There is something irresistibly festive and creamy about these Eggnog Pudding Shots that makes any gathering instantly more joyful. This Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe combines the classic holiday flavors of eggnog and cinnamon with a smooth pudding base and a hint of bourbon, creating a playful adult treat that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with seasonal charm and creamy delight, this recipe is sure to become your new holiday favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive spirit that will make these shots irresistible.
- Southern Comfort Egg Nog (1/2 cup): Adds that rich, sweet, and spiked eggnog flavor essential to this holiday treat.
- Jello Vanilla Pudding Cups (2): Provides the creamy, smooth base that gives the shots their luscious texture.
- Cool Whip (2 cups, thawed): Lightens the mixture for fluffiness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Bourbon (1/4 cup): Brings warmth and depth, making these shots perfect for festive adult festivities.
- Reddi-whip (to top): Offers a sweet, creamy finish that’s visually inviting.
- Cinnamon (to garnish): Sprinkled on top for that classic holiday spice aroma and taste.
- Cinnamon Sticks (optional garnish): Adds an elegant and fragrant touch to your presentation.
How to Make Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding the two vanilla pudding cups, 2 cups of thawed Cool Whip, 1/2 cup of Southern Comfort Egg Nog, and 1/4 cup of bourbon. Stir everything together with a whisk or spoon until the mixture is completely blended and smooth. You’ll notice how the pudding thickens the mixture, while the bourbon and eggnog bring the festive flavor that’s at the heart of this recipe.
Step 2: Portion into Mini Mason Jars
Once your pudding mixture is perfectly combined, spoon it into mini mason jars or shot-sized cups. Filling these small containers makes serving super fun and easy for guests, plus it keeps those creamy shots perfectly portioned. Place the jars in your refrigerator and chill them for at least four hours, but overnight chilling will give you the best set and flavor intensity.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to impress, take your chilled shots out and add a generous swirl of Reddi-whip on top. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the whipped topping, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a cinnamon stick for an extra festive flair. These little touches elevate the presentation and make every shot feel like a celebration in itself.
How to Serve Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes take these pudding shots from tasty to truly memorable. The traditional cinnamon sprinkle adds warmth and a pop of color, while a fresh cinnamon stick makes each serving look elegant and inviting. You can also experiment with nutmeg or even a tiny piece of festive candy for added holiday spirit.
Side Dishes
These pudding shots are a delightful treat on their own, but if you’re serving them at a party, think about pairing them with light, complementary snacks. Gingerbread cookies, spiced nuts, or fruitcake bites harmonize wonderfully, balancing the creamy richness of the shots with a bit of texture and extra seasonal flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn your Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe into the star of any holiday gathering. Serve them on a rustic wooden board or a mirrored tray to catch the light. Arrange them with fairy lights around or set them inside a mini wooden crate with evergreen sprigs for a cozy Christmas vibe. For a playful approach, label each jar with names or fun holiday messages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Eggnog Pudding Shots, keep them sealed in their containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will hold their creamy texture and fresh flavor for up to two days. Beyond this, the pudding base tends to soften, so it’s best enjoyed fairly soon.
Freezing
Freezing these pudding shots is not recommended because the texture of the pudding and Cool Whip changes after thawing. You want to keep their creamy, airy consistency, which is best preserved by refrigeration only.
Reheating
These pudding shots are designed to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary or advised. Simply take them out of the fridge shortly before serving to let them soften slightly if needed, then add your garnishes to keep that fresh, festive appeal.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bourbon with another liquor?
Absolutely! While bourbon complements the eggnog flavors beautifully, you can swap it with spiced rum, whiskey, or even almond-flavored liqueur depending on your taste preferences. Just keep the amount the same for consistency.
What if I want a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?
No problem! Simply omit the bourbon and add a bit more eggnog or a splash of vanilla extract to keep the flavor exciting without the alcohol. The pudding and Cool Whip will still give you a decadent, creamy treat.
Can I make these in larger containers instead of mini jars?
You can, but the charm of this Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe is in the mini servings that are perfect for parties. If you prefer, use a larger bowl or trifle dish and serve with small spoons, but the portion control and presentation won’t be quite the same.
Is it necessary to chill the pudding shots overnight?
Chilling for at least four hours is essential for the mixture to set properly, but overnight refrigeration is ideal for the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up just right.
Can I prepare the pudding mixture in advance and assemble later?
You can pre-mix the pudding base up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Assemble in the mini jars and garnish just before serving to keep everything fresh and visually appealing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little extra joy and flavor to their holiday festivities. It’s simple, delicious, and truly captures the spirit of the season in each creamy, boozy bite. Trust me, once you try making these shots, they’ll become a cherished part of your celebration traditions.
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Eggnog Pudding Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 shots
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Eggnog Pudding Shots are a festive and creamy holiday treat blending vanilla pudding, eggnog, bourbon, and whipped topping into easy-to-serve mini mason jars. Perfect for parties, this no-cook recipe offers a rich, boozy dessert experience with a hint of cinnamon garnish to complement the flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Southern Comfort Egg Nog
- 2 Jello Vanilla Pudding Cups
- 2 cups Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1/4 cup Bourbon
For Topping & Garnish
- Reddi-whip (to top)
- Cinnamon (to garnish)
- Cinnamon Sticks (optional, to garnish)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla pudding cups, thawed Cool Whip, Southern Comfort Egg Nog, and bourbon. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely blended and smooth, ensuring the flavors meld uniformly.
- Chill the Shots: Spoon the eggnog mixture into mini mason jars or small shot glasses. Place them in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours to allow the pudding shots to set properly. For optimal texture and flavor, refrigerate overnight.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top each pudding shot with a generous dollop of Reddi-whip. Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon on top and optionally add a cinnamon stick as an elegant garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy this festive treat!
Notes
- Use mini mason jars or small shot glasses for easy serving and portion control.
- Chilling time is crucial for pudding shots to set, so plan ahead for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Adjust the bourbon amount if you prefer a stronger or milder alcoholic flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and increase eggnog slightly.
- Garnishing with cinnamon sticks adds a seasonal flair and aroma but is optional.
