Cool, creamy, and a little boozy, these Coconut Cream Pudding Shots are the ultimate make-ahead party treat-easy to whip up and always a crowd favorite.
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Why You'll Love These Pudding Shots
These little cups of coconut bliss come together in just minutes with five simple ingredients, and they're a breeze to make ahead. Perfectly portioned and easy to transport, they're a fun addition to summer parties, BBQs, tailgates, or any adults-only get-together. They're light, tropical, and always the first thing to disappear.
Best of all, they're budget-friendly and simple to scale for a crowd. While they definitely have a boozy kick, you'd have to polish off quite a few before feeling it-so they stay firmly in the "treat" category.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe will make 18-20 2-ounce pudding shots, or 36-40 1-ounce pudding shots.
Coconut cream pudding shots (like all pudding shots) are made up of four basic components: instant pudding mix, alcohol/liqueur, milk, and Cool Whip.
- Instant pudding mix: We always use vanilla pudding for this coconut pudding shots recipe. Instant coconut cream pudding mix is also an option, but if you are using a coconut liqueur, the more subtle coconut flavor gets lost. In any event, always use Instant pudding for this recipe.
- Milk: We suggest using cold whole milk or 2%. (This recipe has not yet been tested using alternative milks.)
- Cool Whip: "Extra Creamy" is our favorite, but regular works too.
- Vodka: Plain, toasted coconut, or whipped cream flavored vodka. Rum or whiskey are good substitutes.
- Coconut cream liqueur: Any brand will do! We love the bottle we brought back from Ocean's Daughter Distillery-it adds the perfect subtle coconut flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
This recipe was inspired by a recent trip to the Westport Winery & Mermaid Museum, where we bought a bottle of some amazing coconut liqueur from Ocean's Daughter Distillery. It's delicious by itself over ice, and infuses these pudding shots with a blissfully subtle coconut essence.
Step-by Step Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, vodka, and coconut liqueur.
2. Add pudding mix and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Fold in whipped topping until evenly combined.
4. Spoon into small cups or disposable shot glasses. (A 1-ounce cookie scoop makes this job quick and tidy.)
5. Cover and chill in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
6. Garnish with toasted coconut if you like. (For direction on how to toast coconut, visit our Samoa Cheesecake Bars recipe.)
Flavor Variations
This coconut pudding shots recipe is endlessly adaptable! Try these coconut-inspired twists:
- Pina Colada Pudding Shots: Coconut pudding and pineapple liqueur.
- Chocolate-Coconut Pudding Shots: Chocolate pudding and coconut liqueur.
- Captain & Coconut Pudding Shots: Omit the vodka and coconut liqueur, and substitute in ¾ cups of Captain Morgan Coconut Rum (stronger) or Malibu Rum (milder).
- Kid-friendly / Alcohol-free: Omit all spirits, use 1½ cups of milk, and use coconut flavored pudding mix.
⚠️ If you are serving pudding shots at a party where both adults and kids are present, be sure to label the boozy ones clearly!
FAQ
Yes! These pudding shots are ideal for prepping ahead. Store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Just remember, they won't freeze rock solid thanks to the alcohol, so they'll stay creamy right out of the freezer.
You can, but if you're also using coconut liqueur, the flavor may be overpowering. Vanilla pudding creates a nice balance with the tropical notes of the liqueur.
This recipe hasn't been tested with alternative milks or dairy-free whipped toppings. Non-dairy options don't always set up the same way, so results may vary. If you experiment, let us know how it turns out!
They're boozy enough to taste festive, but not so strong that one or two will knock you over. Think of them as a dessert with a little extra kick.
For a kid-friendly version, skip the vodka and liqueur. You're basically making tiny creamy pudding cups at this point: replace with 1½ cups milk and use coconut pudding mix to keep the tropical flavor.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Classic Party Style: Spoon them into disposable 2-ounce plastic shot cups with lids for grab-and-go ease.
Dressed Up: Use mini glass dessert cups or cocktail shot glasses if you want a more elegant presentation.
Tropical Touch: Garnish with toasted coconut, a tiny wedge of pineapple, or a cocktail umbrella for festive flair.
The Cooler Trick: Headed to a BBQ or tailgate? Pop your cups into a cooler with ice packs-they'll stay perfectly chilled all night.
Refrigerator: Good for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Lasts at least 1 month. Thanks to the alcohol, they don't freeze solid-creamy straight from the freezer!
Tip: If freezing, leave a little room at the top of each cup for expansion.
More Party Ready Recipes
Looking for more boozy recipes for groups and gatherings? Check our classic hot buttered rum and Emerald Sunrise recipes!
If you'd like some appetizers to pair with your pudding shots-especially for a tropical-themed party-you can't go wrong with:
- Mermaids on Horseback (bacon-wrapped shrimp)
- Smoked Salmon Pastry Cups
- Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Caribbean Mango Avocado Salad
Together, they make the perfect spread for your next gathering!
Coconut Cream Pudding Shots
Equipment
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding (1 small pkg) or coconut cream
- ¾ cup milk ; whole or 2%
- ¼ cup vodka ; plain, toasted coconut, or whipped cream flavored (or rum, or whiskey)
- ½ cup coconut cream liqueur
- 8 ounces non-dairy whipped topping i.e., Cool Whip
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted coconut or plain shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk milk, vodka, and coconut liqueur in bowl.
- Add pudding mix; whisk until smooth and slightly thick.
- Fold in Cool Whip.
- Scoop into small cups, cover, and chill in fridge or freezer.
- Garnish with toasted coconut before serving, if desired.
Notes
Variations
- Pina Colada Pudding Shots: Coconut pudding and pineapple liqueur.
- Chocolate-Coconut Pudding Shots: Chocolate pudding and coconut liqueur.
- Captain & Coconut Pudding Shots: Omit the vodka and coconut liqueur, and substitute in ¾ cups of Captain Morgan Coconut Rum.
- Kid-friendly / Alcohol-free: Omit all spirits, use 1½ cups of milk, and use coconut flavored pudding mix.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Heather says
Yum, these are so delish and easy to make! They were a total hit, I'll be making them again, thanks!
Ann says
These are perfect for a party. Especially a summer pool party. Thanks!
Jeff says
I really liked the coconut flavour. Cool and smooth, they are a nice twist and regular pudding.
Gianne says
The rich, creamy texture combined with the tropical coconut flavor made each bite feel like a mini-vacation. These shots are perfect for a fun and festive gathering, leaving everyone impressed and craving more!
Anjali says
These were such a fun treat to serve when we had friends over for Memorial Day! They were delicious and so easy to make too!
Renée B. says
I'm so glad you like them! They are such a fun, indulgent treat!