How to Make Irish Cream Chocolate Tart (Alcohol-Free)

Last Updated on March 22, 2025 by Souhail

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts, then this Irish Cream Chocolate Tart (Alcohol-Free) is a must-try. With a luscious chocolate filling infused with the smooth, velvety taste of Irish cream, this tart is the perfect indulgence for any occasion. The best part? It’s completely alcohol-free, making it suitable for all ages and gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate Irish flavors, whether for a special event or even St. Patrick’s Day, honoring the patron saint of Ireland with a deliciously decadent treat.

This recipe is ideal for those who love the deep, luxurious taste of chocolate combined with the subtle sweetness of Irish cream. The silky chocolate ganache sits on a crisp, buttery tart crust, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping holiday dessert, a special treat for a birthday, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings, this tart is bound to impress.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Alcohol-Free But Still Flavorful

Traditional Irish cream contains alcohol, but this version replicates the same creamy, caramel-chocolate essence without it. By using a homemade or store-bought alcohol-free Irish cream, you get the same indulgent taste without the buzz.

2. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness

The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and Irish cream creates a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the deep cocoa notes to shine.

3. A Foolproof Chocolate Ganache

The filling is made with a simple chocolate ganache that comes together effortlessly. It’s smooth, velvety, and sets beautifully in the fridge.

4. Customizable for Dietary Needs

This recipe can be adapted for different dietary preferences. Use a gluten-free crust for a celiac-friendly version or swap the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives to make it vegan.

5. Make-Ahead Convenience

This tart is perfect for preparing in advance, as it needs to chill before serving. It sets beautifully in the fridge, making it a stress-free dessert for entertaining.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers
• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar

For the Irish Cream Chocolate Filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) alcohol-free Irish cream (store-bought or homemade)
• 10 oz (285g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

And For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Prepare the Crust (10 minutes)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate cookies, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch tart pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

2: Make the Chocolate Filling (10 minutes + chilling time)

1. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and alcohol-free Irish cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir gently until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

3: Chill and Set (At least 4 hours)

1. Transfer the tart to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

4: Garnish and Serve

1. Before serving, top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
2. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use good-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill the tart overnight for a firmer set.
• If you prefer a crunchier crust, bake it for an extra 2 minutes but be careful not to burn it.
• For a smoother ganache, stir gently and avoid incorporating air bubbles.

Variants of the Recipe

1. Gluten-Free Irish Cream Chocolate Tart

For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the chocolate cookies for gluten-free chocolate biscuits or crushed almond flour crackers. The rest of the recipe remains the same, making it an easy adaptation for those with dietary restrictions.

2. Vegan Irish Cream Chocolate Tart

To make this tart completely dairy-free and vegan, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based Irish cream alternative. Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.

3. White Chocolate Irish Cream Tart

For a unique twist, replace the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate. This will create a lighter, creamier tart with a delicious vanilla-caramel flavor. Just be sure to reduce the amount of butter slightly, as white chocolate is naturally softer.

4. Coffee-Infused Irish Cream Tart

For a bolder flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling. This enhances the richness of the chocolate and gives a subtle coffee kick, making it perfect for coffee lovers.

5. Nutty Irish Cream Chocolate Tart

Stir in ½ cup of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds into the crust or sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Card

Irish Cream Chocolate Tart (Alcohol-Free)

Recipe by SouhailCourse: DessertCuisine: IrishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

This Irish Cream Chocolate Tart (Alcohol-Free) features a rich, silky chocolate ganache filling infused with the smooth taste of Irish cream. With a crisp chocolate crust and a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this tart is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the Tart Crust

• 1 ½ cups (180g) crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar

• For the Irish Cream Chocolate Filling

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup (120ml) alcohol-free Irish cream

• 10 oz (285g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

• For the Topping (Optional)

• Whipped cream

• Chocolate shavings

• Cocoa powder for dusting

Directions

• Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix crushed chocolate cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9-inch tart pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool.
• Make the Filling: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and alcohol-free Irish cream over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate, butter, vanilla, and salt. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
• Assemble and Chill: Pour the filling into the cooled tart crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or cocoa powder. Slice and enjoy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Irish Cream Chocolate Tart (Alcohol-Free) is a show-stopping dessert that delivers deep chocolate flavor with a smooth, creamy Irish cream finish, all without the alcohol. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving an indulgent treat, this tart is a perfect choice. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit different dietary needs.

Looking for more St. Patrick’s Day-inspired treats? You might love trying this Irish Potato Candies Recipe, a sweet and spiced traditional Irish-American confection. If you’re planning a full Irish feast, pair this tart with a comforting Irish Coddle Recipe or a hearty Corned Beef Hash for the ultimate holiday meal.

For chocolate lovers, why not explore another rich and gooey dessert like this Chocolate Cobbler Recipe? And if you enjoy making chocolate-based treats, check out these tips on Making Chocolate-Covered Desserts for more inspiration.

Now it’s your turn! Try this Irish Cream Chocolate Tart and let me know how it turns out. Have any favorite toppings or twists? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out more decadent desserts on Wikitasty.