This Pina Colada Pudding Shots recipe is a quick and easy way to transform a classic tropical cocktail into a perfectly portioned, portable spiked boozy bite. Filled with rich and creamy coconut and pineapple flavors, jello pudding shooters make fun party food in only 15 minutes

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Creamy Pina Colada Jello Pudding Shots

Our Pina Colada Jello Shots are vanilla pudding shots with rum and pina colada mix. These Caribbean-inspired cold and creamy snacks taste just as refreshing as the beach-side frozen boozy beverage, but served with a spoon instead of a straw.

This easy pudding shots recipe takes minutes to make simply by whisking 5 ingredients together and serving it in cute little cups.

These pudding jello shots are the perfect solution when you’re tired of sipping the traditional spiked gelatin jello shot; it’s the tastiest twist on a tropical drink, served dessert-style.

Why We Love This Pina Colada Jello Shots Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make in 10 minutes – no baking or cooking needed.
  • Only uses 5 ingredients plus optional garnishes.
  • Sweet pudding shots with rum are great for summer snacking.
  • Tastes like a pina colada cocktail served as a spiked pudding shooter.
  • Cool treat for warm weather days when it’s too hot to cook.
  • Perfect for pool parties, backyard BBQs, and after-dinner desserts.

Other Easy Jello Shot Recipes

hand holding pina colada pudding shot

Ingredients

  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Tub cool whip
  • Half and half: It’s important to use half and half as it’s a little thicker than normal whole milk. You don’t want to use heavy whipping cream either as this will make the pudding too thick. 
  • Pina colada mix
  • White rum
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Maraschino Cherries (optional)
  • Toasted Coconut (optional)
  • Pineapple Chunks (optional)

Substitutions and Additions

  • Grab A Garnish: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, toasted coconut, or pineapple chunks.
  • Pick Your Pudding: coconut cream pie pudding mix, White chocolate or cheesecake pudding can be used in place of the vanilla pudding,
  • Replace The Rum: Feel free to try different alcohol for a new flavorful experience. Dark Rum, Malibu coconut rum, pineapple rum, or coconut or pineapple flavored vodkas could be used in place of the white rum.
  • Customize The Colors and Flavors: Get creative and use your favorite flavored alcohol and instant pudding combinations. create your own best boozy bite and transform your favorite flavored powder into fun party food.
    • Kahlúa and Irish cream liqueur + Chocolate pudding = Mudslide Pudding Shots
    • Malibu Rum and Amaretto + Chocolate pudding = Almond Joy Pudding Shots
    • Rum cream liqueur + Chocolate pudding = Tippy Cow Pudding Shots or RumChata pudding shots
    • Whipped vodka + Lemon pudding = Lemon Meringue Pie Pudding Shots
    • Whipped vodka + Kahlúa + Chocolate pudding = Chocolate Pudding Shots
    • Irish Whiskey and Coffee + Chocolate pudding = Irish Coffee Pudding Shots
    • Cake vodka + Strawberry pudding = Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Shots
pina colada pudding shot ingredients!
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring tools
  • Whisk
  • 2-ounce jello shot cups or shot glasses
  • Frosting bag or spoon
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How to Make Pina Colada Pudding Shots

You can easily make a tray of Pina Colada Pudding Shots in no time and enjoy a simple sweet treat that’s topped off with a kick of white rum. These creamy little cups taste just as delicious as the traditional boozy beverage.

  1. Make The Pudding Mixture: Whisk together the pudding powder, half and half, pina colada mix, and rum until thickened. 
  2. Prepare The Pudding Cups: Fill the shot cups with the pudding mixture.
  3. Serve: Chill the shots for an hour and then garnish before serving. Or, garnish and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips From Our Recipe Developer

  • I think the shots taste better chilled. However, if you use cold liquids to make the mixture in the first place, it will remain cold enough to serve immediately, if desired.
  • Do not garnish these shots before you chill them. If you make them ahead, just be sure to garnish them after they come out of the fridge, for best results.
  • I like serving these shots with small spoons. It makes them easier to eat and is less messy than dumping them in your mouth!
  • Do not go over the given liquid amounts. If you do, this can make the mixture too thin.

Storage

  • To Store: If covered, these can store for about 4 days in the fridge.
pina colada pudding shot with pineapple topping

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should I Garnish My Pina Colada Pudding Shots?

I like to garnish these by topping them with whipped cream using a frosting bag, sticking a cherry right in the middle, placing a pineapple chunk on the side (gently), and end it by sprinkling everything with some toasted coconut. Of course, you can garnish them how you like.

What Can I Add to My Pudding Shots for More Flavor?

If you like a stronger coconut or pineapple taste, add some coconut or pineapple extract. This doesn’t have an overwhelming taste of either, but rather a light addition to the rum. However, everyone likes their flavors differently, so the extracts are nice for those little flavor adjustments. 

Can I Make My Pudding Shots in Advance?

Yes, you can make these sweet treats in advance! Without the toppings, your pudding shots will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure all of your cups full of pudding shots are covered tightly so the pudding remains fresh and doesn’t develop a film. Once the shots are garnished, they’re best served within the next few hours.

hand holding pina colada pudding shot with topping

Other Easy Cocktail Recipes

5 from 4 votes
pina colada pudding shot featured image

Pina Colada Pudding Shots

Serves — 12
Pina Colada Pudding Shots transform a classic tropical cocktail into a delicious dessert. Filled with creamy rich flavor, they are a fun and festive way to get any party started!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 cup Half and Half
  • 1 cup Pina Colada Mix
  • ½ cup White Rum
  • Whipped Cream for garnish (optional)
  • Maraschino Cherries (optional)
  • Toasted Coconut (optional)
  • Pineapple Chunks (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Place the pudding in a bowl and add the half and half, pina colada mix, and rum.
  • Whisk until mixture is thickened.
  • Fill up your pudding cups with the mixture. I used a frosting bag and tip at first, but then I moved to just using a spoon. It was much easier, quicker, and less messy with the spoon.
  • At this point, you can either chill the shots for an hour and then garnish them before serving. Or, you can garnish and serve them immediately. This is totally up to you. Either way, enjoy!

Jenn’s Notes

Storage:
If covered, these can store for about 4 days in the fridge.
Tips:
  • I think the shots taste better chilled. However, if you use cold liquids to make the mixture in the first place, it will remain cold enough to serve immediately, if desired.
  • Do not garnish these shots before you chill them. If you make them ahead, just be sure to garnish them after they come out of the fridge, for best results.
  • I like serving these shots with small spoons. It makes them easier to eat and is less messy than dumping them in your mouth!
  • Do not go over the given liquid amounts. If you do, this can make the mixture too thin.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Comments

      1. it says whipped cream for garnish but also has 8oz of cool whip on the recipe list but not mentioned in the directions