St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups
These festive St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups bring together layers of rich chocolate and refreshing mint pudding for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is fun to serve. Perfect for celebrating with family or adding a sweet touch to your Irish-themed gatherings.
Okay, can we just talk about how these pudding cups saved my St. Patrick’s Day party last year? I was scrambling for something green and festive, and honestly, I didn’t have time for anything complicated. These babies came together in like 15 minutes, and everyone thought I’d been slaving away in the kitchen all day. The chocolate-mint combo? Chef’s kiss.
Table of Contents
What Makes These Pudding Cups So Great
Look, I’m all about desserts that look impressive but don’t require a culinary degree. These St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups check every box—they’re gorgeous in those clear glasses, the mint-chocolate flavor is absolutely craveable, and you can literally make them while catching up on your favorite show.
The layers create this cool striped effect that screams “festive!” without you having to do any fancy piping or decorating wizardry. Plus, they’re one of those St Patricks Day baking ideas that kids can actually help with, which means family bonding time that doesn’t end in a flour explosion.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up these beauties. I’ve kept it super simple because who wants to hunt down weird ingredients?
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Layer | 1 package (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix 2 cups milk |
| Mint Layer | 1 package (3.4 oz) instant mint pudding mix 2 cups milk Green food coloring (optional, but recommended for that vibrant pop) |
| Topping & Garnish | 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping Chocolate shavings or mint candies (crushed Andes mints work amazing!) |
Let’s Make This Happen
Trust me, if you can whisk, you can make these. No baking, no stress, just pure deliciousness.
Getting Your Chocolate Pudding Ready
Grab a medium bowl and dump in that chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of milk. Whisk it like you mean it—you want it smooth and lump-free. Then just walk away for about 5 minutes while it does its thickening magic.
I usually use this time to grab my serving glasses and maybe sneak a spoonful to “test” it. Quality control is important, right?
Making the Mint Layer Pop
In another bowl, combine the mint pudding mix with 2 cups of milk and whisk until smooth. Now here’s where the fun starts—if you want that really vibrant St. Patrick’s Day green (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), add 3-4 drops of green food coloring.
Start with less and add more if needed. You’re going for “lucky shamrock” green, not “toxic waste” green. Let this one thicken up for 5 minutes too.
Creating Those Instagram-Worthy Layers
This is where these desserts for St Patrick’s Day really shine. Grab your clear cups or glasses—Mason jars work great, wine glasses look fancy, even those plastic party cups do the job.
Start with a generous scoop of chocolate pudding at the bottom. Add a layer of that gorgeous green mint pudding on top. Keep alternating until you’re about an inch from the rim. I usually do 2-3 layers of each, depending on the size of my cups.
Pro tip: Use a spoon and pour slowly down the side of the glass for cleaner layers. Or just dump it in like I sometimes do when I’m in a hurry—it still tastes amazing either way!
The Crowning Glory
Dollop or pipe (if you’re feeling fancy) that whipped cream right on top. If you’ve got a piping bag, go for it. If not, a spoon works perfectly fine. We’re going for delicious, not perfection.
Making It Festive
Finish these beauties off with some chocolate shavings or crushed mint candies. I’m obsessed with crushing up Andes mints for this—they look pretty AND taste incredible. You could also do green sprinkles, crushed Oreos, or even those cute little chocolate coins if you want to play up the whole pot-of-gold theme.
The Final Chill
Pop these in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This gives everything a chance to set up nicely and get super cold and refreshing. Can you eat them right away? Sure. But trust me, they’re way better after chilling.
Tips to Make These Even Better
Go Wild with Your Glasses: I’ve made these in everything from fancy parfait glasses to kids’ plastic cups. Shot glasses make cute little individual servings for parties, and tall glasses show off those layers beautifully.
Make It Boozy (Adults Only!): Add a splash of crème de menthe or Irish cream to the mint pudding for a grown-up twist. Just reduce the milk slightly to compensate.
Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk you like. The pudding still sets up great, though it might take an extra minute or two.
Double the Recipe: These go FAST at parties. I’ve learned the hard way that making just one batch is never enough. They’re so easy, might as well make extra.
Get Creative with Flavors: While mint and chocolate is classic Irish food for St Patricks Day, you could swap the mint for vanilla pudding with green coloring, or even try pistachio pudding if you can find it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pudding Won’t Thicken? Make sure you’re using cold milk and give it the full 5 minutes. Sometimes it needs a quick stir after sitting. If it’s still runny after 10 minutes, pop it in the fridge for another 10.
Layers Are Mixing Together? Let each layer set for a few minutes in the fridge before adding the next one. Also, pour gently using the back of a spoon.
Too Sweet? Use sugar-free pudding mix or add a pinch of salt to the chocolate layer. The salt actually brings out the chocolate flavor and cuts the sweetness a bit.
Not Minty Enough? Add a tiny drop of peppermint extract to the mint pudding. Start with just 1/8 teaspoon—this stuff is strong!
Variations to Try
Switch up the chocolate pudding for vanilla and add green food coloring for an all-green version. Or try cookies and cream pudding for a fun twist. You could even do a rainbow layer situation with different colored puddings if St. Patrick’s Day isn’t your thing but you still want cute dessert cups.
For a fun texture contrast, crumble some chocolate peanut butter Valentines hearts or homemade peanut butter cups between the layers. The crunch against the smooth pudding is seriously addictive.
Storage & Keeping Them Fresh
Here’s how to keep these St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups tasting great:
| Storage Method | Instructions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Cover with plastic wrap or lids. Keep away from strong-smelling foods. | Up to 3 days |
| Make-Ahead | Prepare layers without whipped cream. Add cream and garnish just before serving. | Up to 2 days ahead |
| Freezing | Not recommended—pudding gets watery when thawed. | N/A |
Reheating & Serving Tips
These are served cold, so no reheating needed! Just pull them straight from the fridge about 5 minutes before serving if you want them slightly less chilled.
No-Waste Kitchen Ideas
Got leftover pudding? Layer it with crushed graham crackers for impromptu parfaits, or freeze it in popsicle molds for pudding pops. Leftover whipped cream is amazing on hot chocolate or swirled into your morning coffee—similar to how you might top a vanilla bean frappuccino.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s the breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 18mg |
| Sodium | 385mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugars | 32g |
| Protein | 5g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands used and portion sizes.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make these the night before my party?
Absolutely! Make them up to 24 hours ahead, but hold off on adding the whipped cream and garnishes until about an hour before serving. This keeps everything looking fresh and prevents the toppings from getting soggy.
What if I can’t find mint pudding?
No worries! Use vanilla pudding and add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract plus green food coloring. You’ll get the same great flavor and that festive green color.
Are these kid-friendly?
Totally! Kids go crazy for these. They love the fun colors and the fact that they get their own individual cups. Plus, no nuts or common allergens (unless you add them as garnish), so they’re usually safe for school parties.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Of course! Homemade whipped cream tastes even better. Just whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form. So much better than the stuff from a can.
What’s the best way to transport these to a party?
Use cups with lids if possible, or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Put them in a shallow box or carrier to keep them upright. Add the whipped cream and garnishes after you arrive if you’re worried about them getting messy.
Ready to Celebrate?
These St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups are seriously one of my go-to desserts for St Patricks Day baking ideas, and honestly, I make them year-round because who says you can’t enjoy mint and chocolate in July? They’re quick, they’re foolproof, and they always get compliments.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes! Drop a comment below with your favorite variation, and don’t forget to pin this to your Pinterest board so you can find it again next March (or whenever that mint-chocolate craving hits). If you snap a pic of your pudding cups, tag me—I love seeing your creations!
And hey, if you’re looking for more fun treat ideas, check out my protein copycat Reese’s cups for another easy chocolate-and-something combo that people can’t get enough of.
Happy layering!
St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups
Equipment
- Medium bowls
- Whisk
- Clear glasses or cups
- Spoon
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix 3.4 oz
- 2 cups milk
Mint Layer
- 1 package instant mint pudding mix 3.4 oz
- 2 cups milk
- green food coloring optional, but recommended for vibrant color
Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- chocolate shavings or mint candies crushed Andes mints work great
Instructions
- Grab a medium bowl and dump in the chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of milk. Whisk it like you mean it until smooth and lump-free. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- In another bowl, combine the mint pudding mix with 2 cups of milk and whisk until smooth. Add 3-4 drops of green food coloring for that vibrant St. Patrick’s Day green. Let this one thicken up for 5 minutes too.
- Grab your clear cups or glasses. Start with a generous scoop of chocolate pudding at the bottom. Add a layer of that gorgeous green mint pudding on top. Keep alternating until you’re about an inch from the rim, doing 2-3 layers of each depending on the size of your cups.
- Dollop or pipe the whipped cream right on top of the pudding layers.
- Finish these beauties off with some chocolate shavings or crushed mint candies for a festive touch.
- Pop these in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This gives everything a chance to set up nicely and get super cold and refreshing.
