Banana Pudding Shots

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These Banana Pudding Shots made with Bacardi Rum are one of my favorites to make in the Summer. All the goodness of banana pudding spiked with a little something, you can’t go wrong! These shots are a boozy version of the classic banana pudding dessert and are so easy to make. They will definitely be a hit at your next party. Nothing says Summer like banana pudding and Bacardi rum! Here’s how to make these yummy pudding shots!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Shots

If you love classic Southern banana pudding, these creamy banana pudding shots are going to be one of your new favorite party desserts. They have all of the flavors of traditional banana pudding with a fun boozy twist that makes them perfect for Summer parties, BBQs, tailgates, birthdays, and game day gatherings.

These easy pudding shots are:

• Creamy and packed with banana flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Easy to prepare ahead of time
• Perfect for parties and entertaining
• Fun to customize with different alcohol flavors
• A delicious no-bake dessert shot recipe

The crushed vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices make these taste just like mini banana cream desserts in shot form.

Banana Pudding Shot Ingredients

• 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant banana pudding
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup white rum (we used Bacardi)
• 18 nilla wafers, crushed
• 6 (3 oz.) plastic shot cups
• Whipped cream for topping
• 6 banana slices for topping

PRO TIP

Swap the whipped cream for cool whip (use these piping bags and this piping tip), for a more stable whipped cream on your shots!

With the banana pudding, wafers, and fresh bananas, you get all of the fun flavors of traditional banana pudding, only we’ve spiced these little mini pudding cups up with some Bacardi rum. These ingredients will make 6 banana pudding shots in the bigger 3 oz. plastic shot glasses, or even more if you use the smaller 2 ounce condiment cups.

Best Alcohol for Banana Pudding Shots

White rum works perfectly in these banana pudding shots because it adds a smooth flavor without overpowering the creamy banana pudding. We used Bacardi rum, but there are several delicious options you can try depending on the flavor you want.

Some great liquor options include:

• White rum
• Coconut rum
• Banana rum
• Vanilla vodka
• Whipped cream vodka
• RumChata
• Banana Liqueur

If you want a sweeter banana cream pudding shot flavor, whipped cream vodka or RumChata are especially delicious choices.

How to Make Banana Pudding Shots with Rum

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix, milk, and rum.

2. Pour the banana pudding mixture into each 3 oz. cup, about halfway full.

3. Add a small layer of crushed nilla wafers to each cup.

4. Spoon the remaining pudding evenly among the cups. You can chill these in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Then, before serving, top with whipped cream and a slice of banana.

Easy Banana Pudding Shot Variations

One of the best things about pudding shots is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

Banana Cream Pudding Shots

Fold whipped topping or cool whip directly into the pudding mixture for an extra creamy banana cream pie flavor.

Cheesecake Banana Pudding Shots

Use half a box of cheesecake instant pudding mix and half the box of banana pudding mix in the instructions for a rich cheesecake-style version.

Chocolate Banana Pudding Shots

Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup on top for a chocolate banana dessert flavor combination.

Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Shots

Top the pudding shots with extra crushed vanilla wafers right before serving for added crunch and texture.

This is such a fun pudding shot recipe. You might also like these other delicious jello and pudding shots-

More Pudding Shots

Chocolate Pudding Shots

Salted Caramel Pudding Shots

Strawberry Jello Shots

Berry Blue Jello Shots

Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Shots

Butterscotch Pudding Shots

White Russian Pudding Shots

Rumchata Cheesecake Pudding Shots

Strawberries and Cream Jello Shots

How to Store Banana Pudding Shots

These banana pudding shots are perfect for making ahead for parties and events. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

For best results:

• Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving
• Store covered for up to two days in the refrigerator
• Add whipped cream and banana slices just before serving
• Keep chilled while serving at parties

Because fresh banana slices can brown over time, it’s best to add them right before serving.

Banana Pudding Shot Recipe Tips & FAQs

Banana pudding shots are a boozy and delicious twist on a classic Southern dessert. The combination of creamy pudding and the kick of alcohol makes these perfect for parties or gatherings. 

• When making these, be sure to use small plastic cups for easy serving and cleanup.
• Before serving, allow the pudding shots to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure that they are properly set and ready to be enjoyed.
• For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top before serving.
• If you want to get creative with your pudding shots, you can also experiment with different flavor combinations, such as chocolate, butterscotch, or caramel. And don’t be afraid to add a splash of your favorite liqueur to give the pudding shots an extra kick!
• When serving the pudding shots, you can provide provide mini spoons for easy enjoyment. 

With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these tasty and fun banana pudding shots in no time! 

Can you make pudding shots ahead of time?

You sure can! I recommend finding plastic shot cups with lids in case you want to throw lids on them  and refrigerate until time to enjoy them. They’re good in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours if needed.

Can I use a different liquor?

Absolutely, we used Bacardi rum, but coconut rum or banana flavored rum would be delicious! You could also use vodka (I recommend whipped cream flavored) or any liquor you have on hand, really.

Can I use a different flavor pudding?

Absolutely, you’ll lose the banana flavor, but if you don’t have banana pudding you could opt for any flavor you like- chocolate or vanilla pudding would be delicious, or cheesecake! You can keep the nilla wafers or pass on them- totally up to you. You can create your very own custom pudding shots!

What is the best rum for shots?

The best rum is any clear or white rum that doesn’t have a flavor. You CAN get creative with flavored rum, but if you want your other ingredients to shine, opt for a rum that doesn’t have any extra flavor.

How do I make Banana Cream Pudding Shots?

For a creamier version of these pudding shots, stir in 1 cup of cool whip to the pudding mix.

How do I make Rumchata Banana Pudding Shots?

Swap the 1/2 cup of milk in this recipe for 1/2 cup of Rumchata. YUM!!

Can I make Banana Pudding Shots without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply replace the rum with additional milk for a kid-friendly banana pudding dessert cup version.

What are the best cups for pudding shots?

Small plastic shot cups (these are 3 ounce) with lids work best because they make storage, transport, and serving easy for parties and gatherings. If you can’t find 3 ounce cups with lids, make these in 2 ounce cups.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes! We love Cool Whip for an ultra stable whipped cream, and use it a lot in our newer shots.

We hope you love these spiked mini banana puddings. We love taking a classic dessert and turning it into a fun boozy treat. Plastic dessert cups make serving and clean up a breeze. 

Do you have any questions about these banana pudding shooters? Leave them in the comments below for us!

For a printable version of this recipe, see the recipe card below!

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