If you’re looking to wow your guests with something playful, refreshing, and oh-so-creamy, you absolutely have to try these delightful treats. Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe is a vibrant and luscious dessert that balances the cool zing of crème de menthe with the smoothness of vanilla pudding. Each bite is a celebration of minty freshness wrapped in a creamy, dreamy texture, perfect for any holiday party or special occasion. Once you taste this, you’ll want to make it your go-to recipe for festive gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe is easier than you might think. The ingredients list is straightforward but every component plays a crucial role in delivering that signature minty creaminess and beautiful green hue.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: This forms the luscious base of our dessert, providing rich vanilla flavor and smooth texture.
- Cold milk: Essential for activating the pudding mix and achieving the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a deep, fragrant vanilla note that complements the mint beautifully.
- Crème de menthe (green): The star ingredient that brings fresh mint flavor and that charming festive green color.
- Cool Whip (thawed): Lightens the pudding mixture, making it airy and fluffy for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Green food coloring: Just a couple of drops enhance the vibrant green appearance for extra festive flair.
- Whipped cream: Perfect for garnish, adding a rich, creamy crown to each cup.
- Maraschino cherries: They provide a sweet, bright pop of color that finishes off the presentation beautifully.
- Plastic soufflé cups with lids: Perfect for portion control and keeping your dessert neat and ready to serve.
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 briskly until the mixture becomes smooth and begins to thicken a bit — about two minutes. This is the foundation of your dessert, so getting a silky texture here is important for that perfect creamy mouthfeel.
Step 2: Incorporate crème de menthe
Next, stir in the green crème de menthe. This ingredient is what sets this recipe apart. It infuses the pudding with a fresh, minty flavor that’s unmistakably festive. Plus, its vibrant green color starts giving the mixture that signature look.
Step 3: Fold in whipped topping and color
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip along with one to two drops of green food coloring. This step makes the mixture light, fluffy, and even more inviting. The green color brightens up, making the dessert both tasty and visually stunning. Be careful not to overmix here to keep it airy.
Step 4: Portion into cups
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each of your 2 oz plastic soufflé cups about three-quarters full with the minty pudding mixture. These individual cups make serving a breeze and keep everything neat and tidy.
Step 5: Chill to set
Cover each cup with its lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the pudding to firm up just enough while letting all those refreshing flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Just before serving, top each cup with a swirl of whipped cream and place a maraschino cherry on top. This final touch transforms the cups into a festive, creamy minty delight that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe
Garnishes
The classic whipped cream and maraschino cherry topping is a tried-and-true favorite, but feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies adds texture and extra minty zip, or a small mint leaf can elevate the presentation elegantly.
Side Dishes
Serve these cups alongside light bites like shortbread cookies or chocolate-dipped biscotti for a crowd-pleasing combo. The richness of the creamy mint pudding pairs wonderfully with the buttery, crisp sides, creating a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
To amp up the festive mood, consider layering the mint pudding with crushed chocolate cookies in a clear trifle dish for a show-stopping centerpiece. Alternatively, serve the cups in mini festive baskets or on a decorated tray lined with holiday-themed napkins to make an unforgettable impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator with their lids on to maintain freshness. They’ll keep well for up to two days without losing their texture or flavor.
Freezing
While these minty cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, though keep in mind the texture may be slightly less fluffy after freezing.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply let frozen cups thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give them a gentle stir if needed before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute regular whipped cream to keep it homemade, but Cool Whip adds a stable, airy texture that holds up well in the fridge. If you use fresh whipped cream, fold it in carefully and enjoy the dessert soon after making it.
Is crème de menthe necessary, or can I omit it?
Crème de menthe is key for delivering that authentic mint flavor and festive color. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, consider a few drops of peppermint extract and extra green food coloring to mimic the flavor and appearance.
How far in advance can I make these cups?
You can prepare the cups up to one day ahead of time. Just keep them refrigerated with their lids on to maintain freshness and flavor intensity.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the instant pudding mix with a vegan version, use plant-based milk, and a whipped topping alternative. You’ll also want to make sure the green food coloring you choose is vegan-friendly.
Why do you recommend the plastic soufflé cups?
Plastic soufflé cups make these servings perfectly portioned and portable, keeping the pudding fresh and ready to enjoy without mess. They’re especially convenient for parties, picnics, or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe comes together—simple ingredients transformed into a creamy, minty treat that brightens any celebration. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or treating yourself on a cozy night, it’s a dessert that promises smiles with every spoonful. Give it a whirl and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
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 easy-to-make no-bake dessert featuring instant vanilla pudding infused with crème de menthe and topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries. Perfect for parties and holiday gatherings, this pudding cup dessert offers a smooth, light texture with a delightful mint twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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 Supplies
- 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 the 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 for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of mint green.
- Refrigerating the pudding cups for longer than 1 hour will result in a firmer texture.
- These dessert cups can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator with lids on.
