If you love pumpkin pie, these pumpkin pie pudding shots are a boozy, party-friendly take on the classic dessert. They’re quick to prepare, easy to make in batches ahead of time, and already portioned in single-serving cups for simple serving at fall gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pumpkin pie pudding shots combine warm fall spices with a creamy texture and a subtle boozy kick. They capture the familiar flavors of pumpkin pie in a playful, shareable format — great for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any autumn party.
They require no baking, take only minutes to mix, and can be portioned and refrigerated ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy the event instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Customize each shot with toppings like whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, a dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, or a drizzle of caramel to recreate the feeling of a mini pumpkin pie in every cup.
The balance of sweet and spiced flavors appeals to pumpkin spice fans and those who prefer a milder holiday sweetness. With an adult twist from the liqueur and vodka, these shots are festive, nostalgic, and easy to share.
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Ingredients List
- Two 3.4-ounce boxes pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk (2% or whole)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup RumChata (or similar cream liqueur)
- 1 cup whipped or vanilla-flavored vodka
- 24 2-ounce portion cups (or similar clear shooter glasses)
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Cinnamon graham cracker pieces
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Use instant pudding. Cook-and-serve varieties won’t set properly with alcohol.
- Swap RumChata for Baileys (regular or pumpkin spice) or another cream liqueur. Fireball works if you enjoy a stronger cinnamon note.
- If available, a pumpkin spice-flavored vodka adds extra seasonal flavor, but plain vanilla or whipped vodka works well too.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced and can make the shots overly sweet.
- For a lighter, mousse-like texture, gently fold in an 8-ounce container of Cool Whip.
- Clear disposable shooter glasses work nicely and are easy to stack and store in the fridge if you prefer them to portion cups with lids.
Step By Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin pudding mix, cold milk, vodka, RumChata, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes.
- Portion the pudding mixture into your cups using a spoon, cookie scoop, or a pitcher with a spout. Place cups on a cookie sheet to make transport and refrigerating easier.
- Cover the cups (use lids or plastic wrap) and refrigerate until chilled and lightly set, usually 1–2 hours; overnight is fine. Because of the alcohol, the shots will soft set rather than becoming very firm.
- Remove lids and add garnishes just before serving. Serve with small spoons or edible dippers. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Snacks & Appetizers
- Spiced nuts such as candied pecans or cinnamon almonds to echo warm spice notes.
- Cheese board with sharp cheddar and brie to balance sweet and savory flavors.
- Pretzel bites with honey mustard for a salty counterpoint.
Desserts
- Mini apple tarts or hand pies to pair another autumn flavor with pumpkin.
- Chocolate-dipped biscotti for a crunchy contrast to the creamy shots.
- Caramel popcorn for a light, festive snack alongside the pudding shots.
Other Drinks
- Hot apple cider (spiked or nonalcoholic) for a cozy pairing.
- Coffee or espresso martinis to offset sweetness with a roasted bitterness.
- Baileys on the rocks for a smooth, creamy complement.
Recipe FAQs
How Many Shots Will This Recipe Make?
Using 2-ounce cups, expect about 24 pudding shots, depending on how full you fill each cup. The recipe scales easily if you want fewer or more servings.
Can These Be Made With Sugar-Free Pudding Mix?
Yes — sugar-free instant pudding mix works the same way and lowers the sugar content while keeping the flavor.
Can I Make These Shots Without Alcohol?
Yes — substitute the RumChata and vodka with extra milk, nonalcoholic eggnog, or a nonalcoholic cream alternative. You’ll retain the cozy pumpkin spice flavor without the alcohol.
Tips For the Best Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
- Serve with small spoons for easy eating—soft-set pudding shots are best enjoyed with a spoon or edible dippers.
- For a lighter, fluffier texture, gently fold in whipped topping; fold carefully to avoid making the mixture runny.
- Avoid adding extra high-proof vodka, which can prevent the pudding from setting. Use a cream liqueur like RumChata to balance the alcohol and texture.
Serving and Presentation
- Storage: Keep covered and refrigerated. Shots keep 3–4 days, best within 48 hours for optimal texture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance. Portion and chill, then garnish just before serving. Shots can also be frozen for 2–3 months and thawed overnight.
- Presentation: Use clear 2-ounce cups or mini dessert glasses so the creamy layers show. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or crushed graham crackers for a pie-like finish.
- Halloween Ideas: Use crushed chocolate cookies for a “dirt” topping, add candy pumpkins or gummy worms, or use themed cups for a festive look.
More Pumpkin Cocktails
Pumpkin Pie Martini With Vanilla Vodka and RumChata!
Pumpkin Pie Mimosa: The Perfect Fall Brunch Beverage!
Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned: Sip Some Autumn Magic!
- Pumpkin Spice Margarita
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin pie pudding shots are an easy, crowd-pleasing fall treat that sit perfectly between a dessert and a party shooter. They’re ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Halloween, or any autumn gathering where you want a festive, make-ahead dessert option.
Garnish each shot with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed graham crackers to echo a traditional pumpkin pie. Omit the alcohol to make a family-friendly version that keeps the seasonal flavors intact.
Make a batch before your event, chill them in the refrigerator, then finish with garnishes right before guests arrive — an easy way to reduce stress and spend more time enjoying company.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots With Vodka
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk (or fork)
- Measuring cups
- 24 2-ounce plastic cups with lids
Ingredients
- 2 — 3.4-ounce boxes pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup RumChata
- 1 cup whipped or vanilla-flavored vodka
- Garnishes: whipped cream, sprinkles, pumpkin pie spice, or graham cracker pieces
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin pudding mix, milk, vodka, RumChata, and pumpkin puree, then whisk until smooth — about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into portion cups. Use a spoon, cookie scoop, or pour from a pitcher. Place cups on a cookie sheet to make handling easier.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled and soft set (1–2 hours or overnight). The alcohol prevents a firm set, so expect a soft, thickened pudding.
- Remove lids and add garnishes just before serving with small spoons. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use instant pudding; cook-and-serve will not set properly with alcohol.
- Substitute RumChata with Baileys or another cream liqueur if desired.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, unless you prefer a much sweeter result.
- For a creamier, mousse-like texture, fold in an 8-ounce container of Cool Whip.
- Nutrition values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands, cup size, and garnishes.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are guidelines and will vary by brand, portion size, and garnishes.
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