These luscious Coconut Pudding Shots are cool, creamy alcohol-infused mini-sweets; perfect as a light dessert or adults-only party-time treat for a crowd.
There's a lot to love about these coconut cream pudding shots! These little cups of Yum are made from a basic recipe that requires only five minutes and five ingredients to make. They can be made days ahead of time, making them perfect for summer parties, barbecues, tailgates, or any adult get-together. Best of all, they are always a hit - the only thing you need to worry about is running out!
From a practical standpoint, pudding shots are easy and economical; and while they are indeed boozy, no one is going to get too tipsy on them... unless they eat an entire batch!
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Pudding Shot Ingredients
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 use vanilla pudding for these coconut shots. Coconut pudding is also an option, but if you are using a coconut liqueur, the more subtle coconut flavor gets lost. Do not use Cook & Serve Pudding!
- Milk: We suggest using cold whole milk or 2%. (This recipe has not yet been tested using alternative milks.)
- Cool Whip: We like to use "Extra Creamy," but regular Cool Whip works fine.
- Vodka: You can use plain, toasted coconut, or whipped cream flavored vodka. Rum or whiskey also work.
- Coconut cream liqueur: Use any brand of coconut cream liqueur.
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.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Coconut Pudding Shots
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together milk, vodka, and coconut liqueur.
Add instant pudding mix and whisk until it is thoroughly mixed just beginning to thicken.
Use a spatula to fold in whipped topping until it is evenly distributed.
Spoon mixture into shot glasses or disposable shot cups. (A 1-ounce cookie scoop makes this job much easier!)
Place a lid on each cup, and pop them into the freezer or refrigerator until you're ready to serve them. If you plan to freeze your pudding shots, be sure to leave a little head room at the top for expansion.
Garnish with toasted coconut if desired. (For direction on how to toast coconut, visit our Samoa Cheesecake Bars recipe.)
Variations
You can use this basic recipe to make almost infinite flavor combinations, simply by switching up the instant pudding and liqueur flavors. Here are just a few coconutty options:
- 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.
If you are serving pudding shots at a party where both adults and kids are present, be sure to clearly mark those containing alcohol.
How to Store Pudding Shots
Pudding shots are good for about a week in the fridge, and at least a month in the freezer.
Because of their relatively high alcohol content, pudding shots don't freeze solid, so they taste fresh and creamy right out of the freezer. (If you have time, we do recommend thawing them first in the fridge, though.) If you are serving them at a party, they will last all night long in an iced cooler.
More Party Food Recipes
Looking for more boozy recipes for groups and gatherings? Check our classic hot buttered rum and Emerald Sunrise recipes!
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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
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together milk, vodka, and coconut liqueur.
- Add instant pudding mix and whisk until it is thoroughly mixed just beginning to thicken.
- Use a spatula to fold in whipped topping until it is evenly distributed.
- Spoon mixture into shot glasses or disposable shot cups. (A 1-ounce cookie scoop makes this job much easier!)
- Place a lid on each cup, and pop them into the freezer or refrigerator until you're ready to serve them. If you plan to freeze your pudding shots, be sure to leave a little head room at the top for expansion.
- Garnish with toasted coconut 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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