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
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
- 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.
