Vegan Baileys Irish Cream Substitute: Best Plant-Based Alternatives
Discover the best vegan substitutes for Baileys Irish Cream including plant-based alternatives, homemade versions, and dairy-free options.
Quick Answer
The best vegan Baileys substitutes are coconut cream + coffee, homemade vegan Irish cream, oat milk + coffee liqueur, and commercial vegan cream liqueurs. Use 1:1 ratio for most applications.
Best Substitutes
Coconut Cream + Coffee
1:1 (mix 1/2 coconut cream + 1/2 coffee)Provides similar creaminess and coffee flavor to Baileys. The coconut cream adds richness while coffee provides the familiar flavor profile.
Best for:
Mix full-fat coconut cream with strong coffee and sweetener. Refrigerate overnight and shake well before using.
Homemade Vegan Irish Cream
1:1Homemade vegan version provides similar flavor and texture to Baileys. Can be customized with different plant-based milks and sweeteners.
Best for:
Make with coconut cream, oat milk, coffee, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Blend until smooth and refrigerate.
Oat Milk + Coffee Liqueur
1:1 (mix 1/2 oat milk + 1/2 coffee liqueur)Creates a creamy, coffee-flavored alternative using plant-based milk. Oat milk provides natural sweetness and creaminess.
Best for:
Mix oat milk with coffee liqueur for a creamy, coffee-flavored alternative. Use barista-style oat milk for best results.
Commercial Vegan Cream Liqueur
1:1Specially formulated vegan cream liqueurs that mimic Baileys' flavor and texture. Usually made with almond or coconut milk.
Best for:
Use products like Baileys Almande or other vegan cream liqueurs. Follow package instructions for best results.
Cashew Cream + Coffee
1:1 (mix 1/2 cashew cream + 1/2 coffee)Rich and creamy alternative made from cashews. Provides excellent texture and can be flavored with coffee and vanilla.
Best for:
Make cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with water, then mix with coffee and sweetener. Blend until smooth.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Use full-fat coconut milk for the best creaminess in vegan Baileys substitutes
- 💡Refrigerate coconut milk overnight and use only the thick cream on top
- 💡For best results, blend all ingredients until completely smooth
- 💡Add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of vegan substitutes
- 💡Use maple syrup or agave for natural sweetening
- 💡Store homemade vegan Irish cream in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days
- 💡Shake well before using to ensure proper mixing
- 💡For cocktails, use cold ingredients and shake with ice
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best vegan substitute for Baileys Irish Cream?
Coconut cream + coffee, homemade vegan Irish cream, and commercial vegan cream liqueurs are the best substitutes. Use a 1:1 ratio and choose based on your preferences.
Can I use coconut cream instead of Baileys?
Yes, but you'll need to add coffee and sweetener. Mix coconut cream with strong coffee and your preferred sweetener for the best results.
How do I make vegan Irish cream?
Mix coconut cream, oat milk, coffee, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Blend until smooth and refrigerate. Shake before using.
Are there commercial vegan Baileys alternatives?
Yes, Baileys Almande and other vegan cream liqueurs are available. They provide similar flavor and texture to traditional Baileys.
Can I use oat milk for vegan Baileys?
Yes, oat milk works well for vegan Baileys substitutes. Use barista-style oat milk for the best creaminess and texture.
Will vegan Baileys substitutes work in cocktails?
Yes, most vegan Baileys substitutes work well in cocktails. Shake well with ice and strain for the best results.
Summary
Discover the best vegan Baileys Irish Cream substitutes including coconut cream + coffee, homemade versions, and commercial vegan alternatives. Perfect for plant-based cooking.