Description
These festive cups offer a creamy, minty dessert perfect for parties and celebrations. Featuring a smooth vanilla pudding base infused with refreshing crème de menthe and lightened with fluffy whipped topping, each serving is chilled to perfection and garnished with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for a delightful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Base
- 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavoring and Topping
- ¼ cup crème de menthe (green)
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1–2 drops green food coloring
Garnish
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- 12 (2 oz) plastic soufflé cups with lids
Instructions
- Make the pudding base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate crème de menthe: Stir in the green crème de menthe until fully combined, infusing the pudding mixture with a refreshing mint flavor.
- Fold in whipped topping and color: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip along with 1-2 drops of green food coloring, mixing until evenly combined and the mixture is light green and fluffy.
- Portion into cups: Spoon or pipe the pudding mixture into 2 oz plastic soufflé cups, filling each about three-quarters full for perfect servings.
- Chill to set: Cover each cup with its lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top each cup with a swirl of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry to add a festive and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the Cool Whip is thawed completely before folding it in for the best texture.
- Use drops of green food coloring gradually until your preferred shade of mint green is reached.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute crème de menthe with mint extract and green food coloring adjusted accordingly.
- These cups can be prepared a few hours in advance, but garnish just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Serve chilled for the best creamy and refreshing experience.
