The BEST way to do holiday shots! These Pumpkin Pudding Shots are rich, creamy, and packed with pumpkin flavor. Perfect as a drink OR a fun little dessert!

When it comes to holiday desserts, you can never have too many. After all, variety is the spice of life! Which is why I absolutely LOVE a dessert table… and why I’m slightly obsessed with mini desserts!

They’re easy to grab and perfect for mingling, which is what the holidays are all about. Not to mention, when they’re mini… you can feel free to have a few!

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A couple of my all time favorites are these Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes and Mini Pecan Pies. But my Cherry Pie Cookie Cups are always a hit, as well. And I absolutely LOVE the addition of these cute little Pumpkin Pudding Shots!

Made with just 5 simple ingredients, they come together in minutes and can be made with or without the booze (simply add more milk to replace it!) Either way, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite and a new holiday tradition!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Instant pudding mix – This recipe uses one 3.4 ounce package of instant pudding mix. I used vanilla, but you can use any flavor you’d like. See “recipe variations” below for suggestions.

Pumpkin puree – Pumpkin puree adds to both the flavor and consistency of these shots. I used 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree (not bo be confused with pumpkin pie filling).

Milk – Pudding always needs milk, and these pudding shots use 3/4 cup. I used 2% since that’s what I had on hand. You can use any kind you prefer.

Vodka – Of course, no shot is complete without the booze, and for this recipe I used 1/2 cup of whipped cream flavored vodka. Not only does it add an extra touch of sweetness to the pudding, but it brings in a dessert like flavor. Can’t find whipped cream vodka? Feel free to substitute regular, vanilla or cake flavored vodka in its place.

Pumpkin pie spice – 1 teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice adds delicious depth of flavor to these pudding shots. Feel free to substitute cinnamon!

how to make pumpkin pudding shots

Combine ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix, pumpkin puree, milk, vodka, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk well.

Transfer to small containers & chill. Pour the pudding mixture into small jars, shot glasses, or disposable cups. Chill at least 30 minutes to set.

Top with whipped cream & enjoy! Remove from the refrigerator, top with whipped cream and cinnamon, and enjoy!

How to rim the shot glass

These pudding shots are even cuter (and more delicious) with a graham cracker rim. Simply line the rim of your glass with honey, then dip in graham cracker crumbs. For even more fall flavor, use cinnamon graham crackers!

Recipe Variations

Use any flavor of pudding mix, such as cheesecake, french vanilla, pumpkin spice, coconut cream, or even butterscotch
Substitute vanilla or cake flavored vodka for whipped cream vodka
Substitute pumpkin liqueur for the vodka
Omit the “chilling” step and drink it like a shot
Omit the whipped cream or substitute cool whip

more recipes using whipped cream vodka

So you bought a bottle of whipped cream vodka and now you’re not sure how to use it? Don’t worry… I’ve got you covered with plenty of delicious recipes!