This Vanilla Pudding Shots recipe is easy to make and uses only 4 simple ingredients. The perfect party treat for adults, these pudding shot cups combine creamy pudding with a kick of alcohol for a fun twist on a classic dessert.
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Pudding Shots are a great alternative to gelatin based shot recipes like my Strawberry Pop Rock Shots or Fireball Jello Shots. They are creamy, typically served in shot glasses, and enjoyed with a spoon versus popping it into your mouth! These pudding shots with vanilla vodka are the ultimate addition to any celebration!
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Why You’ll Love these Vanilla Vodka Pudding Shots
- Quick and Easy to make- using only 4 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep time, these pudding shots require little to no effort.
- Customizable– you can make these as written, or use a different flavor of vodka, use RumChata, or even Baileys Irish Cream liqueur.
- Perfect for any celebration– these are perfect to serve at parties, gatherings, celebrations, or as an adult evening treat.
- Can be made ahead of time– save on time and make these up to 1-2 in advance! Simply remove from the refrigerator when ready to serve.
Ingredient Notes for Vanilla Pudding Shots
See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and directions.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding– you will need one box, 6 ounces, of Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix. Make sure it says Instant on the package.
- Milk– any type of milk works, you will combine this with the pudding mix, we love using whole milk to make these extra creamy.
- Vanilla Vodka– regular vodka works great if you don’t have vanilla on hand. Also try whipped cream vodka or birthday cake vodka for a creamier addition.
- Cool Whip– this gets added to the pudding mixture to make it creamy and smooth.
- Optional: whipped cream and/or sprinkles- optional but adds a festive addition. You can also add maraschino cherries or change up the color of sprinkles to fit the occasion.
How to make Vanilla Pudding Shots with Vodka
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Instant Pudding Mix, milk, and vodka.
- Fold in the cool whip and whisk until well combined.
- Divide evenly into small shot glasses, cups, or containers.
- Place in refrigerator to chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles if desired and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for making pudding shots
- Any brand of pudding mix works. I typically use Jello brand because it is easier to find, however, I have used store brand and it works great too.
- This recipe makes about 20 shots depending on how high you fill the cups. If you need more, simply double the recipe.
- To make chocolate pudding shots, use chocolate Instant pudding mix in place of the vanilla pudding mix.
- For Rumchata pudding shots, use Rumchata in place of the vanilla vodka.
- If you don’t have small cups/shot glasses for serving these in, small condiment containers work great and have lids making it easy to transport.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency to the pudding, decrease the milk by up to ½ cup.
- For White Russian Pudding Shots, use ½ cup vodka, ¼ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur, and ¼ cup Kahlua.
Storage
- Feel free to make these pudding shots up to 4 days in advance and store covered in the fridge.
- If the shots have been sitting for a few days, give them a quick stir before serving as the alcohol settles on the bottom.
- Some people freeze these for up to 3 months. If doing so, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. The texture will change slightly and won’t be as creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pudding shot runny?
If too much liquid gets added, it will result in the pudding being too liquidy. Fold in additional cool whip to offset this problem or place the pudding shots into the freezer for about 30 minutes before serving.
Why isn’t my pudding shot setting up?
Make sure you used Instant pudding versus the cook kind otherwise it won’t set up properly. Make sure you use cold milk from the fridge versus letting it sit out and potentially get to room temperature.
What kind of toppings can I add to these to make them more fun?
You can add whipped cream, sprinkles, small candies, cherries, caramel or chocolate sauce to make them more festive and fun!
More Pudding Desserts to try
Banana Pudding Poke Cake– a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavors of banana pudding and yellow cake. With only 10 minutes of prep needed, this cake is perfect for BBQ’s, gatherings, potlucks, and more!
Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding– from scratch is a quick and easy dessert. Rich and creamy vanilla pudding, combined with layers of crunchy vanilla wafers and perfectly ripe bananas.
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake– an easy, show stopping dessert that is made with simple ingredients! Decadent chocolate cake layered with the most delicious homemade fudgy chocolate sauce, all baked together in one pan!
Banana Cream Pudding Cheesecake Bars– the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! With a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding, these banana cream squares are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Boozy RumChata Chocolate Pudding– take classic Chocolate pudding to a whole new level with this Boozy Rumchata Chocolate Pudding! Simple to prepare and satisfies any sweet tooth craving!
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Vanilla Pudding Shots Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Vanilla Vodka
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- Whipped Cream/Sprinkles *optional
Instructions
- In a marge mixing bowl, whisk together the Instant Pudding Mix, milk, and vodka.
- Fold in the cool whip and whisk until well combined.
- Divide evenly into containers or cups and place in the refrigerator to chill at least 4 hours.
- Remove from fridge, top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Serve and enjoy!
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