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 Vodka
- 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!
Mary S Gray says
I've been making pudding shots since 2004. they should be like a soft serve ice cream. Vodka separates in the freezer after two weeks if they last that long. I got my first book published in 2012. they really shouldn't have the texture of pudding. Yours look good but taste like regular pudding. My publisher was a fraud and took advantage of me and many others. He got in no trouble. It took me until 2016 to have Amazon to stop selling them. I didn't like jello shots so I experimented with pudding and alcohol. I was curious as to how you got started making them.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Mary! So sorry to hear about the troubles with your publisher, but I'm glad you were able to get some resolution with Amazon. About 10 years ago we took a summer vacation with some friends, and one of the moms brought the recipe with her. I'm not sure where she got it from, but this one is similar with a few tweaks. These are very pudding-like when first made, but have more of an ice cream consistency after freezing.
Mary Mooney says
Joy makes mini ice cream cones. We use them and fill as needed. So easy to eat.
Libby Griffin says
I have been making and experimenting with Jello-shots for a few years now and just started playing around with the pudding shots. The one and only time I have tried them was when someone gave me a bottle of Root Beer Vodka, so the journey began. I am so glad I came across your site. Looking forward to see your next creations.
Matt says
How should I make the chocolate pudding shots if I do not want to use Baileys?
Tara Kuczykowski says
I have not tried this, but it seems like a substituting an equal amount of half and half should give it the same texture. Just be aware that the flavor will not be the same. I’d love it if you’d report back with your results if you try it!
TLM says
These were AMAZING. I also tried them with fresh cut strawberries - yum - for a chocolate covered strawberry vibe
Tara Kuczykowski says
Ooh, that sounds amazing! So glad you enjoyed them.
Shawna says
I haven’t had the chance to make these yet but I’m sure they will be delicious. I plan on doing a fundraiser for a friend in need, in your opinion would these individual pudding shots be charged as $1 or $2 each?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Shawna! I’m not sure where you’re located, but I’d think you could easily offer them at $3 each with maybe like a 2 for $5 option.
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.