Decadent Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits: An Easy No-Bake Irish Cream Dessert for Any Occasion
Prepare to indulge in a truly luxurious dessert with these Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits. This recipe flawlessly combines the rich, coffee-infused elegance of classic Italian tiramisu with the smooth, creamy delight of Irish cream liqueur. Each mini serving is a masterpiece of three distinct, yet harmonious, layers: delicate ladyfingers soaked in an espresso mixture, a luscious mascarpone filling generously spiked with Bailey’s, and a final flourish of chocolate. These individual parfaits are not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully presented, making them the perfect decadent treat for dinner parties, special celebrations, or simply to elevate an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. Best of all, they are a no-bake wonder, simplifying your dessert preparation without compromising on flavor or sophistication.
Why These Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits Are a Must-Try
These Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits offer a delectable and convenient twist on the beloved Italian classic, making them an ideal dessert choice for any occasion. The magic lies in the seamless fusion of traditional tiramisu elements with the distinct, velvety notes of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur. Instead of a large, communal dish, these parfaits are perfectly portioned for individual enjoyment, resembling a miniature trifle. This individual format makes them incredibly easy to serve, eliminating the need for cutting and ensuring every guest receives a beautiful, perfectly layered dessert.
Beyond their charming presentation, the flavor profile is truly exceptional. The robust bitterness of espresso perfectly balances the sweetness of the mascarpone cream and the rich, malty undertones of the Bailey’s. The ladyfingers, softened by the coffee and liqueur, provide a tender texture that contrasts wonderfully with the light and airy mascarpone filling. This dessert is also a fantastic no-bake option, saving you oven space and time, especially valuable when preparing for gatherings. The chilling time is crucial, allowing all the distinct flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in an even more harmonious and rich taste experience that develops beautifully over time. It’s a sophisticated dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to assemble, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced home bakers.
Gather Your Ingredients for Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits
To create these delightful parfaits, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that contribute to their rich flavor and creamy texture. Below, we’ll dive into each component, offering insights and substitution suggestions to ensure your success. You can find all precise measurements, a full list of ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Perfect Parfaits
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to achieving the perfect Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfait. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to make the best choices for your dessert:
LADYFINGERS – Ladyfingers are the foundation of any tiramisu. You’ll typically find two main varieties: the traditional Italian hard and crunchy type, and the soft, spongy kind often found in your grocery store’s bakery section. For this particular recipe, we recommend using the soft, spongy variety as they absorb the espresso mixture beautifully without becoming overly soggy too quickly. If you opt for the crunchy type, which can sometimes be found in specialty or Italian markets, be very mindful of your dipping technique. A quick dip and immediate removal are essential to prevent them from disintegrating, unlike the soft variety which can handle a bit more saturation. If ladyfingers are hard to find, a plain sponge cake or even slices of pound cake can be carefully cut and used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
FILLING (Mascarpone Cheese, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Granulated Sugar, Heavy Whipping Cream) – This is where the magic happens! The filling is a luxurious blend that forms the creamy heart of the parfait.
- Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cream cheese is crucial for the signature richness and velvety texture of tiramisu. It’s much softer and less tangy than American cream cheese. Its high-fat content contributes to a wonderfully smooth and decadent mouthfeel. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier blending. While some recipes suggest substitutes like cream cheese mixed with sour cream, for an authentic tiramisu flavor, mascarpone is truly irreplaceable.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: The star of our Irish cream twist! Bailey’s adds a distinctive, sweet, and creamy liqueur flavor that complements the coffee and chocolate notes perfectly. The recipe divides the Bailey’s: a portion goes into the mascarpone filling for a direct flavor infusion, and the remainder enhances the espresso mixture. For a non-alcoholic version, you could use an Irish cream flavored syrup or extract, combined with a little extra milk or cream to maintain consistency.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the mascarpone and the bitterness of the espresso.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: When beaten to stiff peaks, heavy whipping cream provides lightness and airiness to the mascarpone mixture, making the filling fluffy and less dense. Ensure your cream is very cold before whipping for the best results.
ESPRESSO MIXTURE (Strong Brewed Espresso, Vanilla Extract, Remaining Bailey’s) – This mixture is vital for moistening the ladyfingers and infusing them with rich flavor.
- Strong Brewed Espresso: The depth of coffee flavor is paramount. Use freshly brewed, strong espresso and ensure it’s completely cooled before mixing with other ingredients. Hot espresso will melt your other components and lead to a soggy mess. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water and then cooled thoroughly will work.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a subtle warmth and sweetness.
BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE (Shaved for Garnish) – The shaved chocolate adds an elegant touch and a delightful textural contrast. Bittersweet chocolate provides a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the other layers. You can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to create delicate shavings. If you prefer, a dusting of good quality cocoa powder can be used as an alternative garnish.
How to Make Indulgent Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Begin by preparing your rich mascarpone filling. In a medium bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese (ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending), 2 tablespoons of the Bailey’s Irish Cream, and the granulated sugar. Gently whisk or stir these ingredients together until they are just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can curdle if overworked.
- In a separate, very clean mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape firmly when the whisk is lifted. Once whipped, carefully and gently fold the prepared whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. This step is crucial for creating a light, airy, and fluffy filling. Use a spatula and incorporate it in a few additions to maintain the volume of the whipped cream.
- Line up six individual dessert dishes. Mini trifle dishes work wonderfully for this, offering a beautiful presentation of the layers. If you don’t have mini trifle dishes, any clear glass parfait or dessert cups will showcase the layers beautifully.
- Prepare the espresso soaking liquid by stirring the vanilla extract and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of Bailey’s Irish Cream into the strong, cooled espresso coffee. Ensure the espresso is completely cold to prevent it from melting your mascarpone mixture or making the ladyfingers too soggy too quickly.
- Now, it’s time to assemble the parfaits! For each parfait, you’ll need a total of 4 ladyfingers, with 2 for each layer. Cut the ladyfingers into bite-sized cubes. Place approximately 6 cubes into the bottom of each dessert dish. Arrange them carefully, with 5 pieces around the edge and 1 in the center, ensuring that the cut side faces outwards and touches the side of the dish for a neat appearance. Dribble 2 scant tablespoons of the prepared espresso mixture evenly over the ladyfinger cubes in each dish. Repeat this process for all six dishes.
- Add the first layer of the luscious mascarpone cheese mixture to each dish. Use a heaping 1/4 cup or so per dish. Gently press down and spread the mixture evenly to create a smooth, consistent layer over the soaked ladyfingers.
- Lightly sprinkle this layer with some shaved bittersweet chocolate. Remember to reserve enough shaved chocolate for the top layer, as this will be your final garnish. This chocolate layer adds a pleasant texture and a hint of bitterness that complements the creamy filling.
- Repeat the entire layering process to create a second, equally delicious tier in each parfait. Start with another layer of cubed ladyfingers, dribble with more espresso mixture, then add another generous layer of mascarpone cheese mixture, spreading it smoothly.
- Once all layers are complete, use a clean, dampened cloth to gently wipe any smudges or drips from the edges of the dessert dishes. This ensures a professional and appealing presentation. Cover the top of each individual parfait tightly with plastic wrap. This is a crucial step to prevent drying out and to allow the flavors to truly meld. Place the parfaits in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. The longer chilling time allows the ladyfingers to fully soften, and the rich flavors of coffee, Bailey’s, and mascarpone to intermingle and develop a profound depth.
- When you are ready to serve your exquisite Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits, remove them from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before serving. Allowing them to come to just slightly above room temperature enhances their flavor and texture, making the Irish cream and coffee notes more prominent and enjoyable. If the filling is too cold, the flavors tend to be muted.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Parfaits
Absolutely, making these Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits in advance is not only possible but highly recommended! They are at their absolute best when prepared the night before, or at least early on the day you plan to serve them. The sweet spot for optimal flavor development is a chill time of approximately 6-8 hours in the refrigerator. This extended period allows all the layers—the coffee-soaked ladyfingers, the Irish cream-infused mascarpone, and the chocolate—to fully meld and deepen in flavor, creating a more harmonious and decadent dessert. Just remember to remove them from the refrigerator about an hour before serving, as the subtle notes of Bailey’s and espresso become more pronounced and enjoyable when the parfait is at or slightly above room temperature.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your parfaits. Ensure each parfait is individually covered tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator and keeps the delicate textures intact. Stored this way, the parfaits will remain fresh and delightful in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the ladyfingers might become too soft, and the flavors could begin to diminish.
Yes, you absolutely can! Many of our readers have successfully scaled this recipe to create a stunning large Bailey’s Tiramisu Trifle. Simply double all the ingredient quantities. Follow the same layering method you would for the individual parfaits, but scale up the amounts for a larger trifle dish. Layer the ladyfingers, espresso mixture, mascarpone cream, and shaved chocolate until your trifle dish is full. As with the individual parfaits, cover the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Allowing a minimum of 6-8 hours of chill time before serving is crucial for the best flavor and texture development. This large format dessert is perfect for larger gatherings and makes a show-stopping centerpiece!
For the best mascarpone filling, start with room temperature mascarpone cheese. This makes it easier to blend smoothly with the sugar and Bailey’s, preventing lumps. When folding in the whipped cream, do so gently in several additions using a spatula. This technique maintains the airiness of the whipped cream, resulting in a light and fluffy filling that isn’t dense. Overmixing mascarpone can cause it to curdle, so always mix until just combined and smooth.
The key to perfectly moist, not soggy, ladyfingers lies in the espresso mixture and careful application. Ensure your espresso is completely cooled; warm liquid makes ladyfingers absorb too quickly. For soft ladyfingers, a quick dribble of the espresso mixture, as instructed, is usually sufficient. If you choose to use crunchy ladyfingers, dip them very quickly, just a second or two per side, and then immediately lift them out. They absorb liquid much faster and can fall apart if over-soaked. The 6-8 hours of chilling time also allows the liquid to evenly distribute and soften the ladyfingers to the ideal texture.
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be non-alcoholic. Simply omit the Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur. For the filling, you can add a splash of milk or a non-alcoholic Irish cream flavored syrup or extract to maintain some of the intended flavor profile, though the taste will be milder. For the espresso mixture, just use strong brewed espresso or coffee combined with the vanilla extract. The dessert will still be incredibly delicious and creamy, offering a delightful coffee-chocolate experience.
Serving Suggestions for Your Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits
Presenting your Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits beautifully enhances the indulgent experience. For an elegant finish, top each parfait with a generous sprinkle of shaved bittersweet chocolate, a dusting of high-quality cocoa powder, or even a few decorative whole coffee beans. A sprig of mint or some fresh raspberries can also add a pop of color and freshness. As mentioned, for the absolute best flavor and texture, remove the parfaits from the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before you plan to serve them. This allows the creamy filling and the liqueur’s subtle notes to truly shine through. These parfaits pair wonderfully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a shot of espresso, or even a complementary after-dinner liqueur. Enjoy every decadent spoonful!
Discover More Decadent Desserts
If you loved these Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful and creamy treats:
- Tiramisu Trifle: A classic tiramisu in a grand, shareable trifle format.
- Individual Tiramisu: For those who prefer a more traditional, yet still perfectly portioned, tiramisu.
- Bailey’s Cheesecake: Another luscious dessert featuring the irresistible flavor of Irish cream.
- Tiramisu Trifle in Mason Jars: A fun and portable way to enjoy tiramisu, great for picnics or parties.
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Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits
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
- 1 lb mascarpone cheese
- 3 ½ tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream divided
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 24 soft ladyfingers 1 package*
- 1 ¼ cups strong brewed espresso cooled
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate shaved for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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6 mini trifle dishes or parfait dishes
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
Before You Begin
- There are two types of ladyfingers available on the market. Traditional Italian ladyfingers are hard and crunchy and there’s also a soft and spongy variety that you usually find in your grocer’s bakery department. Soft ladyfingers are more readily available, however you may be able to find the crunchy variety at specialty markets and Italian grocers. I used the soft, spongy variety for this recipe.
- If using crunchy ladyfingers, your method of dipping will be to place the cookie into the espresso (lay it in the liquid), then turn it over and lift it out. If you attempt this method with the soft variety, your ladyfingers will fall apart.
Instructions
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Combine mascarpone, 2 tablespoons of the Bailey’s Irish Cream, and the sugar. Whisk or stir together gently until combined.
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In mixer bowl with whisk attachment, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium high until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
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Line up six dessert dishes (I used mini trifle dishes).
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Stir the vanilla and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of Baileys into the cooled espresso coffee.
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You will need a total of 4 ladyfingers for each parfait, 2 for each layer. Cut ladyfingers into cubes. Place 6 cubes into the bottom of the dessert dish (5 around the edge and 1 in the center), arranging so that the cut side faces out and touches the side of the dish. Dribble 2 scant tablespoons of espresso over the cubes. Repeat for the other 5 dishes.
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Add a layer of mascarpone cheese mixture to each dish, a heaping 1/4 cup or so. Gently press down and spread to an even layer.
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Sprinkle with shaved chocolate, reserving enough for the second layer.
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Repeat the process, cubed ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, then shaved chocolate.
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Use a clean, dampened cloth to wipe the edges of the dessert dishes. Cover the top of each one with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours, overnight is best to allow the flavors to mingle.
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To serve, remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes ahead of time for best flavor and texture. When the filling is too cold the flavors are not as prominent.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Bailey’s tiramisu parfaits are actually best when made the night before, or early the day you plan on serving them. The sweet spot is making them around 6-8 hours ahead to allow the flavors to mingle in the refrigerator. Remove the parfaits from the refrigerator an hour before serving as the flavor is more pronounced at or slightly above room temperature.
- Store the parfaits, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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 originally appeared here on November 29, 2011, and has since been updated with new photos, expanded content, and expert tips to provide the most comprehensive guide to creating these delightful Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits.