These Limoncello Pudding Shots have a light, mousse-like texture and are slightly boozy with a wonderful, refreshing lemon flavor. Just 4 ingredients needed!
Another delicious and fun variation on pudding shots are our Banana Split Pudding Shots with your favorite sundae toppings!
Easy Limoncello Pudding Shots Recipe
If you love jello shots, but haven’t heard of pudding shots, you’re in for a real treat! These Limoncello Pudding Shots are so fun and delicious. The texture is similar to a mousse, very light and creamy. A combination of lemon pudding mix and limoncello makes them citrusy and refreshing with a lovely lemon flavor but not overwhelming.
The liquor isn’t super strong, but these are boozy, so keep that in mind when considering them for a party – they’re like an adult beverage and not just a dessert.
Ingredients Needed
Just 4 ingredients go into this easy pudding shots recipe.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Lemon pudding mix – It MUST be instant pudding.
- Whole milk – Cold whole milk is needed for the creamiest texture.
- Limoncello – This is an Italian lemon liqueur that’s smooth and sweet with an intense lemon flavor. It’s best when chilled.
- Cool Whip – You can also make your own whipped cream, if preferred.
- Toppings (optional) – Lemon slices, candied lemon, lemon zest, mint, or sprinkles.
Can I Make These More Boozy?
Sweet, creamy, and refreshing, these pudding shots have a slight hint of alcohol. If you like more of an alcohol punch, you can add more of the limoncello and less milk, but make sure to keep the same ratio of liquid.
How to Make Limoncello Pudding Shots
I find pudding shots even easier to make than jello shot recipes, because there’s no boiling of water and the chill time is much less. Here’s a brief summary.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Make the pudding mixture. Whisk the pudding powder, milk, and limoncello liqueur together vigorously for 2 minutes. Add in the whipped topping. Whisk until smooth then refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to cups. Add 3 tablespoons of the mixture to each condiment cup you’re using. Place the lids on and return to the fridge for at least one hour.
- Serve. Before serving, pipe on the remaining whipped topping to each shot and garnish as desired.
Tips & Variations
Here are a few tips for the best pudding shots, including what to do if you don’t have banana liqueur on hand.
- Swaps for the Limoncello. For less of a lemon flavor, you can replace the Limoncello liqueur with your favorite rum or vodka.
- Try other pudding flavors. Vanilla, coconut, or cheesecake flavored pudding mixes would all be good instead of the lemon.
- Make sure the pudding mix is instant. This recipe will not work with pudding mix that needs to be cooked.
- There will be leftover whipped topping. You’ll need 2, 8 ounce tubs of whipped topping, but there will be extra. You can also use homemade or canned whipped cream like Reddi-Wip instead.
- Make homemade whipped cream. You can use fresh homemade whipped cream in place of the whipped topping, if preferred. You will need 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Place these two items in a large bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Use half of the whipped cream in the mix and the other half for the topping.
- Wait to add the toppings. You can garnish the shots with lemon slices, candied lemon, lemon zest, mint, or sprinkles, if desired. I would only add the toppings until right before you are ready to serve. If you expect to have leftovers, add the toppings only to the pudding shots that will be enjoyed right away.
Proper Storage
- How long do pudding shots last? These lemon pudding shots will last in the fridge for up to 5 days, as long as they are kept covered. I do recommend storing them without any toppings, as the whipped cream won’t hold its form (especially homemade) and the other ingredients can seep into the pudding mixture.
- Can you freeze pudding shots? Yes, these are actually really good frozen! You can freeze these pudding shots for up to 3 months. That way you can make a whole bunch and keep them in the freezer for whenever the perfect occasion arises.
More Boozy Summer Treats:
- Creamsicle Jello Shots
- Dirty Shirley Jello Shots
- Brandy Alexander Milkshake
- Frozen Mudslide
- Dirty Snowman
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Limoncello Pudding Shots
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce box instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 & 1/2 cups cold whole milk
- 3/4 cup limoncello liqueur
- 16 ounces whipped topping , thawed, divided (see note below)
- optional garnishes: lemon slices, candied lemon, lemon zest, mint, or sprinkles.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding powder and milk until combined, then add in the limoncello. Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Fold in one of the 8-ounce containers of whipped topping until there are no streaks left.
- Place mixture in the fridge for 5 minutes.
- Lay out 28, 2-ounce plastic cups or containers of similar size 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.
- Right before serving, pipe on the remaining whipped topping to each shot. Serve immediately and enjoy!
So scrumptious and summery!
Made these for a cookout last month, and they were a hit! Soooo good (and a little powerful, and that is with following the recipe exactly)! I will definitely make these again! Light, smooth, perfect for a summer dessert (for adults). Also, I shared the recipe with others, who raved about them!
so easy. loved them as did all my guests. Question? If you freeze do you thaw them and how long or leave frozen?
Hi Camille – All that information is included in the article. Glad you loved them!
Made these for adult game night and they were a big hit – smooth/creamy and tasted wonderful!
These were awesome! I garnished them with a bit of toasted coconut flakes.
So good! Love these.
Definitely going to try this recipe. Love limoncello! Did you think this would work with the mini graham cracker crust pie shells? Thanks
I think using a graph am cracker crust is a genius idea!