If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly captures the spirit of celebration with a refreshing twist, then you have to try Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe. This luscious dessert blends the smoothness of vanilla pudding with a cooling hint of crème de menthe, all wrapped up in velvety whipped topping and a cheerful splash of green. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s both nostalgic and delightfully modern, making your gatherings shine with flavor and festive flair!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together to create a creamy texture and that signature minty freshness. Every addition has a purpose, from flavor depth to the lightness and color that bring Cups to life.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: This is your creamy base, quick to prepare and deliciously smooth.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding set perfectly while keeping the texture light.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the vanilla flavor in the pudding.
- Crème de menthe (green): The star ingredient, providing that cool, minty punch and a lovely green tint.
- Cool Whip (thawed): Contributes a fluffy, airy finish that balances the richness of the pudding.
- Green food coloring: Just a drop or two to brighten up your minty masterpiece.
- Whipped cream: Classic topping to add extra indulgence before serving.
- Maraschino cherries: For a pop of color and a festive, sweet finish.
- Plastic soufflé cups with lids: Perfect for portion control and easy serving or storage.
How to Make Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe
Step 1: Make the pudding base
Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is perfectly smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about two minutes—it’s all about getting that silky base just right.
Step 2: Incorporate crème de menthe
Once your pudding base is ready, stir in the green crème de menthe carefully. This gorgeous addition infuses your dessert with that unmistakable cool mint flavor and the signature hue that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Fold in whipped topping and color
Next, gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip along with one or two drops of green food coloring. This step lightens the pudding mixture and gives it a fluffy texture that’s as festive in appearance as it is in taste.
Step 4: Portion into cups
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill your 2 oz plastic soufflé cups about three-quarters full with the minty pudding mixture. This portion size is just right for individual servings, making them easy to handle and serve.
Step 5: Chill to set
Cover each cup with its lid and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling period lets the flavors marry beautifully while the pudding firms up to just the right creamy consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Right before you dive in, adorn each cup with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry. The final touch transforms these into show-stopping treats that feel extra special.
How to Serve Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream and maraschino cherries are classic for a reason—they add luscious creaminess and a vibrant pop of color that complement the minty flavor perfectly. You can also sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra festive look and taste.
Side Dishes
These minty cups pair wonderfully with simple cookies like shortbread or chocolate-dipped biscotti. Their crisp texture contrasts the creamy softness so impeccably. Fresh berries or a small fruit salad are also refreshing accompaniments to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cups in clear mini mason jars for a rustic charm or layering them in a trifle bowl with chocolate shavings for a more dramatic effect. If you’re hosting a party, label each cup with a little festive tag to delight guests and keep things organized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra cups refrigerated in their sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent spills. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for your next celebration.
Freezing
Although these cups are best served fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container, but be aware the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, let your cups come to cool room temperature for 10-15 minutes if they have been in the fridge too long and you want softer pudding.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding?
Vanilla pudding is ideal because it complements the mint flavor without overpowering it, but you can experiment with white chocolate or even coconut if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep the flavors harmonious.
What if I don’t have crème de menthe?
Crème de menthe provides that distinct mint flavor and colour, but if you don’t have it on hand, a few drops of peppermint extract can work as a substitute. You may want to adjust the amount carefully since peppermint extract is more concentrated.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Simply replace the crème de menthe with a mint-flavored syrup or a couple of drops of natural peppermint extract plus some green food coloring. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy delight.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To keep it vegan, use a dairy-free vanilla pudding mix, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and swap Cool Whip for a coconut cream-based topping. Just ensure your garnishes fit a vegan diet as well.
How far in advance can I prepare these cups?
You can make them up to 24 hours before your event. Just keep them covered and chilled until ready to serve to keep that creamy minty freshness perfect.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about how Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s easy, impressive, and bursting with that irresistible cool minty flavor. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite at your next gathering. You’ll be the dessert hero, guaranteed!
Print
Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight is a refreshing and indulgent no-bake dessert featuring a smooth vanilla pudding base infused with minty crème de menthe, lightened with whipped topping, and beautifully presented in individual cups garnished with whipped cream and maraschino cherries. Perfect for festive gatherings and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
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
- 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
- This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Crème de menthe is an alcoholic ingredient; to make a non-alcoholic version, substitute with peppermint extract but use sparingly.
- Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed for easy folding into the pudding mixture.
- Adjust green food coloring quantity to achieve your desired shade of mint green.
- Use plastic soufflé cups or small dessert cups for convenient individual servings and easy storage.
