touch, garnish with edible gold leaf, pomegranate seeds, or finely chopped candied orange peel. Serve each slice with a small glass of dessert wine or a hot espresso for a sophisticated end to your holiday meal.
How-to Summary
Create a spiced biscuit base, press half the Christmas cake into it, and chill. Blend cream cheese, mascarpone, sugars, eggs, spice, Baileys, and zest until smooth. Fold in remaining cake, pour over the base, and bake at 140°C (fan) for 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake cool inside to set gently. Chill overnight, then release from the pan using a warmed knife for clean edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without alcohol? Yes, replace the Baileys with an equal amount of strong cold coffee or a milk and vanilla extract mixture to mimic the depth of flavor.
My cheesecake cracked. What went wrong? Cracking is often due to overbeating the batter or a sudden temperature change. Ensuring ingredients are at room temperature and cooling it slowly in the oven helps prevent this.
How long will it keep? Stored covered in the refrigerator, the cheesecake will stay fresh for up to 4 days. It does not freeze well due to the creamy filling.
Can I use a different biscuit? Absolutely. Ginger nuts or bourbon biscuits make excellent festive alternatives to digestives.
What if I don’t have a springform pan? A deep, loose-bottomed tart tin can work, but be extra careful when releasing. Lining the base with parchment paper is highly recommended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using cold ingredients, which lead to a lumpy filling and potential cracking.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the eggs, as this incorporates too much air.
- Never skip the slow cool-down in the oven; removing it immediately causes it to sink and crack.
- Do not attempt to remove the cheesecake from the pan before it is fully chilled overnight, as it will not be set.
- Avoid overbaking. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you turn the oven off.
Conclusion
This Baileys Christmas Cake Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully combines two holiday classics. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a decadent, no-fail centerpiece for your festive table. Its make-ahead nature allows you to enjoy the celebrations stress-free. Rich, creamy, and packed with festive flavor, this cheesecake is sure to become a new cherished tradition.