If you are looking for a dessert that is both playful and elegant, the Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe is absolutely one to try. This treat offers a wonderful combination of smooth vanilla pudding, refreshing crème de menthe, and fluffy whipped topping, all coming together to create a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. Perfectly portioned in individual cups, it’s as charming to present as it is delicious, making it a favorite for holiday gatherings or anytime you want something cool, creamy, and mint-infused.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear blender jar sitting on a black base with a silver stripe is shown on a white marbled surface. Inside the blender jar, there are three layers: a bottom layer of smooth white liquid, a middle layer of white cauliflower florets, and tiny drops of dark liquid being added from a woman's hand wearing a green sleeve positioned above the jar. The background is plain and light, highlighting the ingredients inside the blender jar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element plays its part, whether providing flavor, texture, or that inviting minty green hue that makes these cups so special and festive.

Instant vanilla pudding mix: The creamy base that thickens quickly for a smooth texture.
Cold milk (1 ½ cups): Essential for making the pudding silky and luscious.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and enhances the vanilla flavor.
Crème de menthe (¼ cup): This minty liqueur brings the signature refreshing note and a subtle festive flair.
Cool Whip (8 oz tub, thawed): Introduces lightness and airy texture that makes the cups feel indulgent but not heavy.
Green food coloring (1–2 drops): Just enough to tint the dessert into that beautiful minty green shade.
Whipped cream: For a perfect finishing touch and extra creaminess on top.
Maraschino cherries: Adds a pop of color and a bit of playful sweetness as garnish.
Plastic soufflé cups with lids (12 cups, 2 oz each): Perfect containers for neat individual servings, making the dessert easy to handle and serve.

How to Make Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the pudding base

Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Keep whisking until the mix is smooth and begins to thicken, roughly 2 minutes. This step creates the silky backdrop for your minty delight and ensures a consistent, velvety texture.

Step 2: Add the crème de menthe

Pour in the crème de menthe and stir thoroughly so that the fresh mint flavor disperses evenly throughout the pudding base. This green liqueur is the secret star that brings the festive character and that unmistakable creamy mint kick.

Step 3: Fold in the Cool Whip and color

Gently fold the Cool Whip into your pudding mixture to incorporate lightness and fluffiness without deflating it. Add 1 to 2 drops of green food coloring until the mixture reaches that perfect pale green hue that screams celebration — not too much, just enough to look inviting.

Step 4: Assemble in cups

Carefully spoon or pipe the creamy mixture into your plastic soufflé cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This not only looks neat but leaves room for the delightful garnishes later.

Step 5: Chill and set

Place lids on the cups and refrigerate them for at least an hour. The chilling allows the pudding cups to firm up nicely so they hold their shape but stay luxuriously creamy when eaten.

Step 6: Garnish and enjoy

Just before serving, add a swirl of whipped cream atop each cup and place a maraschino cherry on the peak. This final flourish enhances both the flavor and aesthetic, making every cup look so tempting you’ll want to dive right in.

How to Serve Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe

The image shows a clear glass cup with three layers: the bottom and top layers are light brown and look smooth and creamy, the middle layer is light green and also smooth, and the top is covered with a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with thin dark brown chocolate shavings. The glass is placed on a wooden board with a blurred white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can truly personalize your Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe. Whipped cream is a classic go-to, adding extra creaminess and a fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with the mint pudding. The bright maraschino cherry on top adds a cheerful splash of color and a sweet contrast that makes each bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Because these cups are delightfully rich but light, they pair excellently with fresh fruit platters or thin biscotti cookies. A simple fruit salad with citrus or berries can balance the creamy, minty richness and provide a refreshing contrast on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holiday dinners, arrange the cups on a mirrored tray or a festive platter decorated with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers. You might also tie a little ribbon around each cup or use miniature spoons with colorful handles to elevate the presentation. These thoughtful touches turn the Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe into real crowd-pleasers visually and taste-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cups, store them in the refrigerator with their lids on. This keeps them fresh and prevents the pudding from drying out. They should stay perfect for up to 2 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The Cool Whip and pudding base may separate or lose their smooth texture when frozen and thawed, altering the creamy, airy consistency that makes these cups so delicious.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, it’s meant to be enjoyed cold. Reheating is unnecessary and would defeat the refreshing minty creaminess. Just keep your cups refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make these cups without alcohol?

Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the crème de menthe or avoid alcohol, you can substitute it with mint extract for flavor and some green food coloring for color. Use a small amount as mint extract is quite potent.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, homemade whipped cream works wonderfully and adds a fresh, natural taste. Just make sure it’s whipped to soft peaks before folding into the pudding mix to keep the light texture.

How long do these cups need to chill?

At least one hour is necessary for setting the pudding and bringing out the flavors, but chilling for up to 4 hours is even better if you want them firmer and nicely cooled.

Can I make these cups ahead for a party?

Definitely! These cups are perfect for making ahead as they store well in the refrigerator, allowing you to prep in advance and reduce stress on the day of your gathering.

Is there a non-green version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply omit the green food coloring for a creamy vanilla mint flavor without the festive tint. You can even experiment by adding different extracts or colors for holiday variations.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that is as pretty as it is delicious, don’t hesitate to try the Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe. It’s guaranteed to become a beloved classic at your next celebration, offering a fresh twist on the traditional pudding with minty charm and creamy bliss. Once you make them, you’ll understand why this recipe brings joy and smiles to the table every time.