Vanilla Pudding Shots
If you’re looking for a fun, easy party treat that always disappears fast, these Vanilla Pudding Shots are exactly what you need. They’re creamy, smooth, perfectly sweet, and just boozy enough to make any gathering more fun.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, holiday get-together, game night, or summer BBQ, these little cups of deliciousness are guaranteed to be a hit. And the best part? They’re incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients.
Pair them with other crowd-pleasing snacks like Texas trash dip, jalapeno popper egg rolls, and other bold, delicious finger foods for a combination that makes any party better.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 simple ingredients
- No baking required
- Ready in minutes
- Perfect for parties and holidays
- Easy to customize
Key Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Thickens the mixture and provides the primary vanilla flavor and creamy texture.
- Vanilla Vodka: Adds the alcoholic element and enhances the vanilla flavor, turning it into a dessert-style cocktail.
- Cool Whip: Folds into the mixture to make it lighter, fluffier, and more mousse-like, rather than dense pudding.
Variations
- Make it Chocolaty: Use chocolate pudding, hot cocoa powder, and Baileys to make hot cocoa pudding shots.
- Change the Vodka: Try whipped cream vodka, cake vodka, or even coconut rum for fun flavor variations.
- Holiday-Themed: Match sprinkles to holidays — red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or team colors for game day.
- Make Them Kid-Friendly: Simply leave out the vodka and add extra milk for a non-alcoholic pudding cup version.
How to Make Vanilla Pudding Shots
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Whisk the pudding, milk, and vodka. Mix in the Cool Whip.
- Divide evenly among the cups, then top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Expert Tips
- Use cold milk for the best thickening results.
- Chill before serving so they hold their shape.
- Add lids to cups if making ahead for a party.
- Don’t overmix after adding Cool Whip to keep them fluffy.
If you love easy party-style recipes, you might also enjoy browsing these other fun, shareable appetizer recipes.
Vanilla Pudding Shots FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
They have a mild to moderate alcohol flavor. The vanilla vodka is balanced by the pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip, so they’re smooth and creamy rather than overpowering.
They should chill for at least 1–2 hours to fully set. For best results, refrigerate them for 3–4 hours before serving.
Yes! They’re perfect for making 1–2 days in advance. Just cover them with lids or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving for the best presentation.
They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
If they didn’t set properly, it’s usually because the liquid ratio was off. Make sure to use instant pudding (not cook-and-serve) and measure the milk and vodka accurately.
★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! We would love to hear back from you! You can also FOLLOW US on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more delicious recipes.
📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Vanilla Pudding Shots
Equipment
- large bowl
- Whisk
- shooter cups
Ingredients
- 6 ounces instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup vanilla vodka
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix, milk, and vodka.
- Add cool whip, and whisk until well combined.
- Divide evenly between the cups, and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
