Double the fun when you combine shots and desserts to make delicious Banana Split Pudding Shots. Each one is a big party in a little cup!
Why We Love Banana Split Pudding Shots
- Banana splits are always so fun to eat and they make you feel like a kid again, but watch out for that boozy curveball, these are definitely just for the grown-ups!
- Sweet banana-flavored pudding and great toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and a cherry on top make these shots festive and a little too easy to eat.
- You can easily whip these up in 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients and while they are chilling in the fridge you can make more party food.
- Adjusting the amount of banana liqueur you use to suit your preference is a cinch. So you can make these easy pudding shots however you like them best.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Banana Split Pudding Shots
PUDDING MIX: For this recipe, you will need a package of instant vanilla pudding. Make sure not to grab the cook and serve because it won’t work for these shots. You can also choose to use banana instant pudding if you prefer. (This is also an option if you can’t find banana liqueur. See my tips on this below.)
MILK: Whole milk would work best in this pudding but you can use 2% or even half-n-half if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t use 1% or skim milk though.
WHIPPED TOPPING: You will need a 16-ounce tub or two 8-ounce tubs of whipped topping and will be using it both in the pudding and to top the pudding, so make sure you have enough.
LIQUOR: We’re using banana liqueur in these pudding shots. If you can’t find any at the liquor store, then you can use your preferred vodka or rum. (see my tips for this below)
TOPPINGS: You’ve already got the whipped topping on the list but make sure to add chocolate syrup, rainbow sprinkles, and Maraschino cherries too!
How to Make Banana Split Pudding Shots
Jump to RecipeSTEP 1 Whisk together the instant pudding, milk and banana liqueur in a large bowl for a few minutes. Add some of the whipped topping and whisk again until smooth. Let the mix chill in the fridge for five minutes.
STEP 2 Lay out the ramekins on a tray that is easy to move in and out of the fridge. Add three Tablespoons of the pudding to each ramekin and then cover them/place the lids on. Let the shots chill in the fridge for an hour.
STEP 3 When you are ready to serve, remove the lids from the pudding shots and top them with the whipped topping, chocolate sauce, sprinkles and a cherry on top!
Tips & Tricks
- Instant pudding is a huge must for this recipe. Not only is it easier but also allows for mixing in additional ingredients like the liqueur and whipped topping.
- To adjust the amount of liqueur simply replace a portion of the liqueur with more milk. For example, if you cut the liqueur in half, replace the other half of the liqueur with half a cup of milk. If you only use 1/4 cup of liqueur, add 3/4 cup milk. You want the same amount of liquid in the recipe, so depending on how strong you like it, adjust accordingly.
- If you can’t find banana liqueur, don’t sweat it! Pick up instant banana pudding instead and then use either rum or vodka. The instructions and amounts are still the same.
- If you would like to make homemade whipped topping you can. Or you can swap in homemade whipped cream, here’s what to do: Add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl and whip until stiff peaks form. That’s it! Half will be used in the pudding mix and half is needed to top the shots.
Banana Split Pudding Shots FAQ
How long do pudding shots last in the fridge?
Typically, pudding shots will last around 5 to 7 days in the fridge with lids on. Like all pudding, the shots may start to separate the longer they sit but as we all know, they still taste super delicious. If you know you will have some leftover shots or plan to save some for later, skip putting the toppings on until you are ready to eat them. This will help them stay better for longer a time.
Can you freeze pudding shots?
You certainly can! You can freeze pudding shots for up to 1 week.
To freeze: Place about 3 tablespoons of pudding in each cup, DO NOT put the toppings on, and make sure each cup has a lid on it. Pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve the shot, place them in the refrigerator to thaw. (You can even pop them in a cooler and let them thaw on their own.) Once the shots are thawed, add the toppings and enjoy!
These shots are still great partially frozen. So don’t worry if they’re not perfectly thawed and you’re ready to throw a few back.
Why are my pudding shots runny?
Mixing alcohol with instant pudding doesn’t always allow the pudding to set up, so it becomes a bit of a runny mess. That’s where the whipped topping comes in! Adding in this ingredient prevents a potential texture problem by stabilizing the other ingredients, but only if you add it before chilling the shots. If you forget, there is a chance that your shots won’t work this time but next time I’m sure you’ll remember and then make some really killer shots!
Other Recipes You May like
- Irish Car Bomb Jello Shots
- Margarita Tequila Jello Shots
- Whipped Cream Vodka Jello Shots
- Pina Colada Jello Shots
- Vodka Jello Shots
- Grasshopper Jello Shots
- Creamsicle Orange Jello Shots
Banana Split Pudding Shots
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whole milk cold
- 1 cup banana liqueur cold
- 16 ounces Cool Whip
- Chocolate syrup
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- In a large bowl whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and banana liqueur for 2 minutes. (Yes, a full two minutes.)
- Add 8 ounces of whipped topping to the pudding mixture and whisk until smooth. Place the bowl in the fridge for 5 minutes.
- Lay out the plastic cups on a baking sheet (for easy transporting). Add 3 tablespoons of the pudding mixture to each cup. Cover with the lids and then place the pudding shots in the fridge for at least 1 hour to chill until set.
- When you're ready to serve, add a dollop or pipe some of the reserved whipped topping on to each of the shots. Then top with some chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
- If you don’t have or can’t find banana liqueur you can use banana cream pudding mix in place of the vanilla and in place of the liqueur you can use your favorite rum or vodka.
- You can use freshly made whipped cream in place of the whipped topping. You will need 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Whip the cram and sugar in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Use half of the whipped cream in the mix and the other half for the topping.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
Lana says
Use banana pudding not vanilla. I take these to parties all summer long and they are a huge hit. I also tweak with mini marshmallows in the bottom of the cup. Sometimes I put chocolate chips in them.