Description
Enjoy a festive and creamy minty delight with these easy-to-make pudding cups. This recipe combines instant vanilla pudding with a refreshing hint of crème de menthe, enhanced with Cool Whip for a light and fluffy texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a cool, minty treat served in convenient individual portions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Base
- 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor and Texture
- ¼ cup crème de menthe (green)
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1–2 drops green food coloring
Garnish
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- 12 (2 oz) plastic soufflé cups with lids
Instructions
- Make the pudding base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate crème de menthe: Stir in the green crème de menthe until fully combined, infusing the pudding mixture with a refreshing mint flavor.
- Fold in whipped topping and color: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip along with 1-2 drops of green food coloring, mixing until evenly combined and the mixture is light green and fluffy.
- Portion into cups: Spoon or pipe the pudding mixture into 2 oz plastic soufflé cups, filling each about three-quarters full for perfect servings.
- Chill to set: Cover each cup with its lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top each cup with a swirl of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry to add a festive and appealing presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use cold milk to ensure the pudding mixture thickens properly.
- The green food coloring is optional but adds a vivid festive color to your cups.
- These pudding cups can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, substitute crème de menthe with peppermint extract but reduce quantity to ½ teaspoon as it is more concentrated.
- Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before folding it in to maintain a smooth texture.
