Pudding Shots Recipe (with Video)

Pudding Shots Recipe: If you’ve never had a pudding shot, you’re seriously missing out on one of the easiest and most fun party treats out there. Creamy, boozy, and endlessly customizable—pudding shots are like the cool cousin of Jell-O shots. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the ultimate pudding shots recipe.

We’ll walk you through the ingredients, the step-by-step process, tips, tricks, flavor variations, and how to store them like a pro. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, tailgate party, or just a fun weekend hangout, these pudding shots are guaranteed to be a hit.

What Are Pudding Shots?

Pudding shots are a grown-up twist on the classic snack we all know and love—pudding. But instead of just mixing pudding mix with milk, we swap some or all of the milk for alcohol, then fold in whipped topping to give it a smooth, fluffy texture. The result? A creamy, chilled dessert that packs a bit of a punch.

They’re typically served in mini plastic shot cups with lids, making them super portable and easy to serve at parties. Think of them as the dessert version of a cocktail, with tons of room for creativity—from the base pudding flavor to the type of alcohol and toppings you choose.

Why You’ll Love Pudding Shots

Let’s be real: any dessert that includes alcohol and chocolate is a win. But pudding shots offer more than just a buzz.

• They’re fun to make – No baking required, just mix and chill.
• Super customizable – Use any pudding flavor, from chocolate to pistachio.
• Perfect for parties – Make a big batch ahead of time.
• Totally Instagram-worthy – Dress them up with sprinkles, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings.
• Easy to transport – Use small plastic cups with lids.

They’re also surprisingly easy to portion, which means less waste and more control over serving sizes. Whether you prefer sweet and boozy or light and creamy, there’s a pudding shot recipe out there for you.

Perfect Occasions for Pudding Shots

You don’t need a reason to make pudding shots, but they sure make any occasion a little more festive. Here’s when to whip up a batch:

• Holiday parties – Christmas, Halloween, New Year’s Eve.
• Tailgates & BBQs – Crowd-pleasing, easy-to-serve treats.
• Bachelor/Bachelorette parties – Adult fun with dessert flair.
• Girls’ night in – A sweet way to end the night.
• Birthday parties – Add candles and boom: pudding shot cake.
• Pool parties – Cold, creamy, and refreshing on hot days.

Basically, anytime you’d serve drinks or dessert, you can serve pudding shots.

List of Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make pudding shots, but each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic pudding shot recipe:

Base Ingredients:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (any flavor)
• 1 cup cold milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup flavored liqueur or vodka
• 1/2 cup Irish cream or other creamy liqueur
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• Mini plastic shot cups with lids

Alcohol Options:

• Vodka – Great all-purpose option; go for vanilla or flavored for more punch.
• Irish Cream (like Baileys) – Pairs perfectly with chocolate or coffee pudding.
• Kahlúa – Coffee-flavored liqueur that works with chocolate or vanilla.
• RumChata – Cinnamon cream flavor; great with butterscotch pudding.
• Peanut Butter Whiskey – Amazing with chocolate pudding.

Flavor Variations:

• Chocolate pudding + Baileys = Classic combo.
• Vanilla pudding + whipped vodka = Birthday cake vibes.
• Pistachio pudding + amaretto = Nutty and smooth.
• Cheesecake pudding + strawberry vodka = Strawberry cheesecake shot.

Optional Toppings and Mix-Ins:

• Chocolate chips
• Sprinkles
• Crushed cookies
• Fruit bits
• Mini marshmallows
• Graham cracker crumbs

Get creative—it’s hard to go wrong with dessert booze.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a quick checklist before you get started:

• Mixing bowl (preferably medium to large)
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula
• Shot cups (plastic, 2 oz size)
• Small spoon or piping bag for filling cups
• Baking tray (optional, for moving cups easily)

Having everything ready before you begin makes the process quicker and cleaner.

Tips Before You Begin

Before diving into the step-by-step, here are a few helpful pointers:

• Use cold milk and liqueur – This helps the pudding set faster and smoother.
• Stick to instant pudding – Cook-and-serve pudding won’t work for this recipe.
• Don’t overmix – You want to keep the pudding light and fluffy.
• Cool Whip should be thawed – Cold but not frozen.
• Chill for at least 1-2 hours – Overnight is even better for flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Classic Pudding Shots

Alright, time to roll up your sleeves and make some creamy, boozy goodness. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a batch of pudding shots ready to impress your party crowd.

Step 1: Gather All Ingredients

Before anything, make sure everything is laid out in front of you. It may sound simple, but this step saves you so much time and hassle. Here’s your quick pre-check:

• Pudding mix (your favorite flavor)
• Milk (cold is a must!)
• Alcohol (vodka, Baileys, or other liqueurs)
• Cool Whip (thawed but still cold)
• Shot cups (clean and dry)

Want to take it up a notch? Line your cups on a baking tray for easy transport to the fridge once they’re filled.

Step 2: Mix the Pudding and Liquor

In a mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix, milk, and alcohol. Use a hand mixer (or whisk if you’re going old-school) and mix for 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.

Pro tip: If you like a stronger alcohol taste, use less milk and more liquor. Just be careful—too much alcohol can prevent the pudding from setting properly. Aim for a 1:1 alcohol-to-milk ratio.

The texture at this point should be creamy but not fully firm—it will continue to set in the fridge later.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Now comes the magic. Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a rubber spatula. Don’t stir it aggressively—folding keeps the mixture airy and mousse-like.

The end result? A light, fluffy pudding mixture that tastes like dessert with a kick. You’ll notice it thickens as you mix.

Step 4: Spoon into Shot Cups

Use a spoon or piping bag to fill your plastic shot cups. If you’re going for presentation points, the piping bag gives a clean, even finish without the mess.

Fill each cup about ¾ full to leave room for toppings or lids. Once all cups are filled, you can add fun extras like mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or a swirl of whipped cream.

Cover with lids (if using) and place the cups on your baking tray.

Step 5: Chill and Set

This part takes patience—refrigerate your pudding shots for at least 1 to 2 hours. Want the best texture and flavor? Let them chill overnight. They’ll be fully set, rich, and creamy.

After chilling, they’re ready to serve! Don’t forget to keep them cold until party time. Nobody likes a warm pudding shot.

Top Flavor Combinations for Pudding Shots

Here’s where things get really fun. Once you’ve nailed the classic recipe, it’s time to experiment with all kinds of flavor combos. You can mix and match puddings and alcohols to create flavor bombs people won’t stop talking about.

Chocolate & Baileys

• Pudding: Chocolate fudge
• Liquor: Baileys Irish Cream + Vodka
• Toppings: Chocolate curls or mini M&Ms
• Tastes like: Boozy chocolate mousse

Vanilla & Vodka

• Pudding: French Vanilla or White Chocolate
• Liquor: Vanilla vodka
• Toppings: Rainbow sprinkles or whipped cream
• Tastes like: Birthday cake in a cup

Strawberry Cheesecake

• Pudding: Cheesecake flavor
• Liquor: Strawberry vodka
• Toppings: Graham cracker crumbs + strawberry slice
• Tastes like: Creamy strawberry pie

Peanut Butter & Chocolate

• Pudding: Chocolate
• Liquor: Skrewball peanut butter whiskey
• Toppings: Reese’s pieces or crushed peanuts
• Tastes like: Reese’s in a cup

Want to get wild? Try pistachio pudding with almond liqueur or cookies ‘n’ cream pudding with white chocolate liqueur.

Non-Alcoholic Pudding Shot Alternatives

Hosting a party with teens or non-drinkers? You can still serve pudding shots—just skip the booze. Here’s how:

• Replace the alcohol with flavored syrups, fruit juice, or extra milk.
• Add mix-ins like crushed Oreos, marshmallows, or caramel sauce for added flair.
• Use fun toppings to keep the presentation festive.

These are especially great for kids’ parties or baby showers—same creamy texture, zero alcohol.

How to Store and Serve Pudding Shots

Pudding shots are low-maintenance once they’re made. Here’s how to keep them fresh and party-ready:

• Refrigerate them in an airtight container or covered tray.
• Keep them chilled until serving. They start to soften after 30 minutes at room temp.
• Serve with small spoons or even popsicle sticks—some people like to freeze them for a firmer texture.

Shelf life: Best within 3–5 days in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Pudding Shots?

Yes, you can! In fact, frozen pudding shots are a summer favorite. Here’s how:

• Freeze them in small cups with lids.
• Let them sit at room temp for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Texture becomes more like ice cream or frozen mousse.

Just note: not all alcohol freezes well. High-proof alcohol may prevent full freezing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“My pudding didn’t set!”

• Check if you used instant pudding, not cook-and-serve.
• Too much alcohol? Try reducing it and adding more milk.

“It’s too runny!”

• Chill longer.
• Use less liquid next time.
• Don’t overmix after adding Cool Whip.

“It tastes too strong!”

• Adjust the alcohol-to-milk ratio.
• Add more pudding mix or Cool Whip to mellow it out.

Make-Ahead Tips for Parties

Want to get a head start before your big event? You’re in luck—pudding shots are perfect for prepping in advance.

• Make them 1–2 days ahead and store in the fridge.
• Add toppings just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Freeze leftovers for a boozy dessert later.

Hosting a large crowd? Make a few different flavors and label the lids to avoid confusion.

Pudding Shot Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some rookie mistakes to dodge if you want your pudding shots to be perfect:

• Using cook-and-serve pudding – Always stick to instant!
• Overdoing the alcohol – Too much = runny mess.
• Skipping the chill time – Let them firm up!
• Not thawing the Cool Whip – Frozen topping ruins the texture.
• Not tasting as you go – Adjust the balance of alcohol and sweetness.

Avoid these, and you’ll be the pudding shot master of every party.

FAQs about Pudding Shots Recipe

1. What kind of alcohol works best for pudding shots?

Vodka is a great base because it blends with any flavor. Baileys, Kahlúa, or flavored liqueurs like RumChata or peanut butter whiskey add richness and pair well with chocolate or cream-based puddings.

2. How long do pudding shots last in the fridge?

Pudding shots stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container or covered tray in the fridge.

3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, but keep in mind that Cool Whip is more stable. Homemade whipped cream can deflate faster, so use them within a day or two.

4. Are pudding shots gluten-free?

It depends on the pudding mix and alcohol you use. Many instant puddings are gluten-free, but always double-check the labels.

5. Can kids eat non-alcoholic pudding shots?

Absolutely! Just leave out the alcohol and replace it with milk or flavored syrups for a delicious and kid-safe treat.

Conclusion

Pudding shots are one of those things that once you try, you’ll want to make again and again. They’re ridiculously easy, endlessly versatile, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a dessert that also gives you a buzz? Whether you stick with the classic chocolate-Baileys combo or go wild with your own flavor creation, these shots are always a party favorite.

All it takes is a few ingredients, a bit of chilling time, and your imagination. So next time you’re planning a get-together, impress your guests with a tray of boozy pudding shots—and watch them disappear fast!