These Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Shots are made with strawberry pudding, vanilla soft serve rum, and strawberry cookie crumb.

It’s day two of Summer Dessert Week and I made Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Shots.

Now, you might be thinking strawberry shortcake the dessert.

But these are based on Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars, as the whole dessert week has an ice cream theme.

If you don’t know, Strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are nostalgic frozen treats from the ice cream truck.

The core had a bright pink strawberry flavored ice cream or sorbet, surrounded by vanilla ice cream, and the entire bar is coated in a signature crunchy crumb topping made from crushed shortbread cookie bits and freeze dried strawberry pieces.

If you are wanting to make these for kiddos you can skip the rum and just use another 1/2 cup of whole milk instead of rum.

Ingredient Highlights:

Sonic Strawberry Shake Instant Pudding:
Delivers that nostalgic drive in flavor with creamy, sweet strawberry notes. You can use other strawberry pudding mix…but the Sonic version because it is strawberry milkshake flavor is best for these.

Whole Milk:
Please don’t use 2% or fat free. You need full fat for these.

Tippy Cow Vanilla Soft Serve Rum:
A grown up splash of boozy vanilla bliss! This creamy liqueur brings depth and a playful twist to the pudding. If you can’t find it then use vanilla flavored vodka or rum.

Cool Whip:
You can use real whipped cream but they are not as fluffy.

Freeze Dried Strawberries:
Intensely fruity and naturally tart, these berries add color, flavor, and a fun texture to the crumb topping.

Vienna Fingers (or Golden Oreos)
Classic vanilla sandwich cookies that add sweet crunch and buttery richness which is ideal for blending into a craveable crumb layer.

How to Make Boozy Strawberry Pudding Shots with Crumb Topping:

Here’s how to make them step by step:

For the Pudding:

1. Mix the Base:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Sonic Strawberry Shake Instant Pudding mix and whole milk until well combined.
2. Add the Boozy Twist:
   Pour in the Tippy Cow Vanilla Soft Serve Rum and continue whisking. The pudding will begin to thicken after about 3 minutes.
3. Customize Your Color (Optional):
   If you want a more vibrant pink hue, stir in a drop of pink food coloring. Totally optional. I kept mine au naturel for a soft pinkish look!
4. Fold in the Fluff:
   Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip to create a light, fluffy texture. Once folded, give it a final whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Chill the Pudding:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let it set.
6. Portion into Shots:
   Once chilled, evenly divide the pudding mixture into shot glasses or small dessert cups. Refrigerate again for at least 3 hours to fully set.
   
7. For the Crumb Topping:
8. Blend the Crunch:
   In a food processor, combine the Vienna Fingers (or Golden Oreos) and freeze dried strawberries. Pulse until you have a fine, evenly pink crumb.
9. Top and Serve:
   Just before serving, sprinkle each pudding shot generously with the strawberry cookie crumb topping for a pop of color and texture.

Tips For Making Pudding Shots:

• Remember when using any alcohol that is more than 80 proof can make your pudding shots runny. Most vodkas run at 80 proof and that is usually the highest alcohol content booze I use so you should be fine.
  But always good to check.
  
• Don’t skip the Cool Whip.
  Many people ask can they use whipped cream instead. Yes, you can. However, make sure that you do not use the kind out of a can. That will not hold up. I’ve always made mine with Cool Whip just because I feel it holds it shape better in pudding shots.
  
• Be sure to chill them for at least 30 minutes. While I say to chill them for at least 30 minutes I usually end up chilling them for much longer. Often I make up the pudding the night before and place it into an airtight container and then scoop the day of the party. Saves time on the day of the party.

Welcome to this year’s #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife. We’ve got 10 spectacular bloggers/ blogs creating some of the best summer desserts this week and sharing the recipes! We will be sharing our recipes on our blogs (some of those recipe links posted in this post) and on social media with the hashtag #SummerDessertWeek

We hope you’ll find some new favorite recipes this week and have fun with us as we celebrate summer!

• No-Churn Key Lime Cheesecake Ice Cream from Big Bear’s Wife
• Blackberry Crumble Pie from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Easy Key Lime Pie from Blogghetti
• Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Shot from Sweet ReciPEAs
• No-Bake Cheesecake Bites from Easy Recipes For One

Want More Pudding Shots?

Strawberry Quik Pudding Shots

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Pudding Shots

Chocolate Frosty Pudding Shots

Circus Animal Cookie Pudding Shots

Drumstick Ice Cream Pudding Shots