These dreamy RumChata pudding shots are luscious little cups of cinnamon-y, vanilla-y alcohol-infused pudding that will be the star of your next cookout or tailgate! My go-to frozen vanilla pudding shot recipe...
RumChata Pudding Shots
I've gotta hand it to you guys — y'all surprised me! Back in June when I shared my original recipe for chocolate puddings shots, I made a bold statement that summer 2019 was going to be the summer of the pudding shot. AND IT WAS!!!
But what I didn't predict was that you guys would continue making this boozy pudding treat for your tailgate shindigs right on into fall. Seriously, THOUSANDS of you have been hitting up my site each week — just for these pudding shots.
Forget the boring old jello shots... This boozy dessert pudding recipe is tops. Am I right?!
Since I was already planning to make them for the Luke Bryan Farm Tour concert (good reason, huh?) this Saturday, I figured now would be a good time to create a new classic flavor of pudding shot to complement the chocolate version.
So I present to you these amazing RumChata pudding shots! If you're a fan of dreamy RumChata liqueur, with its mixture of rum, dairy cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar, you are going to ADORE these creamy cinnamon vanilla pudding shots.
So do you want to learn how to make these RumChata shots??? Of course you do! Because pudding shots with rum is where it's at... And you can't beat a good 5-ingredient recipe.
"I've made your pudding shots multiple times!"
Your alcohol ratios are better than any others I've seen! They are a hit with my friends, and the parents loved them at Halloween.
Vanilla Pudding Shots with RumChata Ingredients
Yep, FIVE — count 'em: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 — ingredients are all you need to make these yummy Jell-O pudding shots with RumChata. There are a lot of other fancier RumChata pudding shot recipes out there, but you know me — I like to keep my drink recipes simple (but still delicious)!
So head to your local grocery store (preferably one that has a state liquor agency inside) and pick up the following ingredients:
- RumChata liqueur
- Pinnacle vanilla vodka
- 2 pkgs. of instant Jell-O vanilla pudding
- a 16-oz. container of Cool Whip non-dairy whipped cream
- and finally you'll need a cup of milk (in case you're running low)
NOTE: If you're not a fan of the cinnamon-forward rum flavor taste of RumChata, you can substitute an equal amount of Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur.
Tara's Tip: One-Stop Shopping
You won't be able to purchase the RumChata or 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!
Best Shot Glasses for RumChata Vanilla Pudding Shots
Oh, and you'll also want to grab some of these little condiment/pudding shot cups! These disposable shot cups are a way more convenient way to serve up this boozy dessert than dirtying up a boatload of glass or plastic shot glasses.
Most grocery stores carry these small cups with the paper plates and plastic utensils, but they're actually MUCH cheaper on Amazon. So if you know you're going to be making pudding shots soon, save yourself some cash and order these cups ahead of time online.
And while you're at it, I highly recommend ordering one of these medium cookie scoops, if you don't already own one. I'll tell you why in just a minute...
How To Make Pudding Shots With RumChata
This RumChata pudding shot recipe is seriously SO easy to make. After you've made them once, you won't even need the printed recipe! Although you might want to take a copy (or five) with you to the party, 'cause you're definitely going to be asked how to make these party-perfect RumChata shots (AKA everyone's new favorite cocktails)...
Anyhow, it's simply one cup RumChata liqueur, one cup Pinnacle vanilla vodka, and a cup of cold milk mixed with two 3.9-oz. packages of instant vanilla pudding mix, all whisked up in a large bowl. Fold in a 16-oz. container of Cool Whip non-dairy whipped cream and voila!
And here's where that cookie scoop I mentioned comes in. It's ideal for transferring the RumChata pudding shots mixture into the condiment cup "shot glasses".
One big scoop, plus a little extra dab on top, should be enough to the fill the cup while still leaving a little room for expansion when they freeze. TRUST ME — this task will go so much faster with the right tool.
Close up the pudding shots with the lids and pop them in the freezer. Wait — can you freeze pudding shots? YES!! Because these are pudding shots with alcohol (and a LOT of it, LOL), they'll retain their creamy consistency and never freeze completely solid. AND they'll always be ready to go when you are.
How To Serve RumChata Vanilla Pudding Shots
When it comes to serving pudding shots, I actually prefer this creamy cocktail straight from the freezer. But you can also just store them in the fridge or let them thaw a little before serving — totally up to you!
And the best thing is, if you're planning to take them on the go, you can just throw them straight from the freezer into a cooler filled with ice and they'll be good for the day.
Oh, and if you're wondering: how long do frozen pudding shots last? Pudding shots with alcohol can be stored for about 2 months in the freezer and about 5-7 days in the fridge. But I can assure you they're NOT going to be around that long!
P.S. This scrumptious vanilla pudding shot recipe would totally make the most fun Christmas pudding shots for the holiday season when sprinkled with some of those little red, green & white nonpareil sprinkles!! Or maybe I should start working on some eggnog pudding shots... Thoughts?
Printable Recipe ↓
RumChata Vanilla Pudding Shots
Ingredients
- 2 (3.4-ounce) packages vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk - cold
- 1 cup RumChata liqueur
- 1 cup Pinnacle vanilla vodka
- 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip whipped topping - thawed
Instructions
- Using an electric hand mixer, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix, cup of cold milk, and RumChata 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
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!!)
- White Russian Pudding Shots
- Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
- Birthday Cake Pudding Shots
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!
Anna says
Can't wait to make these! When serving for a party, how would you serve them? Leave them in the fridge and just have guests grab from there? Or how long can they keep well at room temperature?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Either works - just depends on if you prefer them more frozen or not. If you want to keep them out, putting them in a large bowl of ice works well!
Anna says
I highly recommend skipping the cookie scoop and opting for a pancake dispenser instead!! Made things so much easier!!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Great idea - thanks for sharing!
Sherry says
Easy to make and delicious
Brigitte says
I want to make some with orange vanilla captian Morgan rum what kind of cream liqueur would you recommend with it? I was going to use vanilla pudding chocolate maybe an orange
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Brigitte! I think it depends on if you want to highlight the orange or the vanilla flavor with it. Soda Jerk makes an orange cream liqueur, or you could go with vanilla Bailey's. Either way, this sounds like a delicious combo!
Lisa Hansen says
I saw you or a viewer mention peanut butter whiskey for another variation to try but never saw a recipe for it. Did you try this ever? Would love to know the recipe if you did! Thanks!
Mops says
I and my guests enjoyed these so much, is it possible to make without alcohol for kiddos? Thank you!
Jayne N. says
Absolutely wonderful and so easy! This is a half batch!
Diane Buntin says
Can I use this as a topping on a spiced pear cake?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Sure, I'd say so! The texture is still very Cool Whip-like before it's frozen.
Sarah G. says
How long can they stay in the fridge after you made them?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Sarah! They should last for about 5-7 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer.
Rachel says
Could I leave out the vodka and use more rumchata?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Rachel — I haven't tried it, but I don't see why it wouldn't work!
Savannah says
I would love to make a pumpkin version of these but the pumpkin pudding isn't available in my area. Any idea on how to do that?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Savannah! If you google "pumpkin spice pudding", there are a few recipes that use vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin, but I'm honestly not sure if it would be a viable substitute. It seems like the canned pumpkin would make the pudding much thicker, which would probably change the texture. The mix is limited edition, so it may just not be widely available for purchase in stores yet. They are available on Amazon right now, though!
Kira says
This was my first time making pudding shots. I followed your instructions in order but it seemed like my mixture was runnier when I poured it into the cups than what appears in your pictures. Should I have let the pudding/milk/rumchata/vodka mix set for some time before adding the cool whip? I know they'll still taste great but wanting to perfect for next time! Thanks!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
I actually had this happen once, and I’m pretty sure it was due to overmixing because the Cool Whip was not completely thawed. So make sure your Cool Whip is completely thawed, and be gentle when folding making sure to mix thoroughly but not over mix. Hope that helps!!
Donna T. says
I've memorized your basic recipes and always enjoy kicking them up a notch!! Rumchata and Fireball with vanilla?? So good!! Salted caramel Crown Royal and cheesecake pudding?! Yes, please! So many ways to make them special...thank you for your original recipe!! ❤️
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy you love them so much, too, Donna! The Salted Caramel Crown Royal and cheesecake pudding sounds amazing — definitely need to try it ASAP.
Karen says
I've made your chocolate pudding shots multiple times (your alcohol ratios are better than any others I've seen). They are a hit with my friends, and the parents loved them at Halloween. I can't wait to try these!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Aww, thanks for letting me know, Karen. Hope you love these, too!
Alison says
Wow! This is such a fun recipe! I can see using this as an adult treat for Halloween!! Yum!
Lauren Vavala says
What?!? This is brilliant! I like a good jello shot, but pudding is way more my style! I can't believe I've never had anything like this before. That's going to change soon for sure!
Vicky says
I don't drink alcohol, but I know many friends who would love these pudding shots. I've never even heard of a pudding shot. Did you invent them? However they came about - what a fun idea.
Tara Kuczykowski says
I wish I had, but I'd never heard of them either until a good friend introduced me. They're definitely fun and tasty, though — so much better than jello shots!
Justine says
OMG.....Rumchata is my FAVORITE. These pudding shots are sooooooo dangerous, lol.
Jenn says
My cousin always makes frozen chocolate pudding shots every Thanksgiving and now I'm so excited I can make these to pair with them for the holidays! What a fun recipe!
Jacqueline Debono says
I've never tried pudding shots but I think the idea is genius! Going to give these rum chata pudding shots a try for our Christmas party!
Michelle says
These look like so much fun! We learned about Rumchata at a New Year's eve party one year. Apparently I was living under a rock! I'd love to make these!
Kristyn says
Great idea, putting them into those containers! Looks refreshing!
Mallory says
These are so fun for a party. I love the cinnamon vanilla flavors.
Julie Blanner says
These look dangerously good! RumChata is such a great addition, and perfect for the adults at our neighborhood Halloween party.
Jennifer says
These look SOO tasty! I can't wait to try these!
Natalie says
I bet these are a hit! Looks so creamy!