Out of Baileys, one case
Vegan Baileys Irish cream substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut cream + coffee
Same amount as the Baileys
Mix ½ coconut cream + ½ coffee
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.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- Cocktails
One casethe full Baileys card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Baileys | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut cream + coffeeCocktails | Same amountMix ½ coconut cream + ½ coffeeTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Homemade vegan Irish creamAll applications | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Oat milk + coffee liqueurCocktails | Same amountMix ½ oat milk + ½ coffee liqueurWorks | Works |
| 4 | Commercial vegan cream liqueurAll applications | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Cashew cream + coffeeBaking | Same amountMix ½ cashew cream + ½ coffeeTweak it | Tweak it |
Coconut cream + coffee
different taste, similar texture
Provides similar creaminess and coffee flavor to Baileys. The coconut cream adds richness while coffee provides the familiar flavor profile.
- Best for
- Cocktails, Coffee drinks, Baking, Desserts, Vegan applications
Mix full-fat coconut cream with strong coffee and sweetener. Refrigerate overnight and shake well before using.
Homemade vegan Irish cream
similar taste and texture
Homemade vegan version provides similar flavor and texture to Baileys. Can be customized with different plant-based milks and sweeteners.
- Best for
- All applications, Cocktails, Baking, Coffee drinks, Custom flavor
Make with coconut cream, oat milk, coffee, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Blend until smooth and refrigerate.
Oat milk + coffee liqueur
similar taste and texture
Creates a creamy, coffee-flavored alternative using plant-based milk. Oat milk provides natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Best for
- Cocktails, Coffee drinks, Baking, Light applications, Oat flavor
Mix oat milk with coffee liqueur for a creamy, coffee-flavored alternative. Use barista-style oat milk for best results.
Commercial vegan cream liqueur
similar taste and texture
Specially formulated vegan cream liqueurs that mimic Baileys' flavor and texture. Usually made with almond or coconut milk.
- Best for
- All applications, Cocktails, Baking, Convenience, Professional use
Use products like Baileys Almande or other vegan cream liqueurs. Follow package instructions for best results.
Cashew cream + coffee
different taste, similar texture
Rich and creamy alternative made from cashews. Provides excellent texture and can be flavored with coffee and vanilla.
- Best for
- Baking, Desserts, Thick applications, Nutty flavor, Rich texture
Make cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with water, then mix with coffee and sweetener. Blend until smooth.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan Baileys substitutes need to replicate the creaminess and flavor profile without dairy products. Coconut cream provides the best creaminess, while homemade versions offer complete control over ingredients. The key is choosing plant-based ingredients that can mimic the rich, creamy texture and coffee flavor of traditional Baileys.
Tips for substituting Baileys
8 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
Notes on Baileys
- Use other plant-based milks like almond, soy, or hemp milk
- Try using vegan coffee creamers for convenience
- Consider using aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for whipping applications
- Use flavored coffee syrups with plant-based milk
- Try using vegan chocolate liqueur + cream for chocolate alternatives
Questions
6 questionsWhat'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.