These luscious chocolate pudding shots are heavenly little cups of alcohol-infused pudding that are sure to make you the host or hostess with the mostest. Pudding shots are a cool and creamy adults-only treat that's always a hit at summer parties!
Party Perfect Pudding Shots
I'm just going to go ahead and call it right now: Summer 2022 is going to be ALL about these cool and creamy pudding shots!
Actually, for me, EVERY summer since I discovered them has been all about these pudding shots, LOL. We're talking HUGE HIT!! Waayyy better than jello shots...
We've been pulling these chocolate pudding shots out of our cooler for OBX vacations, football tailgates, pre-concert parking lot parties, and really ANY adult gathering and time of year to excited cheers for years. Simply put, they're guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face!
I'll tell you up front that they GO FAST — which is why this Baileys chocolate pudding shots recipe makes a BIG double batch for a crowd. Because running out of pudding shots too early in the evening is a sad, SAD occasion.
"I will be making them over and over again!"
Made these for Witches Brew, they are so good. Thanks for sharing your recipe!! So yummy!!
What Are Pudding Shots?
But let me back up for just a minute... Before I tell you how to make them, I guess I should share more on what exactly IS a pudding shot.
Basically, they're heavenly little cups of alcohol-infused pudding that will surely make you the host or hostess with the mostest.
These chocolate shots are ideal for summer gatherings, because they're:
- Super easy to make.
- Can be made several days ahead of time.
- ALWAYS well received.
AND they melt in your mouth, not in your hands. :)
These pudding shots are tastier take on their partner-in-crime, the more well-known Jell-O shot. At least that's MY opinion! In case you haven't noticed, jello shots are everywhere these days. In fact, vendors were actually selling them at the concert we went to last night. Crazy!
But pudding shots? Not so much. And I'm here to remedy the situation... Because you really cannot go wrong with you mix pudding with a little creamy liqueur and some flavored vodka!!
Chocolate Pudding Shot Ingredients
Made with just 5 ingredients, these chocolate pudding shots are totally delicious. AND deceptively strong for their small size — thanks to a cup each of Baileys Irish Cream and whipped cream flavored vodka.
The original recipe calls for espresso vodka, which sounds fabulous but is about as common as a unicorn around here. Seriously, I've been to every store I can think of and have yet to find even a single bottle.
No problem, though! I decided to use Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, and then I added a teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
It's completely optional, but espresso powder is known for intensifying the chocolate flavor in recipes. And I really love the subtle flavor boost it provides. Many of my friends compare the taste to to the light chocolate flavor of a classic Wendy's Frosty. #yum
The remaining three ingredients are simply a package of instant chocolate pudding (well actually two, remember BIG batch?!), a tub of Cool Whip topping, and a cup of milk. That's it — easy-peasy!
Tara's Tip: One-Stop Shopping
You won't be able to purchase the vodka at a regular grocery store, so I highly recommend hitting one that houses a state liquor agency inside. That way you can grab everything for these shots in one trip!
How To Make Pudding Shots
How do you make pudding shots? Well, it's really quite simple. Whisk one cup milk and one cup Baileys into the instant chocolate pudding mix and espresso powder (if using) in a large bowl. After they're well blended, whisk in the vodka. Finally, fold in the Cool Whip until completely combined.
My preferred way to serve these Baileys pudding shots is in these little disposable condiment pudding shot cups with lids. They're SO much less work than washing a ton of tiny plastic shot glasses...
Just spoon the mixture evenly into the disposable plastic shot cups (one big scoop plus a dab using this cookie scoop is ideal), leaving a little room for expansion, because we're going to pop them in the freezer. Close each cup up with the lids, and freeze until you're ready to serve your pudding shots.
Honestly, the hardest part of making Jell-O pudding shots is resisting the urge to sample a spoonful here and there as you're portioning out the cups. No joke!
Fun fact: We ran out of disposable party shot cups at the beach one year, so we just used spoons to eat the mix right out of the bowl. But then we ran out of spoons... So I just used my (clean) hand to scrape the remainder out of the bowl.
NOT my finest moment, but these chocolate pudding shots are seriously THAT good!
The Best Pudding Shots?
Real quick — two more things before I give you the recipe...
Flavor Without The Fuss
I've seen some pretty fancy and over the top pudding shots on Pinterest, all claiming to be the BEST pudding shots ever. Do they taste better than these simple chocolate pudding shots? I'm pretty skeptical… Maybe they do and maybe they don't. My bet is that they DO NOT.
And when it comes right down to it, I've found that my guests really don't care if their pudding shots are smothered in whipped cream, chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings, oreo cookies, mini marshmallows, and/or crushed candy and topped with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
These basic chocolate pudding shots take just 10 minutes to make, and the results speak for themselves. Their taste is anything but basic!
Simple Substitutions
That said, this recipe is easily customizable. I mean, you don't HAVE to start with a box of chocolate pudding mix. Try swapping in different varieties of instant pudding or different flavors of vodka.
You can even try different flavors of Cool Whip. We tried the Oreo Cookie Cool Whip in these chocolate pudding shots at the beach last year, and they were totally AMAZING! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find it since back here in Ohio.
In any case, these swaps keep the recipe simple and easy, but they allow you to change up the flavors to your tastes. If you try some new varieties, I'd love to hear your results!
P.S. Make sure you take copies of this recipe with you to your gathering! I've never left a party without giving out the recipe at least 5 times...
Printable Recipe ↓
Basic Chocolate Pudding Shots
Ingredients
- 2 (3.9-ounce) packages chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk - cold
- 1 cup Baileys Irish cream liqueur
- 1 cup Pinnacle whipped Vvodka
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder - (optional)
- 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip whipped topping - thawed
Instructions
- Using an electric hand mixer, combine chocolate pudding mix, milk, Baileys, and espresso powder (if using) in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Stir the vodka into the pudding mixture. With a silicone spoonula, fold in the Cool Whip until well combined.
- Divide mixture into 2-oz. plastic cups with lids using a medium cookie scoop, leaving some room for expansion.
- Refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Don't see your question listed here? Leave a comment below and I will respond ASAP!
I like to store these alcoholic pudding shots in the freezer until I'm ready to serve them. The high alcohol content will prevent them from freezing solid, meaning they're still creamy enough to eat frozen.
These chocolate pudding shots can be served straight from the freezer (my fave), or you can allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.
When we take them to a party, we throw the still-frozen pudding shots into an ice-filled cooler, and they're good to go for the duration.
Frankly, I've never tested how long pudding shots last, because leftovers just aren't happening. But I'd say that they should last about 2 months in the freezer and about 5-7 days in the fridge.
UPDATE: Whoa, you guys blew me away with your response to this chocolate pudding shots recipe... So I made you not one, not two, not even three, but four NEW pudding shot recipes!!!
- Vanilla RumChata Pudding Shots
- White Russian Pudding Shots
- Funfetti Birthday Cake Pudding Shots
- Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
Try them all ASAP and let me know what you think. Want more flavors? Tell me what pudding shot ideas sound delish in the comments.
More Adult Drink Recipes
If you like this chocolate pudding shots recipe, you might also enjoy these other delicious adult drink recipes:
- Easy Tequila and Squirt Paloma Drink
- 3-Ingredient Wine Slushies
- Alcoholic Root Beer Float
- The BEST Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe
Did you make this recipe?
I'd love to see how your pudding shots turn out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Kathy R says
Love this recipe!! I add some dark chocolate liquor to boost the chocolate flavor. I love freezing them and sharing as tasty little treats/desserts.
Audrey Hanken says
I'd love this recipe for the Peanut Butter Whiskey and Bailey's pudding shots too, please. Thank you!
Agnes says
Made these for Witches Brew, they are so good. I will be making them over and over again. Thanks for sharing your recipe!! So yummy!!
marissa says
how do I make them non alcoholic?
Megan says
Plan to try this out but thinking - what about an edible cookies & cream base like a tart? Could just pop in your mouth?
Charlena says
What is the ratio of peanut butter whiskey and baileys? Do you still use the vodka as well
Please let me know.
Thinking of using these as dessert for Christmas
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Charlena! I sent you an email with all of the info.
Courtney says
Are the lids necessary when freezing?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Good question! I actually haven't tried it, but I don't imagine it would be an issue if you're serving them soon. After a period of time, you'd probably notice ice crystals forming on them. The lids definitely make it easier to stack them, so do take that into consideration.
Rose says
How thick are these when they are set? I'd like to use this recipe as a base for adult dirt cups (adding crushed Oreos and gummy worms)!
Tara Kuczykowski says
If you don't freeze them, they will have a mousse-like consistency. Love this idea!
Rose says
@Tara Kuczykowski, Great, thank you!
Gina V says
Can I substitute Kahlua for the Baileys and use dairy free milk and frozen whipped topping?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Gina - unfortunately, without having tried these modifications myself, I can't speculate on whether they will affect the final consistency. If you try them, I'd love to hear how they turn out!
Lauren says
Hello, these look so yummy! I can’t wait to make them. How long should they be kept in the freeze before serving? A couple hours? Overnight? :)
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Lauren - a couple of hours should do it!
Aneesa says
Hi, these sound amazing. I’m not a big vodka fan though. Is there something I can use instead that would taste equally as delish? Thank you!!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Aneesa! I promise you will not be able to detect any vodka flavor at all, but if you really want to substitute it, I think peanut butter whiskey would be delicious paired with the chocolate pudding.
Angie says
Be careful! The pudding in this recipe doesn’t set and now I’m out all the money for the liquor as it’s a disgusting liquid goo.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Angie! I'm not clear on if you added the Cool Whip or not, but the pudding and alcohol mixture is not going to fully set on its own. If you did add the Cool Whip and experienced this, it sounds like you may have stirred it into the pudding mixture completely instead of folding them together to retain the fluffy whipped texture.
Stef says
@Angie,
Did you use instant pudding?
The cook and serve kind will not set properly
Hope says
@Stef, the recipe says instant pudding
Stephanie says
Made them today in Ontario, Canada. Used raspberry vodka and espresso flavoured Baileys. Am going to garnish with whipping cream and a fresh raspberry on top of each and serve with a small spoon! Tried them as prepping (quality control) and they are delicious!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Ooh, the raspberry vodka sounds amazing. Going to have to try this myself!! I've used these little tasting spoons for parties.
Rosey says
maybe a silly question...but how do you eat these? do you need spoons or do you sorta squeeze them out into your mouth?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Rosey — I don't think that's a silly question at all! We usually just kind of lick them out of the cup like you would with a jello shot. But these mini tasting spoons are another good option. I keep them on hand for when I make the peanut butter whiskey pudding shots, which tend to freeze a little more solid due to the peanut butter. Enjoy!
TAMMI D says
OMG, these taste so good. This is going to be a HIT with parents on Trick or Treat night tomorrow. Round one complete
MR says
I'm a little confused with original recipe. You state chocolate Jell-O pudding mix, but then refer to vanilla pudding? Just want to make sure I get it right.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Ha! I don't even know how I did that, and I can't believe no one else has mentioned it!! Yes, you should use chocolate instant pudding — and I've updated the instructions. Thank you!
Stephen says
Amaretto???
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Stephen — are you asking if you can use amaretto in this pudding shots? I think it would be very good in them; however, since it's a very sweet liqueur, I'd recommend not incorporating it 1:1 for the vodka. Maybe start with 1/2 cup vodka and 1/2 cup amaretto, keeping the Baileys amount the same to see how that goes.
Joseph Burger says
Thinking about using this recipe as the filling between layers in a cake. Do you think that's a good idea Tara? (I'd bake the cake first, and let it cool, before applying this pudding).
Tara Kuczykowski says
Oh, I think this would be delicious!! Yes, definitely be sure to let the cake cool thoroughly before spreading it. And then refrigerate it after applying. I've love to hear how it turns out, Joseph!
Kimberly says
I made these but I used Screwball peanut butter whisky. OMG they were amazing. A little slice of peanut butter/ chocolate heaven.
Tara Kuczykowski says
OMG, too funny — I just discovered Skrewball about a month ago and have a PB pudding shots version in the works. Stay tuned!! And your version sounds totally delish, too...
Katharine says
@Tara Kuczykowski, has this happened yet? I am looking to make them this weekend with PB whiskey
Tara Kuczykowski says
Oh my gosh... I haven't posted them yet, but they are AMAZING!! I was actually planning to make and photograph them tomorrow. I'm going to email you the recipe just in case I don't have time to get them posted before the weekend, Katharine.
Natalee says
Just made eggnog, Cheesecake, and piña colada! These are great.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Happy you love them, too. So fun!
Rachel Jeschke says
These were delicious and everyone loved them! Thanks!!
Rebekah says
Wow! Yum! If you froze one of those little ice cream sampling spoons in the cup, you could eat it like a pudding pop! OMG-can’t wait for our annual pig roast! One more thing for all our friends to look forward to!!!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Such a great idea — you will LOVE them!
Alicia says
I have made these several times and they are always a hit. I make mine very similar but with the cookies and cream pudding. Sooooo good!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Awesome! I’ve made them with the cookies and cream Cool Whip but not the pudding. Will have to try it soon - thanks for the suggestion!
Becky Hardin says
Oh its 5 o'clock somewhere isn't it. These pudding shots are amazing.
Denise says
Pudding shots (and jello shots) are always well received at parties for sure! And there are never any leftovers! I am going to try your recipe for the next party.
sue says
These are absolutely brilliant, and I love how you packaged them! Do you think they'd freeze well?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, they do freeze well! In fact, I always freeze them until I'm ready to serve them. They're equally good still frozen and thawed. ;)
Natalie says
Looks so delicious and chocolatey! I love how easy to make these shots are!
Alli says
These are so good. We adore making these for parties!
Julie says
These are amazing! I would totally lick the bowl for these too! Such a fun treat for adults.
Dannii says
How fun would these be for a party. My friends would love these.
Kate says
These look so yummy and refreshing, can't wait to try them! :)
Andrea Metlika says
I could really get in trouble with these. I mean seriously, Bailey's and chocolate pudding together? Wow!
Tara Kuczykowski says
LOL, they're totally dangerous — but SO good!
Lindsey says
@Tara Kuczykowski, can I make these with only vodka no baileys and cocoa powder in place of espresso powder???
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Lindsey! I haven't tried it, but I'd think it should work if you add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of vodka in place of the bailey’s irish cream. I'd love to hear how they turn out!
Taylor says
These are so fun!! Perfect for a summer party!
Toni says
Such a great idea for parties! Thank you so much for the recipe!
wilhelmina says
These are fun, easy and so delicious! It doesn't get any better than that!
Meagen Brosius says
We love making boozy snacks for parties during the summer so I'm always on the hunt for new recipes. This one is so tasty and everyone raved about them. Will definitely be making these again soon!