These St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups are a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for celebrating with a little green twist. They mix creamy pudding with a refreshing green shake flavor, making them both smooth and a bit playful. The bright green color instantly lifts your mood and gets you into the spirit of the holiday.
I love making these cups because they’re so easy to put together and never fail to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s something different from the usual desserts, and I enjoy how light and cool they feel alongside all the heavier St. Patrick’s Day meals. Plus, kids and adults alike seem to really enjoy the fun texture and flavor combo.
My favorite way to serve these is in clear little cups so the vibrant green really shines through. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little bit of crushed mint candy or a few chocolate chips on top just for a little extra fun. It’s a simple and cheerful way to add a festive touch to any St. Patrick’s Day get-together or even just a casual afternoon snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: These add a nice crunchy base and their chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the pudding. If you want gluten-free, try gluten-free chocolate cookies or crushed chocolate graham crackers.
Pistachio Pudding Mix: This gives the green shake its classic flavor and color. If you can’t find pistachio pudding, vanilla pudding with a little green food coloring plus mint or pistachio extract works great too.
Chocolate Pudding: It adds a rich, smooth contrast to the green pudding layers. Use your favorite instant chocolate pudding or homemade if you prefer.
Mint or Peppermint Extract: This is optional but adds a refreshing twist reminiscent of a green shake. If you like a milder flavor, you can skip it or reduce the amount.
Whipped Cream & Toppings: Whipped cream makes the dessert light and fluffy on top. Mini chocolate chips and matcha powder add texture and a festive look. Fresh mint leaves or edible shamrocks bring a nice finish and holiday feel.
How Do You Get Perfect Layered Pudding Cups Without Mixing the Layers?
To get clear, clean layers in your pudding cups, be gentle and patient while spooning the pudding:
- Use a spoon or small offset spatula to gently spread each layer without disturbing the one below.
- Try spooning the pudding close to the side of the cup, then slowly push it toward the center for even layering.
- Chill each layer briefly if possible before adding the next to help it set—this makes layering easier.
- Pour slowly and avoid adding too much at once to prevent the layers from blending together.
I find working with chilled pudding also prevents layers from running. This technique helps keep the cups looking neat and colorful for a pretty presentation.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 4 small clear glasses or jars – Perfect to show off the colorful layers and make the dessert feel special.
- Small spoon or spatula – Helps gently spread the pudding layers without mixing them together.
- Mixing bowls – For whisking and preparing each pudding layer separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To measure the pudding mixes, milk, and extracts accurately.
- Refrigerator – To chill and set the pudding layers so they stay neat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use vanilla or lime pudding instead of pistachio for a different flavor twist, pairing well with green food coloring for festive looks.
- Top with crushed candy canes or green sprinkles instead of chocolate chips for extra holiday charm.
- Mix in some chopped fresh mint or green fruit like kiwi or green grapes for added texture and flavor.
- Replace Oreos with crushed graham crackers or cookies for a different crunch in the crust layer.
St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Base:
- 12 Oreo cookies (or similar chocolate sandwich cookies), crushed
For The Green Pudding Layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix (or vanilla pudding with green food coloring and a few drops of pistachio or mint extract)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp peppermint or mint extract (optional)
- Green food coloring (optional for extra vibrant green)
For The Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 1/2 cup prepared instant chocolate pudding (from a similar size package)
For The Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Mini chocolate chips, for garnish
- Matcha powder or green sprinkles, for garnish
- Shamrock-shaped edible decoration or mint leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 30 minutes of chilling time. The short prep includes crushing cookies, mixing pudding layers, and assembling; chilling helps the pudding set for perfect layered cups.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oreo Crust:
Crush the Oreo cookies until they are coarse crumbs. Divide these crumbs evenly into 4 small glasses or jars. Gently press the crumbs down to form a base layer for each cup.
2. Make the Green Pudding Layer:
In a bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint or mint extract if using. Add a few drops of green food coloring for a brighter color if you like. Mix for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens.
3. Add the First Green Pudding Layer:
Spoon half of the green pudding mixture over the Oreo crust in each cup. Smooth the surface gently with a spoon.
4. Add the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
Spoon half of the chocolate pudding evenly over the first green pudding layer in each cup. Smooth carefully to create a clean layer.
5. Finish with the Second Green Pudding Layer:
Spoon the remaining green pudding on top of the chocolate pudding and spread it evenly in each cup.
6. Chill the Pudding Cups:
Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes. This helps the layers to firm up and the flavors to combine.
7. Add the Whipped Cream and Garnishes:
Just before serving, top each cup with whipped cream. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and a little matcha powder or green sprinkles on top. Add a shamrock-shaped edible decoration or a fresh mint leaf for a festive touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your colorful and delicious St Patrick’s Day Green Shake Pudding Cups chilled for a fun holiday treat!
Can I Use Other Cookies Instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! You can substitute Oreos with any chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate graham crackers, or even crushed biscotti. Just make sure to crush them finely for the best texture.
How Long Can I Make These Pudding Cups in Advance?
You can prepare and assemble the pudding cups up to 1 day ahead. Keep them covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness. Add whipped cream and garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.
Can I Make These Dairy-Free or Vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free pudding mixes and non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For the whipped topping, try coconut whipped cream or your favorite dairy-free alternative.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pistachio Pudding Mix?
No problem! Use instant vanilla pudding and add a few drops of green food coloring plus a small amount of mint or pistachio extract to mimic the green shake flavor. Adjust extracts to taste.