Creamy Chocolate Pudding Infused with Baileys Irish Cream
Homemade chocolate pudding with Baileys is an easy and elegant 15-minute dessert to make when you’re short on time. Chock-full of chocolate and boozy Irish cream flavors, this pudding is smooth, rich, and decadent. A dollop of fresh whipped cream and some chocolate curls or shavings are optional but highly recommended!
Indulging in homemade pudding can make any day feel special. While I often find myself reaching for Jell-O chocolate pudding cups, there’s something so rewarding about preparing it from scratch, especially when spiced up with a touch of Baileys Irish Cream. It’s a perfect weekend treat that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.
Chocolate Pudding Ingredients
Most chocolate pudding recipes follow a standard list of ingredients:
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Milk and/or cream
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate
This recipe enhances the deliciousness by incorporating Baileys, which opens up a world of flavorful possibilities! From coffee liqueur to fruit-infused options, the opportunities to customize your pudding are endless.
Thickeners for Pudding
Pudding gets its delightful texture from thickeners like cornstarch and eggs. Many recipes, including this one, utilize both for a creamy consistency you can’t resist. Unlike some alternatives that might not yield the same smoothness, this combination guarantees satisfaction.
The Best Chocolate for Pudding
Quality chocolate is crucial when making the best pudding. You can opt for milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate – just be mindful of the sugar levels in your chosen chocolate. For instance, semi-sweet chocolate tends to bring its own sweetness, which means you might want to reduce the added sugar in your pudding.
How to Make Chocolate Pudding from Scratch with Baileys (or any other liqueur!)
Creating delicious chocolate pudding from scratch is refreshingly simple. Follow these steps:
- Whisk the milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Then, add the egg and vanilla.
- Bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the Baileys and additional vanilla.
- Incorporate chopped chocolate until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Pour the pudding into serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving Ideas for Pudding
Presentation matters! Serve this rich pudding in small martini glasses or delightful glass cups, topped with luscious whipped cream and chocolate curls for added elegance. Consider using tall shot glasses for fun pudding shots, or short glasses for parfait-style desserts. You could even make a mini or full-sized pudding pie to share!
How Long is Homemade Chocolate Pudding Good for?
Unlike store-bought pudding, homemade versions are best enjoyed fresh. With proper storage in an airtight container, you can keep your pudding in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, you may find that it vanishes much sooner!
Can Homemade Chocolate Pudding be Frozen?
Good news! You can freeze homemade chocolate pudding for up to a month. Just store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
More Baileys Dessert Ideas
This luscious Baileys chocolate pudding is perfect not only for regular indulgence but also makes a festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day. Try it alongside scrumptious desserts like Baileys cheesecakes or Irish cream brownies for a complete themed dessert buffet!
