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Key lime jello pudding shots are the perfect fusion of tangy tropical flavor and creamy indulgence, with a boozy twist that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. These chilled shots come together quickly with instant pudding, key lime rum cream and a crunchy graham cracker base for that classic pie-inspired vibe. Whether you’re serving them at a party, barbecue or brunch, they’re an easy make-ahead dessert shot that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve.

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.
Top Tips
Chill before serving: This helps the texture set and flavors meld.
Use cold ingredients: Keeps the pudding from getting runny.
Portion evenly: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to keep shot sizes consistent.
Key Lime Pudding Shots FAQs
You can prepare the pudding shooters a day or so ahead if you want. Keep them covered with plastic wrap and don’t add the whipped cream or lime garnish until just before serving.
Key limes are rounder and smaller and have a stronger taste than regular limes. You can use either kind in your key lime pie rum cream jello pudding shots though.
Key Lime Pie Rum Jello Pudding Shots Recipe
Key Lime Jello Pudding Shots
Equipment
- Shot Glasses 2-Ounce
Ingredients
- 1 Box instant pudding, vanilla, 3.4-Ounce
- 1 Cup milk, full fat, chilled
- ½ Cup + 2 Tablespoons key lime pie rum cream, such as Blue Chair Bay Key Lime Rum Cream or KēKē Key Lime Pie Cream Liqueur, chilled
- 2 Tablespoons key lime juice,
- 1 Tablespoon lime zest
- 3 graham crackers, whole, then crushed
To Garnish
- whipped cream
- 10 Slices lime
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for about a minute or until slightly thickened. Add rum cream, and whisk until no lumps remain.
- Stir in lime juice and 2 teaspoons lime zest and whisk until fully incorporated/thickened. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Spoon 2 teaspoons of crushed graham crackers into each 2-ounce shot glass. Add about 2½ tablespoons of pudding mixture over crumbs into each cup. Top with whipped cream, remaining lime zest, and lime slices if liked.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Use cold ingredients: Keeps the pudding from getting runny.
Portion evenly: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to keep shot sizes consistent.
Nutrition
Key lime jello pudding shots are a cool, creamy dessert that adds fun to any event. The bright citrus flavor of lime juice and zest pairs beautifully with vanilla pudding and a touch of rum cream for a mini dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Easy to prep, even easier to serve, and packed with flavor, these little shots are a hit at any party or warm-weather gathering. Customize your garnishes and chill until ready to wow your guests.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Okay, I finally tried these key lime pie rum cream pudding shots and OMG—they’re so good! They’re super creamy, a little tangy, and taste just like key lime pie… with a fun boozy kick. Totally obsessed. These are 100% going to be my go-to summer party treat!
I’m wanting to make these for a get together. Did you have to serve these with a spoon or did they come out like a Jell-O shot?
These are best served with little spoons to get out every last morsel – hope you gave a fun get-together!
Key lime pie is one of my favorites so I had to try this and it did not disappoint.
The best summer dessert. So delicious and so refreshing!!
Can’t wait to try these. Love all your shot recipes