Pudding Shots Recipe (2024)

By Rebecca Hubbell on | Updated | 44 Comments

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Alcoholic Pudding Shots can be made in just 5 minutes with 4 ingredients! You can make them with your choice of instant pudding and liqueur flavors.

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Pudding Shots are the drink/dessert combo you need for your next adult get-together! Requiring only 5 minutes of prep and 4 ingredients, you can make these with your choice of instant pudding and booze flavors.

Even though Jello Shots are the go-to classic when it comes to bringing on the fun. But did you know you can make Pudding Shots, too?Yep, boozy pudding is a thing and it’s delicious!

Pudding Shots Recipe (2)

Table of Contents

You’ll love this fun and easy Pudding Shots Recipe

Like with Jello shots, you can make these boozy bites with a ton of tasty variations.Made with smooth pudding and flavored alcohol or liqueur, these treats are always a huge hit!

Just remember, you’ll want to keep them far away from the kiddos — they’re for adults only!

Whip up Pudding Shots in about 5 minutes, refrigerate for 30, then serve in plastic shot cups or shot glasses. Top with whipped cream and decorative garnishes and they’re ready to serve!

If it’s the holiday season, you might also enjoy my Eggnog Pudding Shots!

Pudding Shots ingredients

Pudding Shots are made with 4 major components: instant pudding mix, alcohol/liqueur, milk, and Cool Whip. You can mix and match the pudding and booze for endless flavor combinations, and feel free to go all out with extra add-ons!

  • Instant Pudding – This magic powder contains ingredients that absorb liquid to form pudding texture instantly (you cannot substitute it for Cook & Serve).
  • Milk – Make sure it’s COLD so it can react with the instant pudding mix.
  • Alcohol/Liqueur – This should also be cold when combined with the pudding mix. But it’s not the end of the world if you forget to chill it. Check out some of my favorite booze/pudding pairings below!
  • Cool Whip – This is my secret for giving Pudding Shots an extra creamy texture!
Pudding Shots Recipe (3)

How to make Vanilla and Chocolate Pudding Shots

  1. Add pudding mix, milk, and alcohol to a medium mixing bowl and whisk together for 2 minutes.
  2. Whisk in the thawed cool whip until fully combined.
  3. Let the mixture set for 5 minutes.
Pudding Shots Recipe (4)

Then evenly divide the mixture among the shot glasses or cups and place in the refrigerator to set for at least 30 minutes. I like to use a medium cookie scoop for this.

Pudding Shots Recipe (5)

Pudding Shots Variations

Here are a few more ideas for your next grown-up gathering:

  • RumChata – Combine RumChata with vanilla or French Vanilla Pudding to highlight its cinnamon flavor.
  • Birthday Cake – Says “happy birthday” with birthday cake vodka and vanilla or White Chocolate Pudding — and don’t forget the rainbow sprinkles!
  • Cheesecake – Use Cheesecake Pudding and vanilla Schnapps, then top with graham cracker crumbles and a few fresh berries.
  • Chocolate – Always a classic! Chocolate pudding and chocolate liqueur (I love Godiva).
  • Irish Cream – Vanilla pudding and Irish Cream Liqueur make this the perfect treat for St. Paddy’s Day!
  • Mint Chocolate – Use chocolate pudding and peppermint schnapps to make a sweet minty concoction!
  • White Russian – Use vanilla or chocolate pudding and use a mix of Kahlua and Vodka in the mix! You could also use straight up Kahlua and top it with my Kahlua Whipped Cream!
  • Banana Cream Pie – Use Banana Cream Pudding and banana cream liqueur. Then top with Whipped Cream and crushed nilla wafers!
  • Spiked Caramel Macchiato – Use Caramel Pudding and Kahlua or Espresso Liqueur
  • Boozy Pumpkin Pie – This Pumpkin Pie Pudding would be delicious when paired with pumpkin Kahlua or maybe even Bourbon.
Pudding Shots Recipe (6)

Ideas for garnishing Vanilla and Chocolate Pudding Shots

No matter what flavors you use, a few extra garnishes can make them extra festive!

  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate curls
  • Decorative sprinkles
  • Fresh berries
  • Mint sprigs

How to store Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding Shots

These shots should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Pudding Shot Recipe FAQs

Can You Make Them Ahead Of Time?

Yes! As easy as they are to prepare the day of serving, you can certainly make any of these Pudding Shot recipes up to 1 week in advance. Store them in the refrigerator after making them. I like to make them inthese disposable cupsthat come with lids for easy transporting and storing.

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, but don’t fill them all the way to the top so they have room to expand.

Can They Be Made Sugar Free?

I have never tested the recipe with sugar-free pudding so I can’t say for sure, but I believe it will work.

How Many Servings?

This depends on how full you fill your cups and how much cool whip you use (half or whole tub) but you should get between 20 and 25 pudding shots with this recipe.

Pudding Shots Recipe (7)

More Shot Recipes:

Some more inspiration for a perfectly portioned drink-meets-dessert:

  • Sangria Jello Shots – Refreshing for spring and summer get-togethers.
  • Champagne Jello Shots – For New Year’s Eve or any toast-worthy celebration!
  • Jelly Donut Shot – For brunch done right!
  • Chocolate Cream Pie Shots – These sippable treats aren’t made with pudding or Jello, but they definitely taste like dessert!

More Recipes from Sugar and Soul

  • Yeast Roll Recipe
  • Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Coconut Pecan Frosting
  • Butterbeer
  • Spaghetti Pie
  • Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
  • Wassail Recipe
  • Cranberry Bliss Bars
  • Fried Cabbage with Bacon
  • Pork Chop Marinade Recipe
  • Fish Taco Sauce
  • Coffee Cake Muffins
  • Pumpkin Dump Cake
  • Pecan Sandies
  • Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
  • Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
  • Apple Dump Cake
  • American Chop Suey
  • Sheet Pan Lasagna
  • No Bake Cookies Recipe
  • Frozen Coffee
  • Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
  • Blueberry Simple Syrup
  • Tortellini Alla Panna
  • Cruffin
  • Halloween Punch
  • Cannoli
  • M and M Cookies
  • Cannoli Dip
  • Silver Dollar Pancakes

👋 Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

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Pudding Shots Recipe (8)

Pudding Shots Recipe (9)

4.96 from 125 votes

Pudding Shots


Author Rebecca Hubbell

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Resting Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Alcoholic Pudding Shots can be made in just 5 minutes with 4 ingredients! You can make them with your choice of instant pudding and liqueur flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 (3.4 oz.) box instant pudding mix1 dry
  • 1 cup whole milk cold
  • 1 cup liqueur1 cold
  • 4 ounces cool whip2 thawed (approximately half of a regular size container)

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and liqueur of choice (see falvor recommendations in notes) for 2 minutes.

  • Add in the thawed cool whip and whisk until smooth. Let set for 5 minutes.

  • Evenly divide the pudding between shot glasses or 2oz. condiment containers with lids with a medium cookie scoop and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

  1. Recipe Variations:
    • RumChata – Combine RumChata with vanilla or French Vanilla Pudding to highlight its cinnamon flavor.
    • Birthday Cake – Says “happy birthday” with birthday cake vodka and vanilla or White Chocolate Pudding — and don’t forget the rainbow sprinkles!
    • Cheesecake – Use Cheesecake Pudding and vanilla Schnapps, then top with graham cracker crumbles and a few fresh berries.
    • Chocolate – Always a classic! Chocolate pudding and chocolate liqueur (I love Godiva).
    • Irish Cream – Vanilla pudding and Irish Cream Liqueur make this the perfect treat for St. Paddy’s Day!
    • Mint Chocolate – Use chocolate pudding and peppermint schnapps to make a sweet minty concoction!
    • White Russian – Use vanilla or chocolate pudding and use a mix of Kahlua and Vodka in the mix! You could also use straight up Kahlua!
    • Banana Cream Pie – Use Banana Cream Pudding and banana cream liqueur. Then top with whipped cream and crushed nilla wafers!
    • Spiked Caramel Macchiato – Use Caramel Pudding and Kahlua or Espresso Liqueur
    • Boozy Pumpkin Pie – This Pumpkin Pie Pudding would be delicious when paired with pumpkin Kahlua or maybe even Bourbon.
  2. For a lighter mousse-like texture, you can use a full tub of cool whip instead of half.
  3. This recipe has not been tested with sugar-free pudding.

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Calcium: 22mg

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Reader Interactions

Share your thoughts!

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Maggie says

    Pudding Shots Recipe (10)
    Not sure what i did wrong followed the recipe but mine did not thicken.. it jus stayed runny…

    Reply

    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      I’m not sure, they definitely should have thickened once chilled. Did you make sure to use instant pudding? If you used whipped cream it will also be runnier than cool whip.

      Reply

  2. carol says

    Pudding Shots Recipe (11)
    these are fantastic. A real hit for any party. Just wondering if you have a tequila mix for my Tequila loving friends.

    Reply

    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      Oh goodness, I honestly don’t know since tequila and anything creamy doesn’t sound too appetizing. But do let us know if you try something and how it goes!

      Reply

  3. Scott says

    Pudding Shots Recipe (12)
    Tastes great but only made 14 2oz condiments cups. Oh well just make another batch. Haha thank you!

    Reply

  4. Darlene says

    Pudding Shots Recipe (13)
    I put mine in the mini baby icecream cones. Eat your cup and enjoy every lick of it! Thanks for sharing recipe idea!

    Reply

  5. AntKathy says

    Pudding Shots Recipe (14)
    I make these with sugar free Jello pudding mix and sugar free Cool Whip and they’re wonderfully delicious and decadent. The liqueurs are high in sugar if store bought, so you can’t get them completely sugar free, but it does decrease the sugar content significantly to use other sugar free ingredients.

    Reply

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Pudding Shots Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn't my pudding shots set? ›

Why Are My Pudding Shots So Runny? If you make pudding shots with a liquor that is around 80-proof, the higher alcohol content may prevent the pudding from setting up properly. If that's the case, add in 8 ounces of whipped cream or cream topping before chilling.

What are pudding shots made of? ›

Whisk milk, Irish cream liqueur, vodka, and instant pudding mix together in a bowl until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes. Spoon the pudding mixture into shot glasses or disposable party shot cups. Chill until set, about 30 minutes. The shots will have the consistency of mousse.

Can you put pudding shots in syringes? ›

Pour cold milk into a medium mixing bowl. Pour in pudding mix and whisk while slowly drizzling in the cold beer. Whisk 2 minutes or until thickened and smooth. Suck up pudding into each syringe (alternatively spoon into serving bowls), cap, and place in fridge for 5 minutes or until set.

How long do pudding shots stay good for? ›

You can keep pudding shots in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 7 days.

How do you fix pudding that didn't set? ›

Your best bet would be to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch and a teaspoon of sugar with some of the beverage and add it to the warm pudding. Heat it to a bubble and stir until it thickens.

How do I get my pudding to set? ›

If it hasn't set, leave the pudding in the fridge a while longer. Once your pudding has set, remove it from the fridge and stir it. Mix in any additional ingredients (banana slices, strawberries, etc.). Spoon the pudding into individual serving dishes.

What are the 3 types of pudding? ›

Baked, steamed, and boiled puddings

Depending on its ingredients, such a pudding may be served as a part of the main course or as a dessert. Steamed pies consisting of a filling completely enclosed by suet pastry are also known as puddings.

What ingredient makes pudding thick? ›

It typically contains milk or cream, although there are non-dairy puddings made with plant-based "milk." Pudding is similar to custard in that they both can contain eggs and milk, but pudding is usually thickened with a starch, whereas custard is thickened by the eggs.

What ingredient makes instant pudding thicken? ›

A key ingredient in instant pudding is gelatinized starch, a dried instant starch that readily absorbs liquids, which causes the pudding to gel when mixed with milk. Additional ingredients sometimes used as a thickener include gums that are soluble in cold water, such as carrageenans and alginates.

Is 1 cup of vodka too much for jello shots? ›

Jello shots won't set properly if you add too much alcohol. Generally, a basic batch of jello shots is made with one cup of juice or water, one packet of gelatin, 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of alcohol. However, jello shots can be made with as much as 2/3 cup alcohol without changing their texture.

What's a good vodka for jello shots? ›

You don't need to break the bank when choosing a vodka for your jello shots, but you don't want the intense taste of a really cheap option, so go for something mid-price range like Absolut or Smirnoff. They will be smooth enough to not distract from the taste of your jello while still being easy on the wallet overall.

Can pudding shots go bad? ›

Pudding shots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. However, the alcohol might make the pudding less coagulated over time, so it is best to consume them within a week or two of making them. You might have to give it a stir before serving – which would ruin the layers.

How much alcohol should you put in Jello shots? ›

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka, or other liquor. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to reach a consistent temperature. Place 1 (3-ounce) package any flavor gelatin in a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, and slowly add the remaining 1 cup boiling water.

Do Jello shots get you drunk? ›

The sugar in these mixes helps to mask the taste of alcohol, and when you tie alcohol up in solid form, it doesn't dissolve as much on your tongue, which means you can't taste the alcohol as much. That means that you can easily get a little too drunk without realizing it.

Why is my pudding still liquid? ›

Pudding is usually runny because it has been stored in the refrigerator for too long or in an open space. Another cause could be due to improper cooking methods.

How long does pudding take to set? ›

Set the bowl, uncovered, in the refrigerator. After 15 minutes, cover the pudding with a sheet of plastic wrap pressed against the surface and refrigerate until fully thickened, about 2 hours. To serve: Whip the thickened pudding with a hand or stand mixer for a full minute to restore its creamy texture.

How long does instant pudding have to set? ›

Remove from heat and let sit untouched for at least 5 minutes. We found that if you mixed the pudding within that 5-minute window, it became lumpy, so it's important to let it sit for the full 5 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.

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