If you are looking to wow your guests at your next gathering, the Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe is a perfect blend of luscious vanilla pudding infused with refreshing crème de menthe, lightened up with fluffy whipped topping, and presented in charming individual servings. Every spoonful offers a cool, minty burst combined with a silky-smooth texture that feels like a festive celebration in your mouth. It’s simple yet elegant, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creamy texture, minty flavor, or that inviting green hue that makes these cups unforgettable.
- 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding: The creamy base that sets the flavor and texture for the dessert.
- 1 ½ cups cold milk: Helps dissolve the pudding mix and create a smooth consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the richness of the pudding with warm vanilla notes.
- ¼ cup crème de menthe (green): Adds the signature minty kick and beautiful green color.
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed: Lightens the pudding into a fluffy, airy delight.
- 1–2 drops green food coloring: Boosts the festive green appearance without overpowering flavor.
- Whipped cream, for garnish: Adds extra creaminess and visual appeal when serving.
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish: Offers a pop of color and sweetness to finish off each cup.
- 12 (2 oz) plastic soufflé cups with lids: Perfect for portion control and easy serving.
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. Mix until smooth and slightly thickened, usually about 2 minutes. This creamy pudding base forms the delicious foundation of your minty cups.
Step 2: Incorporate crème de menthe
Now, stir in the green crème de menthe evenly throughout the pudding base. This is when the magic happens—the refreshing mint flavor and a lovely light green shade start to shine through, making your dessert festive and inviting.
Step 3: Fold in whipped topping and color
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip along with 1 to 2 drops of green food coloring. This combination lightens the texture and gives the pudding a fluffy, airy finish with an irresistible minty tint.
Step 4: Portion into cups
Spoon or pipe the minty pudding mixture into your 2 oz plastic soufflé cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This keeps the servings perfect for your guests to enjoy without being overwhelming.
Step 5: Chill to set
Cover each cup with its lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time lets the pudding firm up beautifully and allows all those layered flavors to meld together into a harmonious delight.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Just before serving, add a swirl of whipped cream on top of each cup and pop on a maraschino cherry for that classic festive finish. Your Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe is now ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch with a dollop of whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry not only enhances the flavor but also brings a nostalgic, holiday feel to the dessert. You can even sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top for some extra crunch and sparkle.
Side Dishes
These minty cups pair wonderfully with light treats like buttery shortbread cookies or almond biscotti, adding texture contrasts. For heartier events, serve alongside fresh fruit platters or simple coffee to balance the creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, consider layering the mixture in clear glasses with crushed Oreo crumbs at the bottom for a “grass and dirt” effect or serve in elegant glass parfait cups for a sophisticated touch. Tiny edible mint leaves as garnish create a fresh and festive impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cups, keep them refrigerated with their lids on for up to 3 days. This will maintain the creamy texture and vibrant flavor without drying out or losing freshness.
Freezing
While you can freeze these cups for up to a month, know that the texture might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze without garnishes and add fresh whipped cream and cherries after thawing.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. If you want a softer texture after refrigeration, simply let the cups sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! You can replace Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream, but be sure to add it just before serving to maintain the light, airy texture.
Is there an alcohol-free version?
Yes, you can substitute the crème de menthe with a mint extract and add a few drops of green food coloring to keep the festive color and flavor without alcohol.
Can I prepare this recipe in larger batches?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly, and use larger containers or more soufflé cups. Just make sure to maintain the proper chilling time.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?
The green food coloring enhances the festive look, but it’s optional. The crème de menthe already adds a light hue and fresh flavor, so your dessert will still taste fabulous.
Can I make these cups vegan?
You can make a vegan version by using plant-based vanilla pudding mix, non-dairy milk, and a dairy-free whipped topping. Use a vegan crème de menthe syrup or mint extract for flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe that makes holiday gatherings and celebrations feel extra merry and bright. Easy to prepare, irresistibly tasty, and beautifully presented, these minty cups are sure to become a beloved tradition in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate—go ahead and whip up a batch to share some sweet, creamy joy!
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Cups: A Festive, Creamy Minty Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a delightful and festive creamy minty pudding perfect for parties and gatherings. This easy no-cook recipe combines instant vanilla pudding with crème de menthe and Cool Whip to create a light, fluffy, and refreshing dessert served in individual cups, beautifully garnished with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Ingredients
Pudding Base
- 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup crème de menthe (green)
Topping and Garnishes
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1–2 drops green food coloring
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- 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 starts 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 gently until the pudding mixture is light green, fluffy, and evenly combined.
- Portion into cups: Spoon or pipe the pudding mixture into 2 oz plastic soufflé cups, filling each about three-quarters full to achieve perfect individual 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 together.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top each cup with a swirl of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for a festive and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is very cold before mixing to help the pudding set properly.
- If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can add a bit more crème de menthe to taste.
- The green food coloring is optional and used for festive presentation.
- You can prepare the pudding mixture a day ahead but add whipped cream and cherries just before serving.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute crème de menthe with mint extract or omit entirely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
