Rich, creamy, and easy Baileys Irish Cream Ice Cream Recipe is a fun, chocolate Bailey's ice cream. An adult treat perfect for St. Patrick's Day – And any other time of the year! We love making this during the holiday season too!
Before you start this recipe make sure that your ice cream freezer container is fully frozen, at least for 24 hours!
In a large bowl with a hand mixer, stand mixer or whisk, whisk together milk (1 ½ cups), cocoa powder (½ cup), vanilla extract (1 ½ tsp) and salt (pinch) until cocoa powder and sugar are dissolved and combined. About 2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, whip or whisk well, another 2-3 minutes until thickened and no sugar granules can be seen.
Pour in heavy cream (2 cups), whip or whisk well, and continue whisking for another 2-3 minutes until thickened and no sugar granules can be seen.
You won’t add the Bailey’s until about 15 minutes before finishing churning.
Refrigerate ice cream base for 30 minutes or longer, prior to placing it in the ice cream freezer. By allowing it to hang out in the fridge, it will help it freeze faster, greatly improve the texture AND allows the cocoa powder to get to know the milk and the cream.
Stir it again one last time — a nice gentle stir to ensure everything is mixed well. Then pour into your ice cream freezer and follow the directions on your ice cream machine. Most ice cream machines take about 20-30 minutes to freeze to soft serve stage.
About 10-15 minutes before it’s finished churning, slowly add the Bailey’s Irish Cream (½ cup).
Ice cream straight from the machine is a soft serve texture. For firm, scoopable ice cream, pour soft ice cream into a chilled (I put my container in the freezer while the ice cream maker is on) loaf pan or I love this Tovlolo container.
If no cover then press a piece of wax paper onto the ice cream, then cover and tuck in the back of your freezer.
The longer you let it hang out, the harder it will be, a couple of hours will yield firm on the edges, soft in the center. Overnight or longer, firm, scoopable ice cream.
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Storage Tips
You can keep homemade Irish cream liqueur ice cream in the freezer for up to three months, sealed in an airtight container. If it becomes too firm for your liking, just let the container sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. To help prevent ice crystals, press a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap onto the surface of the ice cream. This ice cream is great served with a little additional Bailey’s poured on top or a little glass on the side. Since it contains alcohol, enjoy responsibly. I also like serving with a waffle cookie or shortbread cookie!Variations Classic Bailey's Ice Cream: Start with a vanilla ice cream base and add Bailey's Irish Cream to it. Bailey's Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Add chocolate chips or chunks for extra texture, stir the mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning. Coffee Irish Cream Ice Cream: Add 1 ½ -2 tablespoons instant coffee. Swirl in caramel after freeze. Nutty Irish Cream Ice Cream: Mix chopped and toasted (cooled) nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a creamy, nutty delight. Bailey's Almond Fudge Ice Cream: Mix chopped almonds and fudge pieces for a rich and nutty dessert.