Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? These St. Patrick’s Day Pudding Cups are a festive no-bake treat for your family. They are bright, creamy, and take very little effort to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it is completely no-bake. It saves you time during a busy spring week. Your family will love the stress-free holiday dessert layers.
It is budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy the chocolate and cookie crunch. You can assemble these in minutes for a last-minute celebration.
Simple Method
Making these treats involves a simple layering technique. You just whisk, crush, and spoon the ingredients into cups. It is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Even beginners can create a restaurant-quality look at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cups use simple pantry staples that you likely already have. Fresh milk and whipped topping make them extra creamy.
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 15 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 5 drops green food coloring
- 6 chocolate gold coins
- 1 tablespoon green festive sprinkles
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk together for 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Distribute two-thirds of the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies evenly across the bottom of 6 individual serving cups.
- Spoon the prepared chocolate pudding over the cookie layer in each cup, smoothing the tops with a spoon.
- In a separate bowl, gently fold the green food coloring into the whipped topping until a uniform green hue is achieved.
- Transfer the green whipped topping to a piping bag or use a spoon to layer it over the pudding in each cup.
- Garnish each cup with the remaining crushed cookies, green sprinkles, and one chocolate gold coin.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these cups chilled for the best texture and flavor. They look adorable on a green tablecloth with extra gold coins. Your kids will love finding these at the end of their rainbow. Pair them with a cold glass of milk for a magical holiday display.
Storage & Reheating
Store your pudding cups in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep them covered so the whipped topping stays fresh and light. They are a perfect make-ahead dessert for a holiday party. Do not freeze these as the pudding texture may change.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold milk to help your pudding thicken quickly.
- Leave some cookie pieces chunky for a satisfying crunch.
- Add food coloring slowly to reach your perfect shade of green.
- Use a zip-top bag with the corner cut for easy piping.
- Add the gold coin last so it stays shiny and bright.
- Double the recipe easily for a large holiday gathering.
Variations & Swaps
- Try vanilla pudding with green dye for a bright color twist.
- Use mint chocolate cookies for a fresh and minty flavor.
- Swap cookies for gluten-free versions to fit dietary needs.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped topping for a tangier treat.
Common Questions
Can I make these a day ahead?
Yes, you can prepare these 24 hours in advance. Keep them chilled in the fridge until you are ready to serve. They hold up beautifully for parties.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
A regular spoon works just as well for layering. You can also use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. It makes a great DIY piping bag.
Will the cookies get soggy?
The cookies soften slightly but keep a nice bite. If you want maximum crunch, add the top cookie layer right before serving. This keeps the texture perfectly balanced.
I hope these festive treats bring a bit of luck to your home. They are such a joy to make and share with family. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
— Lidia
St. Patrick's Day Pudding Cups
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 15 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 5 drops green food coloring
- 6 chocolate gold coins
- 1 tablespoon green festive sprinkles
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk together for 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Distribute two-thirds of the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies evenly across the bottom of 6 individual serving cups.
- Spoon the prepared chocolate pudding over the cookie layer in each cup, smoothing the tops with a spoon.
- In a separate bowl, gently fold the green food coloring into the whipped topping until a uniform green hue is achieved.
- Transfer the green whipped topping to a piping bag or use a spoon to layer it over the pudding in each cup.
- Garnish each cup with the remaining crushed cookies, green sprinkles, and one chocolate gold coin.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set before serving.
