Written by Sarah Miller
Halloween Shot Glass Desserts are honestly my new favorite shortcut when spooky season sneaks up and I’ve done pretty much zero planning (which, let’s be real, happens almost every year). Everyone wants Halloween desserts that are cute and easy, but nobody wants to whip up eight million steps or hunt for weird ingredients.
By the way, while poking around for dessert inspiration this year, I stumbled on a graveyard-themed shot glass treat that absolutely saved my party. And, okay, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably also collecting bite-sized ideas because somehow finger foods make parties feel extra festive.
So, if you want options minus a giant mess, get comfy — I’m sharing everything you need for ghostly, crowd-pleasing fun. Oh, don’t skip the other dessert tips packed in here.
How to make Halloween dessert shooters
So here’s my not-professional method for these Halloween shot glass desserts. First, just raid your pantry. You want layers, right? Think chocolate pudding, or vanilla if you’re a poor soul like my sister (she avoids chocolate, wild I know), some crushed cookies — Oreos rock for that graveyard dirt vibe, and candy for toppers. Whipped cream is a must. For the ghosts, mini marshmallows with chocolate chip eyes or whipped cream piped to a ghostly point work.
Start by spooning pudding into the bottom of each glass. Add crushed cookies. Repeat if you’re feeling extra. Plop a little whipped cream on top (I go overboard, no regrets). Now, plop your “ghost” on there. More candy? Absolutely. I like a pretzel stick for creepy tree branches, but honestly any snack will do. Done. They look five-star, taste like something your grandma would approve, and disappear faster than you can say “trick or treat.”
Easy No-Bake, Eggless Dessert
You know I avoid fussy recipes, so this is right up my alley. Here’s the best part — these Halloween shot glass desserts require zero baking. None. Not even a “preheat the oven” situation. If you’re worried about guests with egg allergies (or if you just don’t want the mess) this dessert is an all-win choice.
You’re literally just layering stuff you probably already have. I use boxed pudding mix because who has time to make it from scratch, but if you do, I bow to you. Crushed cookies, those random candies stashed in my pantry, and some whipped topping (the fake stuff is fine by me). It saves your nerves, and honestly, nobody can tell the difference. I’ve made these with all sorts of flavors, so go off-script if you want — I won’t judge.
| Tip | Importance |
|---|---|
| Use clear plastic shot glasses | Enhances presentation and saves on dishes |
| Let sit overnight | Allows cookies to soften and blend flavors |
| Use any pudding flavor | Customization keeps things exciting |
| Add toppings DIY station | Engages guests and adds fun |
| Mix colors into whipped cream | Visual appeal enhances the spooky theme |
5 Reasons to Love this Halloween Treat
There are a million reasons, but here are my loudest:
- Quick as lightning: Seriously, you can make a batch faster than a scary movie jump scare.
- Customizable: Swap candies, use whatever pudding you have. Go wild.
- Perfect for parties: Everyone gets their own (no gross double-dipping).
- Kid helper approved: Little hands love to assemble these, and there’s nothing sharp.
- Looks pro, but zero stress: Impress your in-laws without breaking a sweat.
Serving Suggestions
Okay, here’s where you can really shine (or crash gloriously, as I once did during a Halloween bash with wobbly trays — don’t recommend). For the best wow factor? Use clear plastic shot glasses. The layers look way cooler that way, and no dishes later.
Want fancier? Try actual glass cups, but, if you’ve got kids or extra-clumsy adults, plastic wins. I always set out a platter with all the Halloween shot glass desserts stacked up, then scatter candy eyes and gummy worms around the tray. People lose their minds over it (true story, my neighbor snuck extra ones for her kids to take home — busted).
Party hack? Put out a bowl of toppings and let everyone DIY their “ghosts” and “graves.” They’ll love it.
Recipe Tips & Notes
Alright, real talk. If you let the shot glass puddings sit in the fridge overnight, the cookies get that perfect “dirt” squishiness but don’t turn to mush (unless you’re heavy-handed with the pudding). If you’re in a bind, just slap ’em together and serve right away — still delish.
Don’t be weird about measurements. Just eyeball it. More pudding, less cookies, reverse it next time, who cares? If you want to make it extra Halloweeny, use orange and purple pudding or mix food coloring into whipped cream. Get messy. Food should be fun and if it gets on your shirt, you did it right.
Common Questions
Can I make Halloween shot glass desserts ahead of time?
Yep. Assemble them a few hours (or even a day) before your party, just hold off on adding candies so they don’t get soggy.
What’s the best cookie for the “dirt” layer?
Oreo is classic, but gingersnaps or chocolate graham crackers are also wild in a good way.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Totally. Just use dairy-free pudding and whipped topping. No one notices the swap.
Will this work without shot glasses?
Absolutely. Any tiny cup does the trick — even espresso cups if that’s what you’ve got.
How do I keep the “ghosts” from sliding off?
A little extra whipped cream underneath sticks anything in place like dessert glue.
The Easiest Way to Spook Up Your Party
I’ve made a lot of Halloween desserts and none got rave reviews at my get-togethers like these did (and not just from little goblins, the grownups devour them too). They’re stress-free, adaptable, and so simple that you could practically teach your neighbor’s goldfish to make ‘em by reading this blog. Plus, if you want to branch out, check out these awesome Ghosts in the Graveyard Halloween Dessert Shooters – Sugar Spun … and RIP Halloween Dessert Shooters – Happy Foods Tube for even more ideas. Trust me, bookmark this — you’re gonna be the dessert VIP at every Halloween bash!
Happy haunting and sugar rushes, friends!
Halloween Shot Glass Desserts
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups pudding (chocolate or vanilla) Use any flavor you prefer.
- 1 cup crushed cookies (Oreo recommended) For a ‘dirt’ layer.
- 1 cup whipped cream Can be store-bought or homemade.
For the Toppings
- 1 cup mini marshmallows For ghost decoration.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips For ‘ghost’ eyes.
- 1 package pretzel sticks For decorating as creepy tree branches.
- 1 cup candy (for decoration) Any assorted candies will work.
Instructions
Preparation
- Spoon pudding into the bottom of each shot glass.
- Add a layer of crushed cookies on top of the pudding.
- Repeat layers if desired.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Add mini marshmallows and candy on top to create ‘ghosts’ and decorations.