This post may contain affiliate links.
These strawberry banana **Pudding Shots** are the most fun grown-up dessert, with a layer of boozy strawberry jello under a fluffy banana cream pudding layer, all in a cute little cup. I bring them to summer parties because they are make-ahead, portable, and always the first thing to disappear from the table. If you love an easy party treat, these are right up there with our pistachio pudding dessert.
Layered, no-bake, and individually portioned, these pudding shots are the perfect make-ahead treat for any adults-only celebration.
Pudding Shots Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🌡️ Cook Time: 2 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- 🍽️ Serving: 24 shots
- ⚡ Calories: 117kcal
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Sweet, creamy, and fruity with a boozy kick
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy and make-ahead, like our no bake raspberry cheesecake bites
Quick Answer
To make these pudding shots, dissolve strawberry jello in boiling water, whisk in cold water, vodka, and cream, then divide the mixture into shot cups and chill until set. For the second layer, whisk banana cream pudding mix with cold milk, stir in vodka, and fold in whipped topping. Spoon the banana layer over the set jello, chill again, then pipe on whipped topping and serve.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- Two layers, two textures. A firm jello bottom and a fluffy pudding top give every shot a fun contrast in one bite.
- Cream tames the jello layer. A splash of heavy cream softens the strawberry jello so it stays tender and easy to scoop, not rubbery.
- Whipped topping for lift. Folding whipped topping into the pudding keeps the banana layer light, airy, and pipeable.
- Built-in portion control. Individual shot cups mean no slicing or serving, and guests can grab their own.
- Totally make-ahead. Both layers set in the fridge, so you can make these a day before the party and forget about them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They are a fun, portable, individually portioned party dessert.
- They are completely no-bake and made ahead of time.
- They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, just like our fresh strawberry dump cake.
Key Ingredients
A handful of simple ingredients layer into these fun party shots. Here is what each one does.
- Strawberry Jello Mix: Forms the firm, fruity bottom layer and gives the shots their bright color.
- Banana Cream Pudding Mix: The base of the fluffy top layer with sweet banana flavor.
- Vodka: Stirred into both layers for the boozy kick. Use a clean, smooth vodka so the fruit flavors shine.
- Whipped Topping: Folded into the pudding for a light, airy texture and piped on top for garnish.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: They soften the jello and thin the pudding so both layers stay creamy and scoopable.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
Mix and match flavors and make these your own.
- Swap the strawberry jello for cherry, raspberry, or lime.
- Use vanilla, chocolate, or cheesecake pudding instead of banana.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka with extra water in the jello layer and extra milk in the pudding layer.
- Garnish with mini banana slices, fresh strawberries, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies.
- For another easy pudding dessert, try our pistachio pudding.
How to Make Pudding Shots
- Place the strawberry jello mix in a large heatproof bowl and pour in the boiling water, whisking until the jello is fully dissolved.
- Whisk in the cold water, followed by the vodka and heavy cream.
- Evenly divide the jello mixture among 24 small shot cups and refrigerate for about 1 hour to set.
- In a large bowl, whisk the banana cream pudding mix with the cold milk for 2 minutes, then whisk in the vodka.
- Fold in 8 ounces of the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
- Spoon the banana layer over the set jello, chill at least 1 hour, then pipe on the remaining whipped topping and garnish before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Let the jello layer set fully. A firm bottom layer keeps the two layers distinct instead of blending together.
- Use 2-ounce cups with lids. They make the shots easy to chill, transport, and store with the toppings on.
- Do not skip the cream. It keeps the jello layer soft and spoonable instead of bouncy and firm.
- Chill between layers. Adding the pudding before the jello sets will muddy the clean two-layer look.
- Pipe toppings just before serving. The whipped topping garnish looks freshest when added close to party time.
- Adjust the booze to taste. Use a little less vodka for a milder shot or a touch more for a stronger one.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
Serve these pudding shots cold straight from the fridge on a pretty tray or cake stand, garnished with mini strawberry and banana slices. They are perfect for adults-only summer parties alongside our fresh strawberry dump cake.
Set them out as part of a dessert bar with a few other make-ahead treats so guests can graze. Because they are individually portioned, there is no slicing or serving fuss, which makes them ideal for backyard barbecues, bridal showers, and game-day spreads.
For a full party dessert spread, add our golden Oreo strawberry cheesecake bars for something to slice and share.
Pudding Shots FAQs
You can make these pudding shots up to 2 days ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and add the piped whipped topping garnish just before serving so it looks fresh. They are an ideal make-ahead party dessert.
The vodka is divided across 24 shots, so each one has a relatively small amount of alcohol, similar to a light cocktail. You can use more or less vodka to taste. Always keep them clearly labeled and away from children since they look like a kid-friendly treat.
Yes. For a family-friendly version, replace the vodka in the jello layer with extra cold water and the vodka in the pudding layer with extra cold milk. The texture and flavor stay just as creamy and delicious.
Two-ounce plastic shot cups or small portion cups with lids work best. The lids make them easy to chill, stack, and transport, and they keep the whipped topping protected if you garnish ahead of time.
Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled until right before serving. They do not freeze well, since the jello and pudding layers can become watery once thawed.
The layers blend when the jello bottom has not fully set before the pudding is added. Be sure to chill the jello layer until firm, about an hour, before spooning on the banana pudding layer for clean, distinct stripes.
Hungry for more? Try our strawberry cheesecake bundt cake next for another easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Love a fun pudding shot? Try our birthday cake pudding shots.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
For the strawberry layer:
- 3 ounces packaged strawberry jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup cold heavy cream
For the banana layer:
- 3.4 ounce package banana cream pudding mix
- 1 & 1/2 cups cold milk
- 3/4 cup vodka
- 16 ounces whipped topping divided
Instructions
- Place the strawberry jello mix in a large heatproof bowl.3 ounces packaged strawberry jello mix
- Pour in the boiling water and whisk until the jello is dissolved.1 cup boiling water
- Whisk in the cold water, followed by the vodka and heavy cream.1/4 cup cold water, 1/2 cup vodka, 1/4 cup cold heavy cream
- Lay out 24 2-ounce plastic shot glasses or containers of similar portion sizes onto a sheet tray. Evenly add the jello mixture to the cups.
- Place into the fridge for 1 hour to set.
- In a large bowl, add the banana cream pudding mix and whisk it for 2 minutes with the cold milk.3.4 ounce package banana cream pudding mix, 1 & 1/2 cups cold milk
- Whisk in the vodka.3/4 cup vodka
- Fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping.16 ounces whipped topping
- Add the mixture on top of the strawberry jello; you may have some leftovers, make sure there is enough room to add a lid.
- Cover with the tops or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Pipe on the remaining whipped topping to each shot. Serve immediately or chill until serving. Optional, garnish with strawberry and banana slices.
Notes
- Chill the Ingredients: Start with chilled ingredients for the perfect consistency.
- Layer the Flavors: Make sure the first layer is set before adding the banana pudding mixture.
- Perfect Dessert: The flavor of these shots is like a creamy banana pudding in shot form, making it a great dessert for any gathering.
- Use Half of the Whipped Cream: Mix half into the pudding mixture and use the other half to top the shots.
- Get Creative: Mix in fun flavors like chocolate syrup or caramel for a unique twist.
- Piping Bag Fun: Use a piping bag to make adding the whipped topping super easy.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
Follow @ThisSillyGirlsKitchen on Instagram and @danadevolk on Pinterest for more!
OK, I used Malibu Rum…tasted like an island vacation!