Red White and Blue Cheesecake Pudding Shots are filled with a creamy rich flavor and a kick from vodka, all layered in festive colors. Perfect for an Independence Day dessert, patriotic party, or holiday celebration.
Jump to RecipeTable of Contents
- 4th of July Pudding Shots
- Why We Love This Red White and Blue Pudding Shots Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Additions
- Recommended Tools
- How to Make Layered Red White and Blue Pudding Shots
- Tips
- Storage Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Other Easy Dessert Shot Recipes
- Red White and Blue Pudding Shots Recipe
This Red White and Blue Pudding Shots recipe is a fun way to enjoy the Fourth of July in a perfectly portioned, portable spiked pudding package.
Filled with festive colors and rich flavor, this easy recipe can be made in minutes using instant pudding, half and half, vodka, and food dye (or leave out the booze so that both kids and adults can enjoy a sweet treat).
4th of July Pudding Shots
Patriotic Vodka Pudding Shots are a fun and festive way to get any summer party started; they’re the tastiest twist on the traditional jello shot when you’re tired of sipping and slurping spiked jello!
While my 4th of July Jello Shots may wiggle and jiggle, this delicious drink/dessert combination is simply made with a pudding mix, so it’s cool and creamy and served with a spoon.
This layered individual-sized Independence Day dessert is my favorite way to celebrate with friends and family and makes any patriotic party perfectly sweet!
Just like the classic vodka-infused jello shots, a basic pudding shots recipe can easily be customized with an assortment of alcohol and colors – create your own best boozy bite and transform your favorite flavored powder into fun party food.
For more 4th of July recipes and food to accompany your fireworks, check out my 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats, 4th of July Sugar Cookies, and 4th of July Cake In A Jar.
Why We Love This Red White and Blue Pudding Shots Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in 10 minutes — no baking or cooking needed.
- Only uses 3 simple ingredients plus food dye.
- Delicious dessert for kids when you leave out the alcohol.
- Ultimate single-serving sized cocktail in solid pudding form!
- Great for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any other patriotic holiday gathering.
- Tasty treats for a picnic, potluck, backyard BBQ, or summer party.
Ingredients
- Instant cheesecake pudding: powder contains ingredients that absorb liquid to form pudding texture instantly (you cannot substitute it for Cook & Serve).
- Half and half
- Vodka
- Red food dye
- Blue food dye
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional garnish)
- Patriotic sprinkles (optional garnish)
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Substitutions and Additions
- Pick Your Pudding: If you don’t care for the cheesecake flavor, feel free to use instant vanilla pudding or instant white chocolate pudding instead.
- Grab A garnish: Top your layered shot desserts with a whipped topping, colorful sprinkles, a maraschino cherry, fresh fruit (like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries), or candy, or cookie crumbles.
- Customize The Colors and Flavors: Get creative and use your favorite flavored alcohol and instant pudding combinations.
- Kahlúa and Irish cream liqueur + Chocolate pudding = Mudslide Pudding Shots
- Vodka and Baileys or other Irish cream liqueur = Pistachio Pudding Shots
- Whipped vodka + Lemon pudding = Lemon Meringue Pie Pudding Shots
- Coconut vodka + Pineapple pudding = Pina Colada Tropical Pudding Shots
- Cake vodka + Strawberry pudding = Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Shots
- 2-Ounce shot glasses
- Frosting bag and tip (optional)
- Hand mixer or whisk
How to Make Layered Red White and Blue Pudding Shots
These fourth of July pudding shots are filled with festive colored pudding, layered in a portable cup for the perfect patriotic party! This simple recipe is so easy and quick and can be made without alcohol so they’re safe for both kids and non-indulging adults to consume.
- Prepare The Pudding: Beat together the pudding powder and half and half until thick. Add the vodka and beat again until smooth and thickened.
- Create Colors: Separate the pudding into three bowls. Add blue food coloring to one bowl and mix, until no color streaks appear. Repeat with the red food coloring.
- Chill: Place pudding in the fridge until thickened.
- Assemble: Fill each shot glass a third full with red pudding, followed by white pudding, and top with blue pudding. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles.
- Serve: Enjoy!
Tips
- Do not add more vodka to the mixture or it will make it too thin. For this pudding shot, you want it to remain a little thicker so the colors don’t mix.
- When you start to mix the vodka into the pudding, it will look chunky at first. Just keep mixing, it will smooth out, this is normal.
- Be sure to tap each shot glass lightly on the counter as you add each color. This will flatten it out and make the color layers smoother.
- 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 as this will make the pudding too thick. The half and half worked great for this recipe.
Storage Tips
- To Store: Store any leftover pudding shots, covered, in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make in 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.
What is the best way to layer my pudding in the shot glasses?
I find it best to use a frosting bag to layer the pudding in shot glasses. Make sure to tilt the bag to the side as you fill each glass, as the mixture will be thinner and not hold in the frosting bag as well as a thick frosting would.
It will want to escape out of the frosting tip. So, as long as you keep the bag tilted sideways, in between each layer, you should be fine.
You can also try using an injector, although some pudding chunks might try and block it.
Can I make these pudding cups without alcohol?
Yes, you can easily make these pudding cups without alcohol for kids to enjoy. Simply prepare the pudding as directed on the box and follow the rest of the steps. Just skip the vodka.
Other Easy Dessert Shot Recipes
- Dirty Shirley Jello Shots
- Pool Party Jello Shots
- Starburst Jello Shots
- Fireball Jello Shots
- 10+ Amazing Adult Jello Shot Recipes!
- 2 boxes Instant Cheesecake Pudding (3 ounces each)
- 2 cups Half and Half
- 1 cup Vodka
- Red Food Dye
- Blue Food Dye
- Whipped Cream (optional garnish)
- Patriotic Sprinkles (optional garnish)
Add your pudding and half and half to a large mixing bowl. Beat with the mixer until thickened.
Add the vodka and beat again until smooth and thickened.
Break the pudding into thirds, adding the portions to three separate bowls.
In one bowl, add the blue food coloring and mix, adding more and mixing until the desired color is reached. Mix until no color streaks appear.
Repeat the same steps for the red with one of the other bowls. Leave the third one without color.
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Add the red to the frosting bag and fill each shot glass a third full. Next, do the same thing with the uncolored pudding, and end with the blue pudding.
Using the frosting bag one more time, add a dollop of whipped cream to the top of each shot and toss on some sprinkles. Enjoy!
Storage:
Store any leftover pudding shots, covered, in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Tips:
- Do not add more vodka to the mixture or it will make it too thin. For this pudding shot, you want it to remain a little thicker so the colors don’t mix.
- When you start to mix the vodka into the pudding, it will look chunky at first. Just keep mixing, it will smooth out, this is normal.
- When using the frosting bag, be sure to tilt it to the side as the mixture will be thinner and not hold in the frosting bag as well as thick frosting might. It will want to escape out of the frosting tip. So, as long as you keep the bag tilted sideways in between each layer, you should be fine. You can also try using an injector, although some pudding chunks might try and block it.
- Be sure to tap each shot glass lightly on the counter as you add each color. This will flatten it out and make the color layers smoother.
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 as this will make the pudding too thick. The half and half worked great for this recipe. - This can also be made with vanilla pudding if you don’t care for cheesecake flavor.
- If you’re wanting to make these safe for kids, simply prepare the pudding as directed on the box and follow the rest of the steps. Just skip the vodka.
Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 247mg | Potassium: 53mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
About Jenn
Jenn is a mom to three beautiful boys, wife to an amazing husband, social influencer and blogger. I love all things easy recipes, easy crafts, all things hacks, traveling EVERYWHERE and feeding my Pinterest addiction!
Learn More About Me!
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FAQs
How do you eat pudding shots? ›
Serve with spoons – unlike Jell-O shots, it's unlikely you can just run your tongue around the edge of a pudding shot to get the whole thing to drop in your mouth, so you'll need either actual silverware or disposables.
How long does pudding shots last? ›These banana pudding shots will last in the fridge for up to 5 days, as long as they are kept covered. I do recommend storing them without any toppings, as the whipped cream won't hold its form (especially homemade) and the other ingredients can seep into the pudding mixture.
Do you put pudding shots in the fridge or freezer? ›Simply make the pudding shots, place them in shot glasses, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 - 5 days. When you're ready to serve, place the pudding shots in the freezer for about 40 minutes, just until the pudding has thickened and set up. Then, garnish and enjoy!
Do you freeze or refrigerate pudding shots? ›Keep them cold: These dessert shots must be kept refrigerated until you're ready to eat them. They are super fun at the beach, but be sure they are in your cooler! You can also freeze them so that they will stay cold longer.
Why are my pudding shots runny? ›Why Are My Pudding Shots So Runny? If you make pudding shots with a liquor that is around 80-proof, the higher alcohol content may prevent the pudding from setting up properly. If that's the case, add in 8 ounces of whipped cream or cream topping before chilling.
Can you refreeze pudding shots? ›You can refreeze pudding shots, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure the pudding shots are completely thawed before refreezing them. If they're still icy in the middle, they won't freeze properly and will become a soupy mess. Second, give them plenty of time to freeze.
How long can pudding shots last in the fridge? ›How Long Do Pudding Shots Last? Pudding shots should keep in your refrigerate for 5-7 days and can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.
How much alcohol should you put in Jello Shots? ›In general, a basic batch of Jello Shots is made with one cup of juice or water, one packet of gelatin, a half cup of cold water and half a cup of alcohol.
Can you add alcohol to Cool Whip? ›Stir in vodka. Add COOL WHIP and zest; stir until COOL WHIP is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Pour into 8-inch square pan. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.
How much will whip shots be? ›However, if you don't luck out at the daily Whip Drop (so it is called!), it'll be available nationwide in U.S. stores early next year for $5.99 for 50mL, $13.99 for 200mL and $19.99 for 375mL bottles, respectively. Celebrities are getting quite involved in sweet treats this season.
How many jello shots does a box make? ›
Jello Shots Recipes FAQ's
1 small box of jello yields about 15 jello shots (2 cups of liquid). 2 boxes (or 1 large 6 oz. box) yield 30 shots, which will fit nicely on a baking sheet to transport them easily to the refrigerator.
With JELL-O Puddings, you can replace the dairy milk with oat milk, soy milk, almond milk and other plant-based milk. It's not a direct 1-to-1 ratio, so read on to learn how to make plant-based pudding with a variety of plant-based milks using both JELL-O Instant Pudding and JELL-O Cook & Serve Pudding.
Can you freeze Jello instant pudding? ›The answer is yes. Like most desserts, pudding is completely safe to be kept in the freezer. Freezing can prolong the shelf life of this dessert for up to 90 days.
Why are my pudding shots runny? ›Why Are My Pudding Shots So Runny? If you make pudding shots with a liquor that is around 80-proof, the higher alcohol content may prevent the pudding from setting up properly. If that's the case, add in 8 ounces of whipped cream or cream topping before chilling.
How much alcohol should you put in Jello Shots? ›In general, a basic batch of Jello Shots is made with one cup of juice or water, one packet of gelatin, a half cup of cold water and half a cup of alcohol.
How many Jello Shots does a box make? ›Jello Shots Recipes FAQ's
1 small box of jello yields about 15 jello shots (2 cups of liquid). 2 boxes (or 1 large 6 oz. box) yield 30 shots, which will fit nicely on a baking sheet to transport them easily to the refrigerator.
There are many recipes and a quick search will give you many different ideas for your Jell-O shots. None of them, however, suggests freezing them. That said, any type of food can be frozen so if you're committed to storing leftover jello shots, you can freeze them.