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Birthday Cake Pudding Shots are the party trick that gets everyone talking, a creamy, boozy little dessert that tastes exactly like cake batter in shot cup form. They are no bake, take about 15 minutes of hands on time, and the rainbow sprinkles on top make them impossible to resist. Jason whips up a tray every time we have friends over, and they vanish before the music even starts. If you love a fun party treat, these are right up there with our lemon pudding shots.
Grab a box of pudding, some cake mix, and a bottle of whipped vodka, because the most fun dessert at the party is minutes away.
Birthday Cake Pudding Shots Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🌡️ Cook Time: No cook
- ⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
- 🍽️ Serving: 16 shots
- ⚡ Calories: 77kcal
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Creamy, sweet cake batter with a smooth boozy kick
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy, as simple as our salted caramel pudding shots
Quick Answer
Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and white cake mix, then whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in whipped cream vodka, divide the mixture among 16 small shot cups, and chill for 30 minutes. Right before serving, top each one with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. No baking and no cooking required.
Jump to:
- Birthday Cake Pudding Shots Quick Look
- Quick Answer
- Why This Recipe Works
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to Make Birthday Cake Pudding Shots
- Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Serving Ideas and Suggestions
- Birthday Cake Pudding Shots FAQs
- Other Recommended Party Dessert Recipes
- Birthday Cake Pudding Shots
Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- Cake mix is the secret. Adding a little white cake mix to the pudding is what gives these shots that unmistakable birthday cake batter flavor.
- Whipped vodka keeps it smooth. Whipped cream flavored vodka blends right in and adds the boozy kick without any harsh bite.
- No baking, no cooking. Everything comes together with a whisk and a chill, so there is no oven and almost no cleanup.
- Chilling sets the texture. A short stint in the fridge firms the pudding into a scoopable, spoonable shot that holds its shape.
- They are made for a crowd. One batch makes 16 little cups, and the recipe doubles easily for a bigger party.
- They are endlessly customizable. Swap the cake mix flavor, the pudding flavor, or the sprinkles to match any party theme.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They taste just like cake batter, with a fun boozy twist.
- They are completely no bake and come together in about 15 minutes of hands on time.
- They are a guaranteed party hit, right alongside a pitcher of our strawberry wine slushies.
- The rainbow sprinkles make them festive enough for any birthday or celebration.
Key Ingredients
Here is the short, fun list that turns into a tray of birthday cake pudding shots.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The creamy base that thickens the shots without any cooking.
- White cake mix: Just a little adds that signature birthday cake batter flavor.
- Milk: Whisked in to bring the pudding together into a smooth, pourable mixture.
- Whipped cream vodka: The boozy element that blends in smoothly and keeps the flavor sweet, not sharp.
- Whipped cream and sprinkles: The finishing touch that makes each shot festive and party ready.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
These shots are a blank canvas. Here are a few fun ways to switch them up.
- Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding for a chocolate birthday cake version.
- Swap the whipped vodka for cake flavored or vanilla vodka, or use rum for a different spin.
- Match the sprinkles to a party theme, like red and pink for Valentines or pastel for spring.
- Make them alcohol free by leaving out the vodka and adding a splash more milk, so kids can enjoy them too.
- Layer them with crushed cookies or cake crumbs in the bottom of the cup, like a mini trifle.
How to Make Birthday Cake Pudding Shots
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the white cake mix.
- Pour in the milk and whisk until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Add the whipped cream vodka and mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Divide the pudding mixture between 16 two ounce cups, set them on a sheet tray, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and a shower of rainbow sprinkles.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use instant pudding, not the cook and serve kind, so the shots set up in the fridge without any heat.
- Whisk out every lump before adding the vodka so the texture stays silky smooth.
- Chill at least 30 minutes so the pudding firms up enough to hold its shape in the cups.
- Top right before serving so the whipped cream and sprinkles stay fresh and pretty.
- Use small 2 ounce cups with lids if you want to make and transport them ahead of time.
- Adjust the booze to taste. Add a little less vodka and a splash more milk for a milder shot.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
Set these birthday cake pudding shots out on a tiered stand at a party so guests can grab them between dances. They are the kind of treat that doubles as dessert and a drink, and the sprinkles make any table feel like a celebration.
They are perfect for birthdays, of course, but also bachelorette parties, New Years Eve, and game day. Serve them alongside other fun party sippers like our strawberry wine slushies for a self serve dessert bar.
Round out the spread with a tray of cookies and bars so there is something for everyone. Our pop tart sugar cookies keep the colorful, festive theme going right alongside these shots.
Birthday Cake Pudding Shots FAQs
Whipped cream flavored vodka is our favorite because it blends in smoothly and keeps the flavor sweet and creamy. Cake or vanilla flavored vodka also works great. Plain vodka is fine too, just expect a slightly stronger bite.
Yes. Simply leave out the vodka and add a splash more milk to keep the texture right. They will taste just like creamy cake batter pudding cups, which makes them perfect for kids and non drinkers.
You can make them up to 2 days ahead. Fill the cups, cover or lid them, and keep them chilled in the fridge. Add the whipped cream and sprinkles right before serving so the topping stays fresh.
Runny shots usually mean too much liquid or not enough chill time. Use the exact milk amount, make sure you used instant pudding, and give them a full 30 minutes in the fridge to set up.
Each shot has a modest amount of vodka spread across 16 cups, so they are more of a fun, sippable dessert than a strong drink. You can always reduce the vodka for an even lighter version.
Yes. Because they are made with pudding and milk, keep them in the fridge until you are ready to serve, and refrigerate any leftovers. They will keep well chilled for a couple of days.
Hosting a party? Whip up a batch of our salted caramel pudding shots next.
Birthday Cake Pudding Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup white cake mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 cups whipped cream vodka
- Whipped cream for topping optional
- Sprinkles for topping optional
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pudding, cake mix, and milk.3 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix, 1/2 cup white cake mix, 1 1/2 cups milk
- Add the whipped cream vodka and mix well until everything is combined.3/4 cups whipped cream vodka
- Divide the pudding mixture between 16 2-ounce cups. Place them on a sheet tray to move them easier.
- Move the cups to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkles, if desired.Whipped cream for topping, Sprinkles for topping
Notes
- Chill the Cups: Chill your shot glasses or cups in the fridge before filling them to keep the shooters nice and cold, if not using plastic.
- Heat Treat the Cake Mix: To avoid any risk of foodborne illness, make sure to heat treat the cake mix before using it. Check the tips in the post for more info.
- Use a Piping Bag: Use a piping bag to fill the cups neatly and evenly.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. The more festive, the better!
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the shooters immediately after chilling.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re making these for a big party, consider doubling the recipe. They’re sure to go fast!
Nutrition
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