Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding Recipe

Rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding turns a classic comfort dessert into something decadently grown-up. This dish folds in the smooth, luscious notes of Bailey’s Irish Cream with tender rice, warm spices, and plump raisins—all swirled together for a pudding that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it fresh and warm or chilled and dreamy, it’s just the thing to turn any weeknight or special gathering into a celebration of simple pleasures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding so luxurious is its short list of simple, thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one brings its own unique character—creamy richness, sweetness, a hint of spice, and that unmistakable Irish cream flavor.

• Long grain white rice: This is your pudding’s silky, mellow base; long grain helps preserve just the right texture for spoonable comfort.
• Water: Just enough to start the rice cooking, ensuring each grain is perfectly tender from the start.
• Salt: A dash enhances the flavors and keeps your pudding from tasting flat.
• Milk: Adds creamy body and ensures the pudding is delightfully rich.
• Bailey’s Irish Cream: The true star—its velvety sweetness and subtle boozy warmth transform ordinary rice pudding into something magical.
• Evaporated milk: For an extra rich, thick consistency—this is the secret to truly luscious pudding.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything and gives the pudding a custard-like finish.
• Granulated sugar: Sweet enough to balance the Irish cream and spices, but not overpowering.
• Raisins: Plump up beautifully as they cook, adding bursts of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth throughout—plus, a little extra for dusting makes everything prettier.

How to Make Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding

Step 1: Boil the Rice

Start by combining your rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring gently, and let the rice cook until most of the water has dissolved—this usually takes about 5 minutes. At this point, the rice is just beginning to soften, which sets the stage for a perfectly creamy pudding texture later.

Step 2: Add Dairy and Flavors

Next, pour in the milk and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Stir the mixture gently and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the rice absorb all the goodness, stirring occasionally. Over the next 30 minutes, you’ll notice the rice plump up, taking in all those silky, luscious flavors from the milk and Baileys. Don’t rush this step—it’s what makes every bite of your Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding so dreamy.

Step 3: Enrich and Thicken

Now, add the evaporated milk, egg, and granulated sugar. Keep stirring as you cook for another 2 minutes—this ensures the egg cooks gently, turning your pudding thick and ultra-creamy without scrambling. When the texture is smooth and almost custard-like, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the raisins and ground cinnamon for that classic, cozy finish.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Gently transfer the pudding into a large serving bowl or scoop into individual dessert cups for an extra-special presentation. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the pudding cools and sets. The flavors will meld and the texture becomes irresistibly creamy. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon or, for a bold touch, drizzle with extra Bailey’s Irish Cream right over the top.

How to Serve Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding

Garnishes

Let’s talk finishing touches—because your Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding deserves to look as indulgent as it tastes! A simple dusting of ground cinnamon makes each bowl inviting, but you can also swirl a drizzle of Bailey’s Irish Cream on top for extra flair. For a celebration, try adding a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even some toasted chopped nuts for crunch. Each garnish brings its own bit of joy.

Side Dishes

This pudding is absolutely satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to create a dessert spread, try pairing with buttery shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti for dunking. A side of tart stewed berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will balance the richness beautifully and add a pop of color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding into a showstopper by serving it in elegant martini glasses or small mason jars for easy individual portions. For a festive touch, layer it with whipped cream and chocolate sauce as a trifle, or spoon alongside poached pears or roasted fruit. Sometimes, even sprinkling in chocolate chips or dried cherries just before serving can surprise and delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding stores beautifully! Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a perfect treat to enjoy all week long.

Freezing

If you find yourself with extra pudding, you can freeze it for up to two months. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying—the texture might be a bit softer, but the flavors will still shine.

Reheating

To reheat, place the rice pudding in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or Bailey’s Irish Cream to loosen it up, and stir gently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth. Fresh cinnamon sprinkled on top makes it taste like new again!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding?

Absolutely! While long grain white rice gives a light, fluffy texture, you could use Arborio for a creamier consistency or even jasmine rice for subtle floral notes. Just keep an eye on the liquid ratios, as different rices absorb at different rates.

Is it safe to serve this to kids?

Bailey’s Irish Cream is an alcoholic liqueur, so this rice pudding is meant for the grownups. If you want a kid-friendly version, simply omit the Irish cream and add a splash of extra milk or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for lovely flavor without the alcohol.

Can I make Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding dairy-free?

You can! Swap the milk and evaporated milk for full-fat coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternatives. There are Irish cream-flavored non-dairy creamers out there, or you can make your own for that signature flavor.

What if I don’t like raisins?

No problem at all—just leave them out, or substitute with dried cherries, cranberries, or even bits of chopped dried apricot. Or skip the dried fruit altogether if you prefer a more classic, smooth rice pudding.

Can I prepare Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding in advance for a party?

Definitely! This pudding tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Make it a day ahead, keep it tightly covered in the fridge, and garnish just before serving. It will free you up to be the perfect host or hostess!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Bailey’s Irish Cream Rice Pudding a place in your dessert repertoire. Every spoonful is a cozy, creamy escape that’s deeply satisfying and unexpectedly elegant. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and let this sweetly Irish twist charm you from the very first bite!

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