This Irish Coffee Pie is a fun twist on the classic drink! It has a creamy coffee filling and a crunchy cookie crust, making it a real treat for your taste buds.
What’s better than enjoying dessert with a hint of coffee flavor? It’s the perfect pick-me-up after dinner! I love sharing it with friends—just grab a slice and enjoy the yummy flavors together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers or Digestive Biscuits: This crust needs a crunchy base. I usually go for graham crackers, but digestive biscuits work well too. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to create a crust.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for creaminess in this pie. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese or even a plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Heavy Whipping Cream: I love using heavy cream for that rich texture. If you need a lower-fat alternative, you can use whipped topping, but it won’t have the same richness.
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: Instant coffee gives that coffee flavor easily. If you don’t have it, try strong brewed coffee in place of hot water, or use finely ground coffee for a more intense flavor.
Irish Whiskey: This adds a unique twist! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can replace it with extra coffee or a splash of vanilla extract for flavor without the whiskey.
What’s the Best Way to Whip Cream for This Pie?
Whipping cream can sometimes feel tricky, but it’s key for this pie. Here are a few tips to get perfectly whipped cream every time:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 10-15 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip up faster.
- Start with cold heavy cream. Add it directly to the chilled bowl, and beat on medium speed until it thickens.
- When soft peaks begin to form, slowly add a bit of sugar for sweetness. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, but don’t overdo it. Cream can turn into butter if you go too far!
Gentle folding of the whipped cream into the coffee mixture is key. This keeps the light and fluffy texture intact, making your pie irresistibly creamy!
How to Make Irish Coffee Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 3 tbsp Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ground coffee or cocoa powder, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Irish Coffee Pie takes about 20 minutes of prep time. After that, it needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set up perfectly. So, plan on making this pie ahead of time for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Stir until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate firmly to create a nice and even crust. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you make the filling!
2. Make Coffee Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the instant coffee granules with hot water. Stir until the coffee is completely dissolved and set aside to cool for a minute.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until it’s well combined and creamy.
4. Add Coffee and Irish Whiskey:
Pour the cooled coffee mixture, Irish whiskey, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed—this should be a luscious coffee-cream mixture!
5. Whip Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you pull out the beaters, the cream stands up on its own. Gently fold this whipped cream into the coffee-cream mixture, making sure to keep it fluffy.
6. Assemble the Pie:
Pour that lovely coffee filling into your prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover the pie with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nice and firm.
7. Top and Garnish:
Once set, whip the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream, adding a sprinkle of sugar if desired, until peaks form. Pipe or dollop the whipped cream on top of the pie slices. For an elegant touch, sprinkle with ground coffee or cocoa powder!
8. Serve:
Slice up your creamy, coffee-flavored pie and enjoy the delightful flavors of Irish coffee in every bite. It’s perfect for sharing—though you might want to keep it all to yourself!
Can I Substitute the Irish Whiskey?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to avoid alcohol, you can replace the Irish whiskey with an extra tablespoon of brewed coffee for flavor or add a splash of vanilla extract. It will still be delicious!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Yes, feel free to experiment! You can use an Oreo cookie crust for a chocolatey twist or even a shortbread crust for a buttery flavor. Just ensure it’s firm enough to hold the filling!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. Just be sure to enjoy it while it’s fresh for the best texture!
Can I Make This Pie In Advance?
Definitely! This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!