Peppermint Perfection: RumChata Cheesecake Pudding Shots Recipe

Let me tell you about a dessert that’s going to be a huge hit at your next party: Peppermint RumChata Cheesecake Pudding Shots! These little boozy treats are creamy, indulgent, and ridiculously easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a girl’s night, or just want a fun dessert for the weekend, this is the perfect dessert to impress your guests!

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Why RumChata Cheesecake Pudding Shots Are a Holiday Must-Have

When I first discovered RumChata, it was love at first sip!

Smooth, creamy liqueur with a cozy cinnamon and vanilla flavor…it feels like a warm hug in a glass!

This year, I decided to take my love for RumChata to a whole new level by turning it into a dessert.

And not just any dessert—RumChata cheesecake pudding shots!

What makes these pudding shots so special? For one, they’re made with cheesecake instant pudding (a personal favorite) and a splash of RumChata liqueur, which has a nice spiced cinnamon flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy desserts. 

Combine that with a base of graham cracker crumbs and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and you’ve got a delicious crowd favorite!

Another good reason to try this recipe is how simple it is. Using instant pudding mix, Cool Whip, and plastic shot cups, you can whip up these creamy pudding shots in just a few easy steps.

They’ve quickly become my go-to party treat, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at pudding the same way again!

Please note: These delicious pudding shots are for adults 21+ only, as they contain alcohol.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of ingredients for this yummy recipe. Most are easy to grab at your local grocery stores or liquor store.

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz) cheesecake instant pudding mix
• 3/4 cup of cold milk
• 3/4 cup RumChata liqueur (or your favorite creamy liqueur)
• 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 5 full crackers)
• 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

Budget-Friendly Tips for Buying RumChata

While RumChata liqueur can be a bit pricey, it’s often on special during the holiday season, so keep an eye out at your local liquor store for deals.

Another great option is purchasing a set of three or four smaller bottles—perfect for recipes like these RumChata cheesecake pudding shots without overcommitting to a full-size bottle.

Plus, RumChata stays good for up to six months after opening if kept refrigerated, making it a great addition to your bar for future treats. Valentine’s Day Pudding Shots, anyone?

Making RumChata Pudding Shots

Once you have crushed the graham crackers (I used a food processor.), evenly distribute the graham crackers into glass or plastic shot glasses.

I was able to fill 10 larger glass shot glasses but you could easily fill 16-20 (or more) using smaller plastic shot cups.

Next up…prepare the pudding!

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).

Stir in the RumChata and peppermint extract into the pudding mixture until fully combined.

At this point it helps to refrigerate the pudding for just a bit. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let the mixture chill for about 5 minutes.

Take the bowl out of the refrigerator and gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.

Assembling the Pudding Shots

Spoon or pipe the mixture into small shot glasses or disposable cups. I initially filled the glasses about 3/4 full. But later I decided to fill them to the rim! This is totally personal preference and depends on your pudding to glass ratio.

Refrigerate the pudding shots for at least 1-2 hours to allow them to chill and firm up.

Time to garnish! Just before serving, sprinkle more graham cracker crumbs on the top.

Then, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each shot.

Serve chilled with a mini spoon on the side. 

So cute! And so delicious!

Please note: These delicious pudding shots are for adults 21+ only, as they contain alcohol.

Customize Your Pudding Shot Recipes

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is—there are endless flavor combinations to try! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Vanilla pudding mix: Perfect for a lighter, classic base that pairs well with almost any topping.
• Eggnog pudding shots: A festive twist for the holidays that everyone will love.
• White chocolate pudding: Add a touch of elegance and sweetness to your party spread.
• Caramel pudding: For a rich, indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce and top with a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Banana pudding: Create a tropical vibe by adding whipped cream and a slice of fresh banana.
• Toppings galore: Try crushed cinnamon toast crunch cereal for a delicious crunch or chocolate sprinkles for a whimsical touch.
• Non-alcoholic version: Substitute the RumChata with milk or a RumChata-flavored coffee creamer.
• Experiment with garnishes: Try white chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

The flavor of pudding you choose can set the tone for your party, and with so many different flavors to explore, you’ll never run out of ideas!

And there you have it—a really great recipe for RumChata Cheesecake Pudding Shots that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Quick and easy, these pudding shots are fun, festive, and oh-so-delicious, making them the ultimate addition to your party menu.

Whether you’re hosting friends, family, or a cozy girl’s night, these sweet little desserts will have everyone coming back for more.

Cheers to making your gatherings extra special with these tasty treats!

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