Banana Pudding Shots Recipe

Reasons You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Shots Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These banana pudding shots come together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. No complicated techniques or special equipment required – just mix, layer, and serve.
• Nostalgic Flavor: The combination of banana cream pudding mix, vanilla wafers, and whipped topping creates that beloved banana pudding taste everyone remembers from childhood, but with a grown-up twist.
• Perfect Party Treat: Making about 30 shots from one batch, this recipe is ideal for entertaining. The individual portions are easy to serve and the boozy element makes them a fun conversation starter.
• Customizable Alcohol: While the recipe calls for whipped cream vodka, you can easily substitute with rum, banana liqueur, or even vanilla vodka depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

What Are Banana Pudding Shots?

Banana pudding shots are a boozy version of the classic Southern dessert, banana pudding. These fun dessert shots combine instant vanilla pudding mix with alcohol to create a creamy, flavorful treat that captures all the essence of traditional banana pudding in a single sip. Think of them as adult pudding cups that pack both flavor and a gentle alcohol kick.

Banana Pudding Shots Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes:

• Banana Cream Pudding Mix – A 3.4-ounce box of instant banana cream pudding mix provides the base flavor and creamy texture. You can substitute with vanilla pudding mix if you don’t have banana, though the banana flavor will be less pronounced.
• Whipped Topping – 16 ounces of whipped topping, divided between the pudding mixture and garnish. Cool Whip works perfectly, or you can make homemade whipped cream if you prefer a more natural option.
• Whole Milk – One cup of whole milk helps activate the pudding mix and creates the proper consistency. The fat content in whole milk contributes to the rich, creamy texture.
• Whipped Cream Vodka – One cup of whipped cream vodka adds the boozy element while complementing the dessert flavors. This is your favorite rum or vodka can be substituted based on preference.
• Vanilla Wafers – About 40 Nilla wafers, crushed, provide the signature crunch and authentic banana pudding experience. Some will be used for layering, others for garnish.
• Fresh Banana Slices – Around 30 banana slices from about 3 large bananas serve as an optional but recommended garnish that reinforces the banana flavor.
• Mini Vanilla Wafers – About 30 mini Nilla wafers for garnish add visual appeal and extra crunch to each shot.

Substitutions and Additions

• Alcohol Variations – Replace whipped cream vodka with white rum, banana liqueur, 99 Bananas, or vanilla vodka for different flavor profiles while maintaining the boozy element.
• Pudding Mix Alternatives – Use instant vanilla pudding mix in place of banana cream if unavailable, or try chocolate pudding for a banana split-inspired variation.
• Dairy-Free Options – Substitute the whole milk with your preferred non-dairy milk and use dairy-free whipped topping to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Extra Banana Flavor – Add a half teaspoon of banana extract to intensify the banana taste, or incorporate mashed banana into the pudding mixture.

How to Make Banana Pudding Shots (Step-by-Step Directions)

STEP 1. Begin by combining the milk and banana cream pudding mix in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until it becomes thickened, which should take about 2 minutes of consistent whisking. (Photos 1, 2 & 3)

STEP 2. Pour in the whipped cream vodka and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined. Next, add 8 ounces (half) of the whipped topping to the pudding bowl and mix until completely incorporated. (Photos 4 & 5)

STEP 3. Cover the pudding bowl and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the next steps. This helps keep the mixture chilled during prep.

STEP 4. Arrange your shot cups on a flat, moveable surface like a baking sheet. Crush your vanilla wafers and place a half tablespoon of the crushed wafers into the bottom of each shot cup, spreading them evenly. Set aside the remaining crushed wafers for later use. (Photos 6 & 7)

STEP 5. Spoon the chilled pudding mixture on top of the cookie layer, filling each shot cup until it’s about three-quarters full. Be careful not to overfill the cups with pudding, as you’ll need space for the toppings. (Photo 8)

STEP 6. Using a frosting bag with a frosting tip (if desired), add a dollop of the remaining whipped topping to each shot. Finish by placing a banana slice and a mini vanilla wafer on top of each shot, then sprinkle with the remaining crushed wafers. Enjoy immediately for the best texture. (Photo 9)

Recipe Tips

• Consistency Control – If you want thicker pudding shots, reduce the vodka to half a cup and increase the milk accordingly. For thinner shots that go down easier, stick to the original measurements.
• Make-Ahead Strategy – Prepare the pudding mixture and crushed wafers ahead of time, but assemble the shots just before serving to maintain the wafer crunch.
• Piping Technique – Use a frosting bag with a star tip to create professional-looking dollops of whipped cream on top of each shot.
• Temperature Matters – Keep all ingredients chilled throughout the process to ensure the best texture and prevent the whipped topping from deflating.

Storing Tips

• Storage: These banana pudding shots are best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor. The vanilla wafers will soften when stored, changing the intended texture.
• Refrigerator: If necessary, you can store assembled shots without garnishes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and add fresh garnishes just before serving.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the dairy components and alcohol will separate and the texture will become unpleasant when thawed.
• Reheating: No reheating required – these are served chilled directly from the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

These banana pudding shots pair beautifully with other Southern-inspired treats and party foods. Serve alongside Easy Peach Cobbler for a complete Southern dessert experience, or offer them with Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake for birthday celebrations.

For a themed party, create a dessert shot bar featuring these banana pudding shots alongside Blue Raspberry Jello Shots and Pina Colada Jello Shots. The variety of flavors and colors creates an impressive display that guests will love.

You can also serve these as part of a banana split dessert bar, offering them alongside Homemade White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Easy Chocolate Banana Icebox Cake for the ultimate banana-themed celebration.

Recipe FAQs

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