Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots Recipe

Everyone loves a good St. Patrick’s Day treat, but have you ever tried Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots? These creamy, boozy, minty little desserts are the ultimate grown-up twist on the iconic shake, swirling all that nostalgic green goodness with festive flair and a grown-up kick. They’re super simple to make, wildly fun to serve at parties, and just as irresistible as they look!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots come together with only a handful of simple ingredients, but each one is essential for creating that perfect mix of luscious texture, minty flavor, and eye-popping green color. Here’s why you need each superstar on this list:

• Souffle cups: Perfect for easy serving and that classic pudding shot look; the little cups make portioning a breeze.
• Instant vanilla pudding: The creamy, custardy base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
• Milk: Keeps the pudding smooth and adds a lovely, rich creaminess.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, making everything taste like homemade vanilla ice cream.
• Whipped (or vanilla) vodka: Adds a grown-up kick and a sweet, confectionary vibe that takes these shots to the next level.
• Creme de menthe: The star for that iconic mint flavor and magical green hue.
• Cool whip: Lightens the mixture, giving every bite a fluffy, dreamy texture.
• Green food coloring: Just a drop or two brings that unmistakable Shamrock Shake look to life.
• Whipped cream: For dolloping on top—because pudding shots deserve a little flair!
• Maraschino cherries: The fun, classic finish that makes them totally irresistible (and totally photo-worthy).

How to Make Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots

Step 1: Prep Your Cups

Set out your plastic souffle cups on a tray or large plate, ready to be filled with all that green minty goodness. Having everything lined up makes the pudding shot process a breeze and keeps things tidy.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Empty your instant vanilla pudding mix into a medium-sized mixing bowl. This will be your creamy blank canvas—one that’s about to get a delightful St. Paddy’s Day makeover!

Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the cold milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it starts to look smooth and dreamy, setting up for a truly decadent base.

Step 4: Pour in the Spirits

Next up, add the star players: whipped vodka and creme de menthe. Gently stir to combine, letting those boozy flavors blend right in for that signature Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots zing.

Step 5: Fold in the Cool Whip

Spoon in the Cool Whip and fold it through the mixture until fully incorporated. Now the pudding is thick, fluffy, and completely irresistible—don’t be surprised if you sneak a taste here!

Step 6: Tint It Green

Add in 1 or 2 drops of green food coloring and give it all a good stir. Watch as the mix transforms into a vibrant, minty green that’s impossible not to smile at! Adjust the color if you want it bolder or lighter.

Step 7: Fill and Chill

Spoon the pudding mixture into your prepared cups, filling nearly to the top. Pop the filled cups in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait—a little patience rewards you with the best, perfectly set shots!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, add a generous dollop of whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry to each. Now every Shamrock Shake Pudding Shot looks as fabulous as it tastes!

How to Serve Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots

Garnishes

The signature finishing touches—fluffy whipped cream and gleaming maraschino cherries—not only make each pudding shot pop but also add that sweet, classic touch everyone expects from a festive dessert. For extra personality, throw on a few sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you like to go all out.

Side Dishes

Pair these Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots with chocolate-dipped pretzels, crispy shortbread cookies, or a bowl of popcorn to keep things playful and utterly snackable. These sides balance the sweetness and turn your party table into a true celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve pudding shots in clear mini cups for maximum green impact, or nestle them in a bed of green paper shreds for a St. Patrick’s Day party look. For a fun twist, pop in mini spoons or add a sprinkle of edible gold glitter—because Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots deserve all the sparkle you can give them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, pop the lids on your souffle cups and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days—just add the whipped cream and cherry right before serving so everything stays perfect.

Freezing

While you can freeze these pudding shots, thawing may cause some texture changes, especially with the Cool Whip. If you do need to freeze, wrap tightly and eat within a month. Let them thaw in the fridge and add garnishes before serving for best results.

Reheating

No reheating required! Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots are best served chilled straight from the fridge for that cool, creamy, utterly refreshing bite each time.

FAQs

Can I make Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots without alcohol?

Yes! Just swap the whipped vodka and creme de menthe for extra milk and a dash of mint extract—this way, everyone can enjoy the treat, even the kids.

What type of vodka works best?

Whipped or vanilla vodka really amplifies the dessert vibes, adding sweetness and a hint of creamy flavor. If you can’t find either, plain vodka works just fine too.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream makes for an even richer texture. Just be sure to gently fold it in to keep your Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots light and luscious.

How far ahead can I make these for a party?

You can prepare these pudding shots up to two days ahead. Wait until right before serving to add the whipped cream and cherries for picture-perfect results.

Is it safe to serve these outside for a picnic or barbecue?

Since these are dairy-based, keep them chilled as much as possible. A cooler with ice packs will keep Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots safe (and refreshing) for outdoor gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to transform your St. Patrick’s Day into a party everyone talks about, you just have to try these Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots! Each bite is a creamy, boozy celebration of everything fun and festive—so gather your ingredients and let the festivities begin!

Print