Ingredients:
- 250g (9 oz) Digestive biscuits (Graham crackers in the US), finely crushed
- 100g (7 tablespoons) Unsalted butter, melted
- 25g (2 tablespoons) Granulated sugar
- 900g (32 oz) Cream cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 200g (1 cup) Granulated sugar
- 3 Large Eggs
- 2 Large Egg Yolks
- 120ml (½ cup) Baileys Irish Cream
- 120ml (½ cup) Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Cornflour)
- 120ml (½ cup) Heavy cream (for ganache)
- 170g (6 oz) Semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (for ganache)
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Baileys Irish Cream (for ganache)
Instructions:
- Combine crushed biscuits, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the springform pan. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then the egg yolks. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gradually blend in Baileys Irish Cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix in the cornstarch until just combined.
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil (double layer is best to prevent leaks!). Place the wrapped pan inside a large roasting pan.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, reaching halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake at a low temperature until the edges are set, but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking.
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute to melt. Whisk until smooth. Stir in Baileys Irish Cream.
- Release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Pour ganache over the top (if using) and spread evenly. Chill the ganache for 30 mins. Slice and serve chilled.