Key Lime Jello Pudding Shots

Cool, creamy and packed with tangy citrus flavor, these key lime jello pudding shots taste just like key lime pie in shot form with plenty of rum flavor too.

Do you love trying new citrusy sweet treats? If so, you might also enjoy key lime lush, lemon granita, and classic key lime pie.

Why You’ll Love It

Party favorite: These mini dessert shots are always a crowd-pleaser.
No baking required: A simple whisk and chill recipe makes prep stress-free.
Tropical flavor: Key lime juice and zest bring bright, tangy freshness.
Fun presentation: Whipped cream, lime slices and graham cracker crumbs give them visual appeal.
Customizable: Easy to adjust with different toppings or flavored liqueurs.

Key Lime Pie Rum Shots Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Vanilla pudding mix: Forms the creamy base and binds everything together.
Cold whole milk: Helps activate the instant pudding and keeps it smooth.
Key lime pie rum cream: Adds rich, boozy flavor with tropical flair.
Lime juice: Enhances the tart citrus flavor and balances the sweetness.
Lime zest: Adds brightness and color throughout the pudding and on top.
Graham crackers: Crushed to mimic pie crust at the bottom of each shot.
Whipped cream: A light and sweet topping that makes them look finished.
Lime slices: Optional garnish for color and presentation.

How to Make Pudding Shots with Rum

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Whisk the pudding: Combine pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened.
Add the flavor: Mix in rum cream, lime juice and most of the zest.
Layer the shots: Spoon graham cracker crumbs into shot cups.
Fill with pudding: Add pudding mixture over the crumbs.
Garnish and chill: Top with whipped cream, remaining zest and lime slices, then refrigerate.

Substitutions and Variations

Use coconut cream liqueur: Swap or blend with key lime rum cream for a tropical variation.
Make them alcohol-free: Replace rum cream with extra milk and a few drops of lime extract.
Try lemon or orange zest: For a citrus twist using what you have on hand.
Add cream cheese: For a thicker, cheesecake-like filling.
Vanilla instant pudding: Although using vanilla instant pudding gives these key lime pie rum cream jello pudding shots the best key lime pie flavor, you can use any flavor of instant pudding.
Graham cracker crumbs: Substitute Vanilla wafer crumbs instead.
Dairy-free option: I haven’t tried key lime rum cream shots using a dairy alternative but you can feel free to experiment if you like. Bear in mind adding Blue Chair Bay or KēKē Cream Liqueur and using a water-based ‘milk’ substitute might mean the pudding shots don’t set properly.

Serving Suggestions

With savory bites: Enjoy million dollar deviled eggs and sliders with your lime shooters.
With something sweet: Lemon sorbet or lemon tart would go well.
With a cocktail: These Passion fruit lime margaritas are zesty and fun!

How to Store Key Lime Jello Shots

Store: Store Jell-O pudding shots on a tray, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. Add whipped cream, lime zest, and lime slices just before serving. 
Freeze: These aren’t freezer-friendly.