These St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups are a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday with a pop of bright green! They blend creamy pudding with a refreshing shake-like texture and a hint of mint or vanilla, all layered in cute little cups. The green color is eye-catching and sure to bring some cheer to any party or snack time.
I love making these pudding cups because they’re easy to put together but still feel special. I usually like to add a bit of whipped cream on top and maybe a sprinkle of green sprinkles or edible gold stars just to keep with the lucky vibe. They’re great for kids and grown-ups alike, and I always find everyone loves how light and creamy they are. It’s a nice, simple way to get into the St Patrick’s Day spirit without fussing over complicated recipes.
When I serve these, I like to chill them well in the fridge so they’re super cool and refreshing. They work as a sweet little dessert after a meal or as a fun snack during a party. Plus, the portion size is just right for sharing with friends or family. If you’re hosting a St Patrick’s Day get-together, these green pudding cups really add a festive touch to the table and are guaranteed to bring smiles all around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cookies: The crushed golden or vanilla sandwich cookies make a crunchy and slightly sweet base. If you don’t have these, graham crackers or digestive biscuits can work too.
Pistachio crumbs or matcha powder: These add the green color and a subtle nutty or earthy flavor. If unavailable, you can use green food coloring in the pudding, but natural powders add extra taste.
Pudding mixes: The chocolate and pistachio pudding mixes create the creamy layers. Substitute pistachio mix with vanilla pudding plus green food coloring and mint extract for a fresh kick.
Whipped cream: Chilled heavy cream whipped with powdered sugar adds lightness and sweetness on top. For a lighter option, try whipped coconut cream.
Garnishes: Green sprinkles and edible shamrocks bring the festive vibe, while chocolate shavings add texture. Feel free to swap with nuts or your favorite toppings.
How Do You Get Those Smooth, Layered Pudding Cups Without Mixing or Messing Up Layers?
Layering pudding can be tricky because you want clean, even layers without blending them together. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Make the pudding mixtures separately and fully let them thicken before layering—this helps the pudding hold its shape.
- Use a spoon or small spatula to gently add each layer. Pouring slowly and spreading delicately helps keep distinct layers.
- Chill the cups after assembling to let pudding set firmly. This also improves texture and flavor blending.
- When adding whipped cream, pipe or spoon it carefully on top to keep the look neat and pretty.
Taking your time with each step makes for a lovely layered dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Patience is key!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small clear serving cups or jars – I find these show off the colorful layers nicely and are perfect for individual servings.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking pudding mixes and preparing the whipped cream topping.
- Whisk or electric mixer – making fluffy whipped cream is faster and easier with an electric mixer.
- Spoons or small spatulas – for gently layering the puddings without mixing them together.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate portions of pudding mixes, milk, and toppings.
- Decorating tools or piping bag (optional) – for neatly topping with whipped cream and adding garnishes like shamrocks or sprinkles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use vanilla or mint-flavored pudding instead of pistachio for different tastes; add a few drops of mint extract for a refreshing note.
- Replace the chocolate pudding with lemon or strawberry for fruity layers.
- Mix in chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or mini chocolate chips into the pudding layers for added texture.
- Top with colorful candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make it even more festive for St Patrick’s Day.
St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base & Layers:
- 3/4 cup crushed golden or vanilla sandwich cookies
- 1/4 cup pistachio crumbs or matcha powder
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix (or substitute vanilla pudding plus green food coloring and mint extract)
- 2 cups cold milk (divided for pudding mixes)
- Green food coloring (optional, to enhance green color)
- 1/2 teaspoon mint extract (optional for mint flavor)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Green sprinkles or edible shamrock decorations
- Dark chocolate shavings or crushed chocolate cookies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time. After assembling the layers, chill the pudding cups for at least 1 hour to set properly. Preparing the whipped cream topping only takes a few minutes. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Base:
Crush the golden or vanilla sandwich cookies finely. Mix them well with pistachio crumbs or matcha powder in a small bowl to add a green tint. Spoon this cookie mixture evenly into the bottom of small clear serving cups, then gently press down to form an even base layer.
2. Make and Layer the Chocolate Pudding:
In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 1 cup of cold milk for about 2 minutes until smooth and thick. Spread an even layer of the chocolate pudding over the cookie base in each cup.
3. Make and Layer the Green Pudding:
In another bowl, whisk the pistachio pudding mix with 1 cup of cold milk until it starts to set. If substituting, whisk vanilla instant pudding with milk, add green food coloring and 1/2 tsp mint extract for flavor. Carefully spoon this green pudding over the chocolate pudding layer in your cups.
4. Chill the Pudding Cups:
Place the assembled pudding cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the layers set firmly and allows the flavors to meld.
5. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
Using a chilled bowl and electric mixer or whisk, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give a nice fluffy topping for your pudding cups.
6. Assemble and Garnish:
Pipe or spoon a generous swirl of whipped cream on top of each pudding cup. Sprinkle green sprinkles, edible shamrocks, and dark chocolate shavings or crushed chocolate cookies over the whipped cream for a festive finishing touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Keep the pudding cups refrigerated until ready to serve. These creamy and colorful layered cups make a perfect St Patrick’s Day treat, combining fun with delicious flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Whipped Cream or Pre-Made Whipped Topping?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping to save time. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and chilled before adding it on top for the best texture and appearance.
Can I Make These Pudding Cups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the pudding cups up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the whipped cream topping just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
How Should I Store Leftover Pudding Cups?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The layers may soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later!
What Can I Substitute for Pistachio Pudding Mix?
If you can’t find pistachio pudding mix, use vanilla pudding with a few drops of green food coloring and a 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract for similar flavor and color.