Are you looking for a little magic this March? These St. Patrick’s Day Pudding Cups are the perfect treat for your family.
They are bright, festive, and take very little effort to assemble. You can even get the kids involved in the kitchen. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it is completely no-bake. You do not even need to turn on your oven for this one. It is perfect for busy spring afternoons when you want something sweet.
The layers of chocolate and green pudding look impressive in clear glasses. Your guests will think you spent hours on them. Best of all, they use simple ingredients you likely already have.
Simple Method
Making these cups is as easy as whisking and layering. You start by making a quick batch of vanilla pudding. A few drops of coloring turn it into a festive emerald green.
Even if you are a beginner cook, you can master this. There is no complicated technique required here. Just follow the steps and enjoy the process!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These treats rely on mostly pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 5 drops green liquid food coloring
- 16 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 1.5 cups whipped topping
- 2 tablespoons gold decorative sugar sprinkles
Step-by-Step Directions
- Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the green food coloring until the pudding reaches a uniform festive green hue.
- Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into coarse crumbs using a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and rolling pin.
- Layer the bottom of 6 clear individual serving cups with half of the crushed cookies.
- Divide the green pudding evenly among the cups, pouring it over the cookie base.
- Top the pudding layer with the remaining chocolate cookie crumbs to resemble soil.
- Pipe or spoon a generous dollop of whipped topping onto each cup.
- Garnish with gold decorative sugar sprinkles to represent gold at the end of a rainbow.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the pudding to fully set before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these cups chilled for the best texture and flavor. They look beautiful on a festive holiday dessert table. You can serve them alongside some green tea or milk.
For a party, set them out on a tray with gold coins. They are easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Your family will love finding these in their lunchbox too!
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftover pudding cups in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Cover them with plastic wrap to keep the whipped topping soft.
You can make these ahead of time for a stress-free holiday. Just wait to add the gold sprinkles until right before serving. This keeps the sugar from melting into the cream.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the chilling time so the pudding sets properly.
- Use a zip-top bag to crush cookies for zero cleanup.
- Swap vanilla pudding for white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add the gold sprinkles last to keep them sparkling.
- For St. Patrick’s Day, add a small rainbow candy on top.
- Use clear plastic cups if you are serving these to kids.
- Make sure your milk is very cold for the best set.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a drop of peppermint extract for a minty green treat.
- Use gluten-free chocolate cookies to make this dessert gluten-friendly.
- Substitute dairy-free milk and pudding for a vegan-friendly version.
- In summer, swap the gold sprinkles for fresh green grapes.
Common Questions
Can I use cooked pudding instead of instant?
Yes, you can use cook-and-serve pudding if you prefer. Just make sure it cools completely before you start layering. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Will the cookies get soggy in the fridge?
The cookies will soften slightly as they sit with the pudding. Most people love this because it creates a cake-like texture. If you want maximum crunch, assemble them right before serving.
How do I get the perfect green color?
Start with just a few drops of liquid food coloring. You can always add more to reach your desired shade. Stir well to ensure the color is even throughout the pudding.
I hope these festive pudding cups bring a little luck to your home. They are such a joy to make and even better to eat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and yours!
— Lidia
Irresistible St. Patrick's Day Pudding Cups
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 5 drops green liquid food coloring
- 16 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 1.5 cups whipped topping
- 2 tablespoons gold decorative sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the green food coloring until the pudding reaches a uniform festive green hue.
- Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into coarse crumbs using a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and rolling pin.
- Layer the bottom of 6 clear individual serving cups with half of the crushed cookies.
- Divide the green pudding evenly among the cups, pouring it over the cookie base.
- Top the pudding layer with the remaining chocolate cookie crumbs to resemble soil.
- Pipe or spoon a generous dollop of whipped topping onto each cup.
- Garnish with gold decorative sugar sprinkles to represent gold at the end of a rainbow.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the pudding to fully set before serving.
