These cool and creamy pumpkin pie pudding shots are dreamy little cups of pumpkin spice alcohol-infused pudding that are totally perfect for any fall gathering! And beyond for all my pumpkin spice-loving friends...
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
Oops, I did it again... (I can't even type that without singing it in my head, LOL.) But yes, I totally did it again. Honestly, I had NO intention on sharing any more pudding shots recipes this year - especially not this pumpkin pie shot!
But then I stumbled across the limited edition Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Liqueur at the grocery store - and well, the wheels started turning. I just couldn't help myself! With a bottle in my cart, I headed for the baking aisle in search of some Jell-O pumpkin spice pudding. And the rest is pumpkin pie pudding shots history!
Which, if you ask me, is the most delicious kind of history...
"These are so fun!"
Love the pumpkin and baileys together!
Wait, what's a pudding shot?
If you're new 'round here (or maybe just missed my other pudding shot recipes), let me back up for a moment and clarify the whole pudding shots phenomenon...
It started with these chocolate pudding shots back in June. And after they soared in popularity, I offered up these RumChata pudding shots, which also are a smash hit. So pumpkin pudding shots seemed like a natural addition for the fall season. Right? Riiggghhhttt.
As you might have already gleaned, these are all alcoholic pudding shots and, therefore, are an adults-only treat. My basic pudding shot recipe combines Jell-O instant pudding with a creamy liqueur, flavored vodka, milk, and Cool Whip whipped topping. The magic is in the endless flavor combinations you can choose for each ingredient.
Mix your choices all together, portion the mix out into little condiment cups with lids, and pop them in the freezer. They're seriously ever so much better than Jell-O shots and are ALWAYS the hit of the party!
Pumpkin Spice Pudding Shots Ingredients
So what flavor combo did I choose for these pumpkin spice pudding shots??? Read on for my recommendations:
- Baileys Pumpkin Spice Liqueur: Baileys calls this a "delicious combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, baking spices & hints of vanilla & coffee." I call it freaking amazing!
- Besides being totally perfect for these pumpkin liqueur pudding shots, it also makes the very best homemade pumpkin spice lattes. This is a limited edition seasonal flavor, so stock up now while it's available. Oh, and the bottle is absolutely gorgeous!
- Pinnacle Whipped Vodka: I would never eat pumpkin pie without whipped cream, so this delicate, lightly sweetened, creamy vanilla vodka seems like the ideal choice to use in these pumpkin pie pudding shots with vodka. The bottle mentions that it's also great in hot chocolate, so you can bet I'm going to try that ASAP!
- Jell-O Pumpkin Spice Instant Pudding: Finding this limited edition flavor can be a bit hit or miss in grocery stores. Luckily Amazon has plenty of availability, so you can purchase an ample amount to make Jell-O pumpkin pudding shots all through the fall season and beyond!
Beyond these three ingredients, you'll need some milk and a 16-oz. tub of Cool Whip. And while we're on the topic of Cool Whip, don't try making pumpkin pudding shots with real whipped cream. I get it - I'd rather use it, too. But it's just not stable enough.
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 Pumpkin Spice Pudding Shots
After having made all kinds of pudding shots, I can tell you the key for how to make pumpkin pudding shots that are creamy and fluffy is in the folding. If you just try to whisk everything together, you'll end up with a soupy mess. I mean, it will still be totally delicious once frozen, but it won't have the texture we're looking for.
My pumpkin pie pudding shots recipe starts with whisking together the Bailey's, milk, and pudding until there are no lumps. Then stir in the vodka. And now it's time to fold in the Cool Whip.
Simply use a large spoon (this silicone one is my fave) to transfer all of the Cool Whip into the bowl with the pudding mixture. Use the spoon to scoop under the two mixtures, lift them both together, and turn them over repeatedly just until they're combined.
Pudding Shot Cups With Lids
At this point, you're ready to portion the pumpkin spice Jell-O pudding shots into cups. What kind of cups? Well, I highly recommend these pudding shot cups with lids.
Wondering where to buy pudding shot cups? Most grocery stores carry them with the paper plates and plastic utensils, but they're actually MUCH cheaper on Amazon. So save some of your hard-earned money and order these.
Also, I can't recommend picking up one of these medium cookie scoops enough. It's ideal for scooping the pudding shot mixture into the little pudding shot cups. One big scoop, plus another little dab on top, close up the cups, and you're ready to pop them in the freezer!
Non-Basic Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
One last thing... I typically prefer my pudding shots to be pretty basic - no frills, no sprinkles, no whipped cream, etc. BUT I did take the liberty of sprinkling some graham cracker crumbs over top of a few of these pumpkin pie vodka pudding shots. And you know what? I'm kinda lovin' it!
However, I would only do this if I were serving them immediately - like maybe if I was making, say, Halloween pudding shots or Thanksgiving pudding shots... Sounds like a plan to me!
Anyhow, I generally like to freeze my pudding shots and serve them straight from frozen, and the graham cracker crumbs get pretty soggy during this process. So whether or not you add them is totally up to you. ;)
Printable Recipe ↓
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
Ingredients
- 2 (3.9-ounce) packages pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk - cold
- 1 cup Baileys pumpkin spice liqueur
- 1 cup Pinnacle whipped vodka
- 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip whipped topping - thawed
- graham crackers - crushed, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Using an electric hand mixer, whisk together the instant pudding mix, milk, and Baileys 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.
- Garnish with graham cracker crumbs right before serving, optional.
Recipe Notes
Featured Products
More Pudding Shot Recipes
If you like this Kahlua pudding shots recipe, I'm certain you'll also LOVE these other best pudding shot recipes:
- Basic Chocolate Pudding Shots (THE ORIGINAL)
- RumChata Cinnamon Vanilla Pudding Shots (for those of you that dislike chocolate - gasp!)
- White Russian Pudding Shots (for all of you that have been searching up Kahlua pudding shots!)
- Birthday Cake Pudding Shots (SO FUN for celebrating a milestone birthday - or ANY birthday 21+!)
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!
susan says
ok so why does the recipe say 2 packages of 3.9oz pudding mix (7.8oz of pudding mix total) and then the liquid measurements that are listed are completely wrong. Just tried to make this following the measurements and I just wasted so much alcohol and money because it made glue :))))
Tara Kuczykowski says
This recipe follows the same formula as all of my other pudding shot recipes, and I’ve never had this happen. Did you accidentally use the cook & serve pudding mix instead of the instant pudding mix? They are not interchangeable.
Your mom says
No :D So!!! Actually!!!! What your directions say is “Two packages of 3.9oz pudding mix” instead of “2 packages of pudding mix (3.9oz total)” I can understand you weren’t aware of how to write a recipe (per a fine dining sous chef;)) and, no!!!!! it wasn’t lack of reading comprehension, it was a lack of your knowledge of how to properly write a recipe!!! Love you <3 don’t write another one
Tara Kuczykowski says
Apparently I do know how to properly write a recipe, because "Two packages of 3.9oz pudding mix" for a total of 7.8-oz. of instant pudding mix is EXACTLY what I intended. The liquid ingredient measurements are correct for this quantity of pudding mix.
Michelle Akey says
does this recipe call for 16 oz TOTAL cool whip or (2) 16 oz containers?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Michelle - this recipe calls for one 16-oz. container of Cool Whip. Enjoy!
Anna says
I cannot find Pumpkin Spice Baileys anywhere.... did they discontinue? Thinking about using pumpkin spice rumchata as a sub. Would that work possibly?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Well, that's very disappointing! I don't see it listed on their site, so they must not be making it this year. I haven't tested either of these, but I think the Rumchata Pumpkin Spice you mentioned or maybe the new Baileys Cinnamon Churros variety should be good substitutions. Please let me know your thoughts if you try either of them!
Kathy says
I am just finding this recipe a couple days before Thanksgiving & can’t find Baileys anywhere :(
I’m going to try these with a different brand and hope they’re good!
Barry says
Not having much luck finding pumpkin spice pudding. :(
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, I don't know why it's so hit or miss in stores. Amazon does have it, though!
Emily Cohn says
How long are they good in the freezer for?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Emily — I'd say they should last for at least 2 months in the freezer!
Becky says
I couldn't find pumpkin spice pudding mix or the Bailey's. I used the Bailey's churro and vanilla pudding mix with a pinch of nutmeg, ginger and cloves. They are delicious!!
Michelle says
I can't tell you how much I love these! So fun and tasty!
Adriana says
wow, this shots I bet are yummy and so much fun perfect to bring to a Friendsgiving party too!
Beth says
These are so fun & festive!
Kelsey says
Wow! This sounds like Fall in a shot!
Erika says
Pumpkin pie pudding shots sounds amazing! Definitely making this.
Toni says
This is really a fun idea! Perfect for fall parties!
Erin says
These are so fun, love the pumpkin and baileys together!
Beth says
This sounds like something I need to try ASAP! We really love anything pumpkin and this would be perfect to serve at a holiday party!
Paige says
These are the CUTEST little treats I've ever seen! I love them and they are really versatile too.
Paige says
So wonderful!!n
Katie says
Made this for the family and it was a hit! Loved it!
Pam Greer says
Pudding shots!!!! My world has been totally changed!! I want to make them all. I'll start with this pumpkin and then work my way through the rest.