King Cake Pudding Shots

Name: King Cake Pudding Shots
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup whipped cream; 1/4 cup cake vodka; 1/4 cup vanilla vodka; Food coloring (purple, green, yellow); Graham cracker crumbs (for garnish); Plastic baby figurine (for decoration); Shot glasses or small cups

Posted on March 7, 2026

Dessert

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introduction

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a playful twist: creamy, boozy King Cake Pudding Shots that taste like the carnival in a tiny cup. King Cake Pudding Shots are layered, colorful, and perfect for parties where you want dessert and a shot all in one.

Why You’ll Love This King Cake Pudding Shots:

Festive colors match Mardi Gras and party themes perfectly.
Quick to assemble — ready in under 20 minutes plus chilling time.
Crowd-pleasing, portable party treats for adult guests.
No baking required; great for beginners and busy hosts.
Customizable flavors and alcohol levels to suit your gathering.

If you like layered party desserts with a similar vibe, try this chocolate cake roll trifle for another show-stopping option.

Ingredients Needed

Dairy & mix:

1 cup vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1/2 cup whipped cream

Alcohol & flavoring:

1/4 cup cake vodka
1/4 cup vanilla vodka

Coloring & garnish:

Food coloring (purple, green, yellow)
Graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
Plastic baby figurine (for decoration)

Supplies:

Shot glasses or small cups

If you prefer cupcake-sized individual desserts with bright flavors, these coconut lime cupcakes are a fun alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the whipped cream until well combined.
Divide the pudding mixture into three separate bowls.
Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl (one for purple, one for green, and one for yellow) and mix until fully incorporated.
Add the cake vodka to the purple mixture and vanilla vodka to the other bowls. Mix well.
Layer the colored pudding mixtures into shot glasses or small cups, starting with purple, then green, and finally yellow.
Top with graham cracker crumbs and a plastic baby before serving.
Enjoy responsibly!

If you want ideas for make-ahead, boozy breakfast-adjacent treats, check out this carrot cake overnight oats for morning-friendly prep tips.

Serving Suggestions King Cake Pudding Shots

Serve these chilled on a platter with a small spoon for guests who want to savor the layers. For true Mardi Gras flair, sprinkle extra graham crumbs and edible glitter over the top. Keep a bowl of extra plastic babies and napkins nearby for quick refills and photo-worthy presentation.

Tips for Success King Cake Pudding Shots

Chill the pudding mixture for 10–15 minutes before layering to make cleaner, more defined layers.
Use a small squeeze bottle or piping bag to add layers precisely without mess.
Taste the pudding before adding vodka and adjust alcohol to your preference — start with less if serving mixed-age adults.
Crumble graham crackers finely so the garnish looks like sand and doesn’t overpower the pudding texture.
Store in the fridge covered; consume within 48 hours for best texture.

For family-friendly party inspiration (non-alcoholic ideas and decorating tips), you might also enjoy these easy reindeer cupcakes.

variation

Non-alcoholic: Omit the vodkas and replace with 2–3 tsp vanilla extract and a tablespoon of milk per flavor bowl for the same taste without the alcohol.
Boozier option: Swap one vodka for a flavored liqueur (like whipped cream or cake-flavored liqueur) for extra depth.
Mini parfait style: Alternate pudding with whipped cream layers for a lighter mouthfeel.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 48 hours. Add graham crumbs and the plastic baby just before serving for best texture and presentation.

Q: How strong are these pudding shots?
A: With 1/4 cup total vodka split across servings, they’re mildly boozy. Reduce vodka or increase pudding mixture for a lighter version.

Q: Are these safe to serve at family gatherings?
A: These are intended for adults. For mixed company, make a non-alcoholic batch using vanilla extract instead of vodka.

Q: Can I use different pudding flavors?
A: Absolutely — white chocolate or vanilla work best to retain vibrant colors, but experiment if you like a twist.