Irish Coffee Pie is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate in a creamy filling, all set in a buttery crust. Who wouldn’t smile at that combination?
This pie is perfect for coffee lovers and makes a great dessert for gatherings. I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream—because more cream is always a good idea, right? ☕️🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the pie crust base. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed Oreos for a chocolate twist!
Heavy Cream: Needed for that light, fluffy texture! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping, but I recommend sticking with heavy cream for the best flavor.
Irish Whiskey: This gives the pie its signature flavor. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, just leave it out but add a bit more brewed coffee or vanilla extract for extra taste.
Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich texture. Low-fat versions won’t achieve the same creaminess, so if possible, stick to full fat!
How Do You Create the Perfect Pie Crust?
Making a great pie crust sets the tone for your dessert! Here’s the best way to do it:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until it’s evenly moistened.
- Press it firmly into your pie dish using something flat (like the bottom of a measuring cup) to guarantee even coverage.
- Baking it helps to set the crust and gives it a great texture, so don’t skip that step!
Let the crust cool completely to avoid a soggy bottom before adding your delicious filling. Happy baking!
How to Make an Irresistible Irish Coffee Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Irish whiskey
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Cocoa powder or finely ground coffee for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Irish Coffee Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 4 hours of chilling time (or longer for best results). The baking of the crust only takes about 10 minutes, making this a quick yet tasty dessert for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter together until they look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and a little up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. This will create the delicious crust!
2. Bake the Crust:
Put your crust in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s set and slightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool completely. Take your time here; cooling it properly helps to avoid a soggy pie!
3. Make the Coffee Mixture:
While your crust cools, take a small bowl and dissolve the instant coffee granules in the cooled brewed coffee. Stir it until they dissolve completely, and set it aside to cool if it’s still warm.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add your Irish whiskey, the coffee mixture, and the vanilla extract. Beat it all together until well blended; this will create a lovely base for your filling!
5. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means it should be thick enough that when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape.
6. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Do this carefully to keep that fluffy texture we love. Make sure it’s all incorporated but don’t over-mix!
7. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the luscious coffee-cream filling into your cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it looks nice and finished.
8. Chill the Pie:
Cover your pie and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for it to set properly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to dig in, take the pie out of the fridge. Top it with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or ground coffee. Slice, serve, and enjoy every creamy, boozy bite of your Irish Coffee Pie!
This pie is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in—everyone will love it! Cheers!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese in This Recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may not yield the same creamy texture as full-fat cream cheese. For the best flavor and consistency, I recommend sticking with full-fat cream cheese.
What If I Don’t Have Irish Whiskey?
No problem! You can either leave out the whiskey or substitute it with a splash of strong brewed coffee or vanilla extract for flavor. This will keep the pie delicious without the alcohol.
Can I Make This Pie Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use ground almonds mixed with a little butter and sugar to create a gluten-free crust. It will still taste amazing!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after being in the fridge, but it will still be tasty!