If you love pumpkin pie as a dessert, then you’ll enjoy these pumpkin pie pudding shots for a boozy party version! They’re incredibly easy to make, can be made ahead by the batch, and already come in the perfect single serving cups to make your fall parties simple and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin pie pudding shots are the perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and fun, making them a must-have for Thanksgiving and other fall parties! They take the creamy, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie and transform it into a fun, boozy treat that feels nostalgic and festive all at once.
Unlike traditional desserts, these shots are quick to make, easy to serve in batches, and don’t require baking – perfect for parties where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!
Pumpkin pudding shots are also incredibly customizable! Dress them up with toppings like whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a caramel drizzle, making each serving feel like a mini dessert in shot form!
Plus, they strike the right balance between sweet and spiced, so they appeal to both pumpkin spice enthusiasts and those who usually shy away from overly sugary holiday treats. It’s all the flavors of fall with an alcoholic twist, in a fun and shareable format!
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Ingredients List
- Two 3.4-ounce boxes pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk (I use 2% or whole milk usually)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup RumChata
- 1 cup whipped (or vanilla) vodka
- 24 2-ounce Jello shot cups (or similar)
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Cinnamon graham cracker squares
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Make sure to use instant pudding – the cook and serve variety will not set correctly
- Instead of RumChata, you can use Baileys (regular or pumpkin spice flavor), or Fireball (I personally find it too strong on cinnamon, but if you do like it, it works well)
- For the vodka, you can also use a pumpkin spice flavor if you can find it (it’s seasonal, so can be hit and miss)
- Make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling (which is sweetened and spiced). The latter makes the shots too sweet (for me at least, if you like it very sweet then it will work fine)
- If you want a creamier option, fold in an 8 ounce container of Cool Whip to the pudding mix (I don’t find it necessary, but it will make it “fluffier” if you like that texture)
- You can also use taller, clear disposable shooter glasses instead of the portion cups if preferred (I just like the ones with lids so I can store and stack in the fridge)!
Step By Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin pudding mix, milk, vodka, RumChata, and pumpkin puree, then whisk until smooth (free of lumps); about 2 minutes
- Transfer the pudding mixture into your portion cups (you can use a spoon, cookie scoop, or even pour it in using a pitcher or measuring cup with a spout). I put a cookie sheet underneath to catch drips
- Cover (you can use plastic wrap if your cups don’t have lids) and store in the refrigerator until chilled and soft set (usually 1-2 hours, but overnight is fine). Pudding shots only soft set due to the alcohol; don’t expect them to be extremely thick, more just thickened overall
- Remove lids and add garnishes as desired just before serving. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Snacks & Appetizers
- Spiced nuts (candied pecans or cinnamon almonds) – echo the warm fall spice notes
- Cheese board with sharp cheddar, brie, and crackers – balances creamy sweetness with savory richness
- Pretzel bites with honey mustard – adds a salty, tangy counterpoint!
Desserts
- Mini apple tarts or hand pies – complement the pumpkin with another autumn fruit flavor
- Chocolate-dipped biscotti – a crunchy, slightly bitter bite to balance the pudding’s sweetness. Make your own with my Air Fryer Biscotti recipe!
- Caramel popcorn – light, crunchy, and perfectly festive for fall gatherings
Other Drinks
- Hot apple cider (spiked or nonalcoholic) – a cozy, warming match
- Coffee or espresso martinis – balance sweetness with a little roasted bitterness. Try my Pumpkin Espresso Martini for a matching theme
- Baileys on the rocks – smooth and creamy to complement the pudding texture!
Recipe FAQs
How Many Shots Will This Recipe Make?
Using 2-ounce cups, you can expect about 24 pudding shots, depending on how full you fill each cup. This recipe is easy to halve or double if you want to adjust quantities.
Can These Be Made With Sugar-Free Pudding Mix?
Absolutely! Sugar-free pudding mix works the same way, making this a great option for guests who want a lighter treat without sacrificing flavor.
Can I Make These Shots Without Alcohol?
Yes, simply replace the alcohol with extra milk or something similar, such as non-alcoholic eggnog. You’ll still get all the cozy pumpkin spice flavor, just without the boozy kick.
Tips For the Best Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
- Serve with small spoons for enjoying – pudding shots (due to the alcohol) are soft set, so I find spoons the easiest way to enjoy them (or edible dippers work too)!
- For a lighter and fluffier texture (more mousse-like), add whipped topping to your pudding, but just gently fold in (don’t overmix) or it can become runny! This can also help to set your pudding if it seems too runny
- Don’t add extra vodka (tempting as it is) as that can cause the pudding to not set. Stick with the lower proof RumChata (or similar cream liqueur) to balance it out (or add Cool Whip as a thickening agent as noted above)
Serving and Presentation
- Storage: Keep the pudding shots covered in the refrigerator until serving. They’ll last about 3-4 days, though they’re best enjoyed within the first 48 hours for the best texture
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the shots up to 2 days in advance. Mix and portion the pudding into cups, refrigerate, and then garnish on the day of your party for the best look and taste. These shots can also be frozen – store in the freezer for 2-3 months then thaw overnight
- Serving Presentation: Serve in clear 2-ounce plastic cups or mini dessert glasses so the creamy pumpkin pudding is visible. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, fall sprinkles, toasted pie crust pieces, or crushed graham crackers for a pie-like finish
- Halloween Garnishes: For a spooky twist, use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers to look like “dirt.” Add candy pumpkins, gummy worms, or even candy eyes on top for a festive, Halloween-ready treat! Black, orange, or purple paper shot cups can also amp up the theme
- Pumpkin Spice Margarita
Final Thoughts
This easy pumpkin pie pudding shots recipe is a perfect fall treat – somewhere between a boozy party shooter and dessert, but always a huge hit! The pumpkin pie flavor makes them perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, the fall season, or even Halloween with some spooky garnishes added.
Dress them up with fun garnishes like a dollop of whipped cream (like a real slice of pie) and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or add some festive sprinkles and enjoy this fun adult treat (or omit the alcohol and it’s still great for the kids and non-drinkers).
I love that you can make a batch ahead of time and then just garnish and set out for guests. It’s a great way to take the stress off for entertaining, allowing you to spend more time with friends and family!
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots With Vodka
Equipment
- Whisk (or fork)
Ingredients
- 2 3.4-ounce boxes pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk (I use 2% or whole milk usually)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup RumChata
- 1 cup whipped cream (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 (free of lumps); about 2 minutes2 3.4-ounce boxes pumpkin spice instant pudding mix, 1 cup cold milk, ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup RumChata, 1 cup whipped cream (or vanilla) flavored vodka
- Transfer the pudding mixture into your portion cups (you can use a spoon, cookie scoop, or even pour it in using a pitcher or measuring cup with a spout). I put a cookie sheet underneath to catch drips
- Cover (use plastic wrap if your cups don’t have lids) and store in the refrigerator until chilled and soft set (usually 1-2 hours, but overnight is fine). Pudding shots only soft set due to the alcohol; don’t expect them to be extremely thick, more just thickened overall
- Remove lids and add garnishes as desired just before serving with small spoons. Enjoy!Garnishes
Notes
- Make sure to use instant pudding – the cook and serve variety will not set correctly
- Instead of RumChata, you can use Baileys (regular or pumpkin spice flavor), or Fireball (I personally find it too strong on cinnamon, but if you do like it, it works well)
- Vodka – you can also use pumpkin spice flavor if you can find it in season
- Make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling (which is sweetened and spiced). The latter makes the shots too sweet (for me at least, if you like it very sweet then it will work fine)
- For a creamier option, fold in an 8 ounce container of Cool Whip to the pudding mix (I don’t find it necessary, but it will make it fluffier (closer to a mousse) if you prefer that texture)
- You can also use taller, clear disposable shooter glasses instead of the portion cups if preferred (I just like the ones with lids so I can store and stack in the fridge)!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, cup size, garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
