Ultra (ultra!) creamy, ridiculously easy, just 5 staple pantry ingredients and 1g net carb a serving… this keto Irish cream recipe is surely bound to become a favorite!
Keto Irish Cream (i.e. a Baileys Copycat!) ☘️
A 5 minute hack!
“KISS Paola!” declared a sociology professor in high school. “Keep It Simple St*pid!” he continued, as I sat there deeply offended.
He was right though. And if you’ve been reading gnom-gnom for a while, you know I’ve a tendency to overcomplicate (and overthink) at times. Has it also lead to some of my best recipes yet? Sure! But then there are other times, such as with testing for a legit keto Irish cream recipe, that I frankly began to doubt I could give you something worth your while.
Two years ago I tried making it with a custard. ‘Twas a big no, you could taste the eggs. A year ago, I tried making a keto condensed milk as the base (like many of the most popular sugar-based recipes on the internet do). But all my attempts felt like a waste of time.
I mean, do you really want to spend 2 hours making a keto Baileys copycat? Yeah, me neither.
But this past week, as I perused the internet for more deets on what is actually in Irish cream, I wondered what would happen if I just blended a few ingredients together. I mean, why not? At most I would only lose 5 minutes of my life.
Oh surprise when something better than “the og” came out (for real). In fact, I even bought some actual Baileys yesterday to make sure I hadn’t suddenly lost my mind… and it was all wishful thinking on my part.
Spoiler: my sanity is intact. It’s creamier and has *much* nicer hues of actual cocoa and coffee throughout.
And perhaps the best part? You actually know what you’re consuming. Because upon this journey I found out that alcohols aren’t required to list their ingredients under the FDA (?!!). So all you get in the back label is a warning that it contains caramel color (you know, a common allergen). Which leads to my next question: why does it need caramel color if it’s supposed to have cocoa? Yeah, exactly…
Oh, and let’s not forget that a 2oz serving has a whooping 300 calories and 25g of sugar (like how?!!). Compare that to our keto version with 150 calories and 1g net carb. Its a no brainer, particularly once you realize how easy it is to hack.
The sweetener
By now I think you guys know that I’m a fan of using allulose syrup for drinks (because no aftertaste and it blends wonderfully!).
That said, granular allulose and xylitol work great here too as they dissolve fairly easily when blending.
But if using erythritol you do want to ensure its the powdered version, otherwise you’ll be chewing your way through minty crystals.
Or just make your own powdered sweetener: ensure your blender is dry, add the sweetener and run it until powdered. And you can then just go ahead and add the rest of your keto irish cream ingredients and blend away ;).
Looking for more refined sugar free ‘n keto cozy boozy treats?! Be sure to check out my eggnog (a reader favorite!) and hot toddy (a personal favorite!).
Oh and before I forget, remember that spiking your (actually thick ‘n creamy!) hot chocolate with Irish cream is *always* a good idea ;).
5-Minute Keto Irish Cream (i.e. a Baileys Copycat!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whiskey or bourbon
- 2/3 cup allulose syrup see notes for more options
- 1 teaspoon cocoa if you like it extra chocolatey feel free to go up to 2 tsp
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
- pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and run at low speed until *just* combined. I personally think that 2/3 cup of sweetener is enough (even using allulose), but feel free to sweeten to taste. Yuuup, thats it! Serve with ice and store in an airtight container in the fridge for a week.
- My one top tip: be sure to not over-mix or you could end up curdling your Irish cream (or turning it into whipped cream!). So when I say *just* combined, I mean seconds ok? Particularly if using a high speed blender.
- Using granular sweetener? Ensure your blender is dry, add the sweetener and run it until powdered. Wait for the dust to settle (literally), and then just go ahead and add the rest of your ingredients and blend briefly.
- No blender? While I did find it easier to emulsify (for lack of a better word) the ingredients together in one, a hand mixer or even a whisk will work too.
Can I use swerve sweetener in this recipe. I live in Canada.
Thank you
OMG, this is completely delicious! I’ve never been a fan of actual Baileys (too sweet) but this is perfect!
Next time I will water down my double cream a bit as I forgot it’s somewhat thicker/fattier than heavy cream.
I’m in the UK and apparently we can’t get Allulose here, but I used half Xylitol, half powdered Erythritol and it’s perfect, no aftertaste, just yumminess. 🙂
You can order Allulose on iherb
Thanks, Anthony, I’ll look into that. I’m very wary of ordering from the US in case I incur import charges, but it may be worth it to be able to sample this apparent wonder ingredient! Soooo many keto recipes specify Allulose as the best sweetner…
Saying that, I made this Irish cream again tonight (coincidentally) and it really is absolutely fine with Xylitol/Erthyritol. 🙂
This recipe is amazing! I think I might become a little obsessed!
Thank you for providing this recipe.
So, stinkin, GOOD!!!
Just made a batch. It’s delicious!! I used our high powdered blender on the lowest setting and it mixed up perfectly. I’m bringing it to my sister’s tomorrow for Christmas 🎄
I love Irish cream but find the sugar revolting. So I just finished making a batch. Quite good. I’ve changed the ratio of alcohol to cream to one cup alcohol to 2.5 cups of cream. I also added a bit more cocoa.
Happy dancing here. Yum!
Allulose is banned in Canada for some reason so I need to find other options. Makes doing any of your recipes just a little bit for difficult lol. What about sukrin syrup?
You can use any powdered sweetener Kalina, please see the notes in the recipe card 🙂
(Sometimes sweeteners take longer to be approved… I mean, I remember when stevia was banned in the UK! That said I think I pretty much always give you guys a sub?) xo!!
Can you get Bocha Sweet? IMO, the flavor of this alternative keto friendly sweetener is the best!
You can purchase Allulose in Canada now. Amazon.ca has a few different kinds available.
Awesome and delicious. No need to be concerned about expiring. Only over consumption!
Bahahahaha!
I LOVE Baileys but have recently discovered a dairy allergy. Any suggestions on making it dairy free. It sounds so good! Thanks and happy holidays!
Tracy I’ve been thinking about your comment for a few hours and I haven’t come up with anything (because I have a strong feeling that coconut cream wont work here…). Have you tried any dairy free cream alternatives that you like recently (you know, other than coconut cream?)
I do not mind oat milk but I can’t picture it being creamy enough to use.
Hi Paola. As liquid and powder have different volumes, when substituting powdered sweetener for liquid Allulose, how much sweetener should one use?
Thank you so much, I will try the extract.
Just an FYI, I don’t drink because of any reason except that I hate the taste of any and all alcohol 😉
And that’s reason enough! (No one needs to explain themselves in this space) 🙃
Wow 🤩 simply amazing!! I can’t wait to try this!!! Thank you!! Will you add RumChata to your list?! ♥️
Done and done Kim 🙌🏼
Yay 😀 thanks Paola!! Can’t wait!
Do you have to use the alcohol?
Thanks…
Why would you NOT use the alcohol?!? This recipe is a keto substitution for Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur!
I get where you’re coming from Daisy (it’s a tricky one as you mention!), but there are many reasons why peeps abstain from alcohol (religion, sobriety etc). I get a lot of questions like this, in fact.
As I always tell you guys, you do you!
People do, absolutely, avoid alcohol for a lot of reasons! I don’t drink because of medication myself and find either a bit of rum extract (there is a little bit of alcohol in extract, so anyone who needs to totally avoid any alcohol at all may not want to use that) or subbing in one of the alternative non alcoholic versions works. I made your Irish cream with Ritual brand rum whiskey alternative and it was great! I cut back on the “whiskey” because the non alc stuff packs a flavor punch. But my family who can have alcohol all drank and enjoyed it.
I also plan to try using cold strongly brewed coffee in place of the bourbon.
Ahhh medication yes! Can’t believe I forgot this one as this is why I abstained for a while.
Thank you Anne for sharing your experience! Many extracts of course have alcohol *facepalms herself*
Happy holidays!!
I am clean & sober but hope to make this to use as coffee creamer.
Thank you for this great idea to substitute cold brew coffee for the alcohol. I made it this morning with that substitution to use as a coffee creamer, and so far, it is the best keto coffee creamer I have found in my 5 1/2 year journey! I only used 1/3 cup of granular allulose and that was sweet enough for us. Whipped up super quick and easy with a handmixer. I can see making this decaffeinated for evenings, because I make my own cold brew and I can simply use decaffeinated instant coffee powder. This is such a great idea! We avoid alcohol and I normally would have swiped right past this recipe. I’m glad I didn’t. I always learn so much from the comment section! 🙂
It’s a tricky one Sherri, but many of you have commented in past boozy recipes, such as the eggnog, that you’ve successfully used extracts to sub out the alcohol (I haven’t personally tried them though, full disclosure).
I have, however tried bourbon extract in the past in pecan pie and can say that it was rather impressive. Maybe worth a shot?
Thank you!
Pun intended,of course!! 😉
OMG so simple and tasty! Can you do Kahlua next?
Isn’t it?!! And great idea Bob, added to the list 🙂
PS
I don’t know who posted the original recipe to give them credit sorry!
It’s basically the same just without the cream! Yum…maybe a little more coffee?.
I’ve got to get the ingredients an try this Irish cream , sounds wonderful. Maybe that will curb my sweet tooth . The caramel corn as well . I just have to get started on something sn get thrse pounds off .
Starting can sometimes feel like the hardest part in my experience Rita. I suggest making a list of delicious things you want to try and, vip, don’t be hard on yourself (at all!)(ever!). We’re all doing the best we can right now, and sometimes that’s enough 🥰
Paola is the salt a typo? Can’t wait to try!
It’s not Suzanne! Remember that seasoning sweet things too helps to bring out the flavors a bunch (if you try it without first you’ll surely know what I mean!) xo!
“KISS Paola!” declared a sociology professor in high school. “Keep It Simple St*pid!” he continued, as I sat there deeply offended.
Loooooool! We love you Paola!! Will make this week for sure.
Awwww thank you for loving me just as I am 😆
I hope you enjoy!
But sociology in high school?! Did you go to private school? You’re a solid writer girl.
I went to a British school in Mexico City Tom! And yes, sociology was one of the classes I chose for the British GCSE’s (sort of like the American APs, Advanced Placements).
And wow thank you 😬
Sounds good.
How long will this keep? Unlike Baily’s, does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Given the heavy whipping cream please refrigerate.
I put a week in the recipe card… but I suppose it’ll keep until the expiration date of your heavy whipping cream. (And alcohol helps too)
“At most I would only lose 5 minutes of my life” ahahaha! Will make right now and report back.
😅
It’s delicious Paola, I’m happy to vouch for your sanity 😉
Took me longer than 5 minutes, but only because I had a crying toddler to attend.
It’s delicious Paola, I’m happy to vouch for your sanity 😉
Took me longer than 5 minutes, but only because I had a crying toddler to attend ..
Carly I don’t know how you mammas do it! #superheroes
And ahahahahah thank you for the vote of confidence 💀