Creamy, indulgent, and just the right amount of boozy, Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge is the sweet treat you never knew you needed—until now. This rich dessert features velvety smooth white chocolate laced with the unmistakable warmth of Irish cream liqueur, finished with a decadent drizzle of dark chocolate. It’s the perfect fusion of holiday cheer and year-round comfort.

Whether you’re preparing a sweet addition to a festive dessert tray, crafting edible gifts, or just treating yourself to something lush and luscious, Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge delivers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you don’t need to be a candy-making expert to nail it. A handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and you’ve got a fudge that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge, having the right tools at your side makes all the difference:

Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Ensures even heating and prevents scorching your sweet mixture.
Silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping down every last bit of fudge.
8×8-inch baking pan: Gives your fudge the perfect thickness.

Parchment paper: A game changer for lifting the finished fudge out easily and cutting it cleanly.
Microwave-safe bowl (optional): If melting chocolate separately for the drizzle, this is handy.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters when it comes to texture and taste.

A candy thermometer isn’t needed here, which makes this recipe extra beginner-friendly. Just melt, mix, and chill—no sugar stages to worry about.

Ingredients for the Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge

Each ingredient in this recipe brings a specific flavor or texture that turns basic fudge into something spectacular:

White chocolate chips – The creamy base that melts into a rich, smooth texture and balances the boozy edge.

Sweetened condensed milk – Adds body, sweetness, and that signature fudgy consistency.
Bailey’s Irish Cream – The star of the show, bringing velvety liqueur notes and holiday warmth.
Unsalted butter – Boosts richness and adds silky finish.

Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors with a gentle sweetness.
Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the other ingredients and keeps it from being cloying.
Dark chocolate (for drizzle) – Adds a visual contrast and a slightly bitter edge that pairs beautifully with the sweet fudge.

How To Make the Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt and Combine

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until everything is melted and the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Bailey’s Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until fully combined. The mixture will be thick and creamy.

Step 4: Set the Fudge

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Drizzle

Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the fudge using a spoon or fork for decorative flair.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours or until fully set. Once firm, lift it out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge

Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge is rich, so a little goes a long way. Serve it as bite-sized squares on a dessert platter at parties, or tuck a few into a gift box lined with wax paper for a beautiful homemade treat. It also pairs perfectly with coffee or a glass of Bailey’s itself for an adults-only dessert moment.

To store, place the fudge in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap it well and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is the alcohol flavor in this fudge?

It’s present but subtle—more of a creamy warmth than a strong kick. You can always adjust the Bailey’s amount to suit your taste.

Can I use a different liqueur instead of Bailey’s?

Yes! Kahlúa or another Irish cream alternative works well. Just make sure it has a similar consistency and sweetness.

Can I make this fudge without alcohol?

Absolutely. Replace the Bailey’s with heavy cream or flavored coffee creamer for a non-alcoholic version that still tastes amazing.

Does the fudge need to stay refrigerated?

It’s best stored in the fridge to keep its firm texture, especially in warmer months.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan if doubling. Just make sure to give it more time to set in the fridge.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then wiped dry. Clean between cuts for sharp edges.

Want More Fudge & Dessert Ideas?

If you love this creamy Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge, you’ll definitely want to try a few more indulgent bites from the Life With Olivia kitchen:

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge – Quick, classic, and deliciously foolproof.
Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake – A tropical escape in every bite.
Coconut Snowballs – Sweet, snowy treats perfect for the holidays.

Kentucky Butter Cake – Rich, buttery, and drenched in syrup.
Apple Enchiladas – A cinnamon-spiced, comfort-packed favorite.

For even more dessert inspiration, check out my Pinterest where I share new recipes daily: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra drizzle or swap in a different liqueur? Did you go alcohol-free?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 36 small squares

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge is ultra-creamy, subtly boozy, and perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence. With sweet white chocolate, a touch of Bailey’s Irish Cream, and a rich dark chocolate drizzle, it’s a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

3 cups white chocolate chips

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup dark chocolate (melted, for drizzle)

Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.

2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir until smooth and fully melted.

3. Remove from heat and stir in Bailey’s Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well incorporated.

4. Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the fudge.

6. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firm.

7. Once set, lift fudge from pan using the parchment, cut into squares, and serve.