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5 from 7 votes

Lemon Pudding Shots Recipe (with Limoncello)

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These Lemon Pudding Shots use real limoncello in the mix, making these the perfect mini boozy pudding dessert for your next party. Creamy, simple, lemony, and irresistible.

lemon pudding shots on a white wooden serving platter sitting on a blue wood table top, fresh flowers, mint, and lemonPin

If you know me, I like to indulge in a little alcohol treat from time to time, but I also am OBSESSED with desserts. So, I smushed the two together and came up with these Lemon Pudding Shots!

A creamy mixture consisting of instant pudding, limoncello, whipped topping, and milk… simple right?!

The lemon in the pudding and limoncello is not overpowering but makes the perfect lemon dessert. Maybe we should call these creamy lemon drop shots!

I love to serve these at spring and summer get-togethers, everyone always loves them, and I get asked to make them all the time. With their pudding consistency, these boozy bites are always a huge hit.

Of course, being the hostess that I am, I oblige and make them every chance I get. I love them, too, and I love an excuse to make them!

The best part is you can take our original recipe and make it your own.

Our Lemon Pudding Shots are sure to be a huge conversation starter at your next party.

Some of our other favorite lemon dessert recipes we have on our site include: Lemon Angel Food Cupcakes, Lemon Cheesecake, and Lemon Poppyseed Bars.

Upclose image of lemon pudding shots on a white wooden serving platter sitting on blue wood table top, fresh mint, lemons, and flowersPin

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

  1. It makes a lot to feed a crowd and is a super easy recipe. Perfect for summer days.
  2. Uses real limoncello making these a decadent boozy dessert.
  3. Using store-bought simple ingredients helps these come together in 10 minutes or less.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

  • Instant lemon pudding mix
  • Cold whole milk
  • Limoncello
  • Whipped topping (cool whip)
Overhead image showing the ingredients needed to make lemon pudding shots on a grey marble table topPin

HOW TO MAKE LEMON PUDDING SHOTS:

  1. Add the instant pudding mix and milk in a large bowl, and whisk until combined.
  2. Whisk in the limoncello for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Overhead collage of images showing first steps on how to make lemon pudding shotsPin
  1. Add one 8-ounce container of whipped topping and fold it in until there are no streaks left—place in the fridge for 5 minutes.
  2. Lay out 28 2-ounce plastic shot glasses or containers of similar portion sizes onto a sheet tray. Add 3 tablespoons of the pudding mixture to each cup. Cover with the tops or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
  3. Pipe on the remaining whipped topping to each shot. Serve immediately or chill until serving. Optional, garnish with small lemon wedges and fresh mint.
Collage of images showing the final steps on how to make lemon pudding shotsPin

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

ARE THESE THE SAME AS JELL-O SHOTS?

Yes and no; while the pudding mix I use is Jello brand, the actual shots are not made from jello.

If you are looking for true Jello shots, they are made from jiggly Jello.

Pudding shot recipes are typically made with instant pudding mix.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT PUDDING?

Absolutely, we used lemon pudding mix for this recipe to stick with the lemon theme, but if you don’t have it or can’t find the lemon flavor, you can use other flavors in it’s place.

Other flavors of pudding I suggest (just make sure it’s instant pudding mix):

  • Instant Cheesecake Pudding
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
  • Instant White Chocolate Pudding
45 degree angle image of lemon pudding shots on a white wooden serving platter sitting on a blue wood table top, fresh mint, lemons, and flowersPin

WHAT ELSE CAN I GARNISH THESE WITH?

I like to keep it simple with lemon and mint, but other options are:

  • Lemon zest
  • Yellow sprinkles
  • Blueberries – think blueberry lemon drop shot, yum!
  • Other fresh berries
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Golden Oreos
  • Lemon Oreos

CAN PUDDING SHOTS BE FROZEN?

Yes! I actually love eating these frozen as well; they are even more refreshing served that way.

Just put the tops on the plastic containers and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

DO I HAVE TO USE LIMONCELLO?

Not at all. Here are some other alcohols you can use in place of limoncello:

  • Vanilla vodka
  • Rumchata
  • Whipped cream vodka
  • Lemon vodka
  • Lemon rum

Want to jazz up your Limoncello Pudding Shots? Try these fun mix-ins or toppings:

  • Different Flavors – Toss in some crushed cookies or candy bits for fun texture.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice – Squeeze a tiny drop on top for extra zing!
  • Chocolate Syrup – Drizzle a little for a sweet twist that looks fancy.
  • Bailey’s Irish Cream – Add a splash to the mix for a creamy, boozy kick.
  • Small Lemon Wedges – Pop these on top (like the recipe says) for cute looks.
  • Fresh Mint – A sprig makes it pretty and smells amazing.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream – A tiny scoop on top if you’re feeling wild!
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – Sprinkle a pinch for a holiday season vibe.
  • Lime Juice – A drop adds a sour punch to switch it up.
  • Simple Syrup – Brush a bit on top for extra sweetness.

Switch things around with these ideas for your Limoncello Pudding Shots:

  • Lime Juice instead of limoncello – Go for a tart, limey shot (use less—maybe 1/4 cup!).
  • Heavy Cream instead of whole milk – Makes it richer and creamier.
  • RumChata instead of limoncello – Turns them into RumChata pudding shots!
  • Sour Cream instead of whipped topping – Gives a tangy twist (use less, though!).
  • Vanilla Pudding Shots base – Swap the lemon pudding mix for vanilla flavor.
  • Bailey’s Irish Cream instead of limoncello – For a cozy, Irish cream vibe.

These are the plastic shot cups I use:

100-Pack Jello Shot Cups with Lids – 2 Ounce

A hand holding a lemon pudding shots in airPin

Store leftovers in the fridge sealed for up to 5 days. Best served and eaten cold.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Place leftovers in the freezer in a freezer-safe container or bag. To thaw, place the dish in the fridge overnight.

Do not store with garnishes. Rather, top each pudding shot with garnish to serve instead.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • This makes a large batch, but you can easily double it to feed more or halve the recipe as needed.
  • Tons of custom options, see my tips above on that.
  • Great for a make-ahead dessert.
  • This freezes well, see my tips above on how to store.
  • Add garnishes to serve, do not store with garnishes.
A silver spoon showing a bite of lemon pudding shots in airPin

These Lemon Pudding Shots will surely be a big hit at your next gathering!

Who doesn’t love a creamy cocktail you can eat?! Boozy treats FTW!

If you’ve tried this LEMON PUDDING SHOTS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes! 

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5 from 7 votes

Lemon Pudding Shots (with Limoncello)

Author Dana DeVolk
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
These Lemon Pudding Shots use real limoncello in the mix, making these the perfect mini boozy pudding dessert for your next party. Creamy, simple, lemony, and irresistible.
Servings 28 shots

Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • Add the instant pudding mix and milk in a large bowl, and whisk until combined.
    3.4 ounce package instant lemon pudding mix, 1 & 1/2 cups cold whole milk
  • Whisk in the limoncello for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
    3/4 cup limoncello
  • Add one 8-ounce container of whipped topping and fold it in until there are no streaks left—place in the fridge for 5 minutes.
    16 ounces whipped topping
  • Lay out 28 2-ounce plastic shot glasses or containers of similar portion sizes onto a sheet tray. Add 3 tablespoons of the pudding mixture to each cup. 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 small lemon wedges and fresh mint.

Notes

  • This makes a large batch, but you can easily double it to feed more or halve the recipe as needed.
  • Tons of custom options, see my tips above on that.
  • Great for a make-ahead dessert.
  • This freezes well, see my tips above on how to store.
  • Add garnishes to serve, do not store with garnishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 0.004g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.02mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American

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5 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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6 Comments

  1. Not thickening. Followed recipe, is there a way to fix?

  2. How much lemongello do you use?

    Thanks

  3. Clarabelle says:

    Can you use almond milk?

  4. Instead of Limoncello can I substitute Lemon Liqueur and would I use the same amount ???😋🤗🧜🏻‍♀️

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