These creamy, layered chocolate pudding shots are a festive Christmas dessert made with chocolate instant pudding, Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, and whipped topping. They have a rich chocolate-coffee flavor, a smooth creamy top, and a pretty garnish of chocolate shavings and cherries.
The recipe below includes full ingredients, exact measurements, step-by-step instructions, nut and allergen information, alcohol-free alternatives, storage advice, and frequently asked questions.
1. Recipe details
Preparation time
15–20 minutes
Chilling time
2–4 hours
Yield
12–16 small shots
Difficulty
Easy
Best served cold. Contains alcohol and dairy unless adapted.
2. Full ingredients
The image shows the basic ingredients but not the complete quantities. This is a balanced version designed to produce a chocolate pudding base with a creamy Baileys topping.
Chocolate pudding layer
1 small box (about 3.4 oz / 96 g) instant chocolate pudding mix, such as Jell-O brand
1 cup (240 ml) cold milk
½ cup (120 ml) Baileys Irish Cream, regular or Red Velvet, if available
¼ cup (60 ml) Kahlúa coffee liqueur
1 cup (240 ml) thawed whipped topping, such as Cool Whip
Creamy topping
1 cup (240 ml) whipped topping
2–3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream, optional
1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar, optional if you prefer a sweeter topping
Decoration
2–3 tablespoons chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
12–16 maraschino cherries, preferably stemless for small cups
Optional: chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, or festive sprinkles
Important: Instant pudding brands and package sizes differ. This recipe uses a small, approximately 96 g box. The extra whipped topping creates a lighter texture, while the liqueurs provide the flavor. Follow your pudding mix’s instructions if its package specifies a different liquid quantity.
3. Step-by-step instructions
Pudding Shots – Twist and Toast
Step 1 — Prepare the pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the chocolate instant pudding mix with the amount of cold milk recommended on the packet, reducing the milk slightly if needed to account for the liqueurs. Whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
Pudding Shots – Twist and Toast
Step 2 — Add the Baileys and Kahlúa
Slowly mix in ½ cup Baileys and ¼ cup Kahlúa. Beat gently until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture looks too thin, let it stand for a few minutes before adding the whipped topping.
Mousse au chocolat classique – Je Cuisine
Step 3 — Fold in the whipped topping
Gently fold in 1 cup thawed whipped topping using a spatula. Avoid vigorous beating, which can make the mixture less airy. The finished pudding should be thick enough to spoon into small cups.
Pudding Shots – Twist and Toast
Step 4 — Fill the shot cups
Spoon or pipe the chocolate mixture into 12–16 small, food-safe shot cups. Fill each about two-thirds to three-quarters full, leaving room for the creamy topping.
Chilli Chocolate Mousse Recipe | Foodie Flavours
Step 5 — Add the creamy topping
If desired, combine the remaining 1 cup whipped topping with 2–3 tablespoons Baileys. Pipe or spoon it over the chocolate pudding layer. For a two-tone appearance like the photograph, keep the layers separate and neat.
Martha Stewart Recipes cooking | Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots | Facebook | Pudding shots, Christmas food, Yummy alcoholic drinks
Step 6 — Garnish and chill
Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over each cup. Add a cherry to each serving just before presenting. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours, or until well chilled and set.
Texture tip: Alcohol can interfere with instant pudding setting. If the mixture is runny, don’t keep adding liqueur. Use less milk, choose a thicker pudding base, or increase the whipped topping slightly. Test one small cup before filling all the cups.
4. Nuts and allergen information
The recipe does not require nuts, but ingredients and manufacturing facilities vary by brand.
Ingredient
Nut information and other concerns
Chocolate instant pudding mix
The referenced US Jell-O chocolate mix lists no allergens in its published allergen information, but check your exact packet.
Products – Heinz®
Baileys Original
Contains milk and dairy ingredients. It is not suitable for people with a milk allergy.
Diageo
+1
Kahlúa Original
The manufacturer says it contains no nuts, coconut, or tree nuts.
Kahlúa
Whipped topping
Often contains milk or other ingredients that vary by brand. Check the label.
Chocolate shavings
May contain milk, soy, or traces of nuts depending on the chocolate brand.
Maraschino cherries
Usually nut-free by recipe, but check the label for additives and cross-contact warnings.
Are these pudding shots nut-free?
They can be prepared without adding nuts. However, do not assume they are safe for someone with a severe nut allergy unless every ingredient label and relevant cross-contact warning has been checked. Use fresh utensils and clean equipment.
Other dietary considerations:
Dairy-free: Regular Baileys and many whipped toppings contain dairy. Use an appropriate dairy-free cream liqueur alternative and dairy-free pudding ingredients.
Gluten-free: Check the pudding, toppings, and any decorations for local allergen labeling. Kahlúa says it adds no known gluten ingredients to its Original liqueur, but individual dietary needs require care.
Kahlúa
Vegan: The standard recipe is not vegan because of the dairy ingredients; Kahlúa also does not classify its products as vegan.
Kahlúa
+1
Alcohol-free: Use coffee syrup or strong chilled coffee in place of Kahlúa and a non-alcoholic Irish-cream-style flavoring in place of Baileys. Choose a suitable pudding base and follow its setting instructions.
5. Storage and serving
Refrigerator: Store covered at or below 4°C (40°F). For the best texture and quality, prepare them 1 day ahead and serve within 2–3 days.
Room temperature: Do not leave the dairy-based shots out for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour in temperatures above 32°C (90°F).
Food Safety and Inspection Service
+1
Freezing: You can freeze them for a firmer, semifrozen dessert, but the texture may change after thawing. Test a small batch first.
Garnishing: Add cherries and chocolate decorations close to serving time for the freshest appearance.
6. Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use regular Baileys instead of Red Velvet Baileys?
Yes. Regular Baileys gives the recipe a classic Irish cream flavor. Red Velvet Baileys, where available, adds a cake-inspired flavor.
Q2. Can I make these without Kahlúa?
Yes. Replace the Kahlúa with an equal amount of Baileys for a creamier flavor, or use cooled strong coffee and a little coffee syrup for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Q3. Why did my pudding shots not set?
Too much liquid or alcohol is the most likely reason. Check the pudding packet’s liquid requirements, reduce the milk slightly, and avoid adding extra liqueur. Chill for several hours before judging the texture.
Q4. Can I make them the night before Christmas?
Absolutely. Prepare and cover the cups the night before, refrigerate them, and add the cherries and final chocolate garnish shortly before serving.
Q5. How strong are these pudding shots?
They contain alcohol, but the amount per serving depends on the number and size of cups. A small dessert cup is not necessarily equivalent to one standard alcoholic drink. Label them clearly and serve only to adults of legal drinking age.
Q6. Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes. Whip cold heavy cream until it forms soft-to-medium peaks. Fold it gently into the pudding. Homemade whipped cream may soften sooner than commercial whipped topping.
Q7. Can I add nuts?
You can sprinkle finely chopped toasted hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans on top if there are no nut allergies. Keep the original chocolate-shaving garnish for a nut-free version, and prevent cross-contact when preparing food for anyone with allergies.
Q8. Can I make this recipe without alcohol for children?
Yes, but make a separate batch. Replace the liqueurs with milk, chilled coffee, or coffee syrup, adjust the liquid to suit the pudding mix, and clearly distinguish the alcohol-free cups from the adult version.
Q9. What cup size should I use?
Small 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) dessert cups work well. Smaller cups are ideal for rich desserts and make portion control easier.
Q10. Can I use cook-and-serve pudding?
Instant pudding is recommended for this no-bake recipe. Cook-and-serve pudding requires heating and may need a different preparation method.
7. Quick recipe card
Christmas Chocolate Pudding Shots
Makes approximately 12–16 small servings
Ingredients
1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix
½ cup Baileys
¼ cup Kahlúa
Cold milk, adjusted to the pudding mix
2 cups whipped topping, divided between the mixture and topping
Chocolate shavings and cherries
Method
Whisk the pudding mix with cold milk.
Mix in Baileys and Kahlúa.
Fold in 1 cup whipped topping.
Spoon into small cups.
Top with the remaining whipped topping.
Garnish with chocolate and cherries.
Refrigerate for 2–4 hours until chilled and set.
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