Pistachio Pudding Shots are an easy, festive, and delightfully creamy party treat. Made with RumChata, instant pistachio pudding mix, and fluffy Cool Whip, these green shooters are ideal for holidays, girls’ nights, backyard BBQs, or any casual gathering. Smooth, sweet, and nutty, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Pistachio Pudding Shots
These boozy pudding shots come together in minutes and chill into a creamy, spoonable dessert. Serve them with crushed graham crackers, chopped pistachios, and maraschino cherries for a bright, festive presentation that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple no-bake dessert that’s ready in minutes
- Rich, creamy texture with a subtle pistachio flavor and a hint of RumChata
- Made with affordable, easy-to-find ingredients
- Perfect for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Christmas, or summer parties
- Customizable toppings and easy to garnish
Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ¾ cup RumChata
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- ¾ cup crushed graham crackers (about 6 full sheets)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
RumChata is a creamy liqueur made from Caribbean rum blended with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. It has a horchata-like flavor profile with warm spice notes and works well in cocktails, shooters, and desserts because it’s smooth and lightly spiced.
What else can RumChata be mixed with?
RumChata is versatile and pairs nicely with many beverages and desserts. Try it with:
- Coffee or cold brew
- Hot chocolate
- Fireball whisky
- Vanilla vodka
- Root beer or cola
- Eggnog or apple cider
- Pumpkin spice or chocolate liqueur
It’s also delicious in milkshakes, truffles, and other no-bake desserts.
How to Make Pistachio Pudding Shots
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix, cold milk, and RumChata until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
2. Fold in half of the Cool Whip until the mixture is light and fully combined.
3. Place a layer of crushed graham crackers in the bottom of 2 oz dessert cups or small shot glasses. Spoon or pipe the pudding mixture on top of the graham cracker layer.
4. Add a small dollop of the remaining Cool Whip to each cup.
5. Garnish with chopped pistachios and a maraschino cherry.
6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can meld and the texture firms slightly.
Make Ahead for Stress-Free Hosting
These pudding shots keep well in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Prepare them the night before your event, then finish with fresh garnishes right before serving.
Hosting Tips & Serving Ideas
Make a Pudding Shot Bar
Set out a selection of toppings so guests can personalize their shots. Toppings to offer:
- Extra graham cracker crumbs
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
- Whipped cream
- Festive sprinkles
Letting guests decorate their own cups adds a fun interactive moment to any party.
Serve in Mini Dessert Cups
Present the pudding shots in:
- Disposable mini parfait cups
- Mini mason jars
- Reusable silicone shot cups
These options make the dessert feel a touch more elevated for special occasions.
These Pistachio Pudding Shots with RumChata are quick to prepare, creamy, and likely to be the first to disappear. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, backyard parties, birthdays, or a cozy night in with friends. Make them ahead, top just before serving, and enjoy a simple, festive dessert that’s both pretty and delicious.
Pistachio Pudding Shots
Equipment
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Mini plastic cups
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Mixing bowl
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Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ¾ cup RumChata
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- ¾ cup crushed graham crackers about 6 full sheets
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together pistachio pudding mix, milk, and RumChata until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
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Fold in half of the Cool Whip until fully incorporated and light.
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Spoon or pipe the pudding mixture over a layer of crushed graham crackers into 2oz small dessert cups or shot glasses.
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Top each with a dollop of the remaining Cool Whip.
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Garnish with chopped pistachios and a maraschino cherry.
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Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to set.
Notes
Make Ahead for Stress-Free Hosting
These pudding shots keep well in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Prepare them in advance and add fresh toppings before serving.