Description
This Cups recipe is a festive and creamy mint-flavored dessert perfect for parties or special occasions. It combines instant vanilla pudding with a refreshing touch of crème de menthe, blended with whipped topping and a hint of green food coloring for a light and fluffy texture. Served chilled in individual cups and garnished with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, this minty delight offers an easy yet elegant treat that’s sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Base
- 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor 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
Serving
- 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 fully thawed before folding it into the pudding mixture to maintain a smooth texture.
- You can adjust the amount of crème de menthe to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder mint flavor.
- Use a piping bag to fill cups neatly and uniformly, enhancing the presentation.
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute crème de menthe with a green mint syrup or omit it entirely.
- Chilling the cups for longer than 1 hour can help intensify the flavor and improve the texture.
