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ZEN AND HONEY

Sweet, Sweet Food Made Simple

May 6, 2024

Beach Pudding Cups

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Beach Pudding Cups – These insanely cute and delicious Beach Bear Dessert Cups are the perfect summer dessert or snack! Pudding that is colored turquoise blue for the water topped with crumbled cookies and gummy and chocolate bears. 

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beach pudding cups

Our Dirt and Worms pudding cups are great and cute treats too!
These insanely fun and amazingly delicious beach pudding cups are my new favorite summer dessert that is easy to serve for a large crowd! These vanilla pudding cups are going to be perfect for any summer party, BBQ, 4th of July, anywhere you’re going this summer.

beach pudding cups

This post is about how to make Beach Pudding Cups.

BEACH BEAR VANILLA PUDDING CUPS

If you ask me if I like pudding, my answer will always be YES! Pudding cups by nature are delicious. And these sand pudding cups are taken to the next level! It’s pudding with graham cracker crumbs and candy and cookies on top! Of course it’s insanely delicious.

beach pudding cups

beach pudding cups

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Dessert for Summer. This dessert is perfect for any summer gatherings, 4th of July, BBQs, and pool parties.
Easy to Serve for a Crowd. This is a very simple recipe for dessert that is also easy to serve for large groups of people.
Individual Dessert Cups. These awesome vanilla pudding cups are perfect for when you want to snack on your own or to share individual cups to your guests.

vanilla dessert

INGREDIENTS NOTES

Here’s everything you need to make these fun sand pudding cups!
Vanilla Cookies
Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
Milk
Blue Food Coloring
Heavy Cream
Gummy Bears or Chocolate Bears
Peach Rings Candy
Cocktail Umbrellas for garnish
Plastic Cups

dessert pudding cups

cheesecake

HOW TO MAKE SAND PUDDING CUPS

Place the vanilla cookies in a food processor and process until they are finely ground into crumbs.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla instant pudding mix for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined. This will make the pudding lighter and fluffier.

pudding cups

Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the pudding mixture and stir until you achieve a vibrant blue color resembling the ocean. Adjust the amount of food coloring as desired.
Take clear plastic cups or glass jars and layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of the processed vanilla cookie crumbs at the bottom of each cup, followed by a layer of the whipped cream and pudding mixture.
Add another layer of processed vanilla cookie crumbs, followed by another layer of the whipped cream and pudding mixture. Repeat the layering process until the cups are filled, leaving some space at the top.

sand pudding cups

Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
Once the pudding has set, remove the cups from the refrigerator. Decorate the top of each cup with gummy bears or chocolate bears, a peach ring and a small beach umbrella for a fun and festive garnish.

cocktail umbrellas

cocktail umbrellas

Serve and enjoy!

graham cracker crumbs

graham cracker crumbs

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  • You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on the number of servings you need and the size of the cups you use.
  • Feel free to get creative with additional decorations such as edible seashells, blue sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers to enhance the beach theme.
  • If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture

individual dessert cup

graham cracker crumbs

RECIPE FAQ’S

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Beach Pudding Cups a day in advance. Simply cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap or lids and store them in the refrigerator until serving.

beach pudding cups

Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?

While the recipe calls for vanilla instant pudding mix, you can experiment with other flavors such as chocolate, coconut, or banana to create different variations of the Beach Pudding Cups.

Can I use a different type of cookie?

Yes, you can use other types of cookies instead of vanilla cookies. Graham crackers, chocolate cookies, or even shortbread cookies can provide delicious variations for the cookie crust.

individual dessert cup

Can I substitute whipped cream with whipped topping?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) instead of whipped cream. However, keep in mind that the consistency and taste may vary slightly.

Can I make thESE BEACH PUDDING CUPS dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, you can make dairy-free or vegan Beach Pudding Cups by using non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk) and a suitable dairy-free instant pudding mix. Additionally, you can use a non-dairy whipped topping as a substitute for the heavy cream.

individual dessert cup

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can use homemade pudding if you prefer. Simply prepare your favorite vanilla pudding recipe from scratch and allow it to cool before folding in the whipped cream

Can I use gel food coloring?

Yes, you can use gel food coloring as well. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired blue color for the pudding.

beach sand pudding cups

beach pudding cups

Beach Pudding Cups

Make these layered vanilla pudding cups with graham crackers, gummy bears and peach candy for the perfect beach party dessert!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 cups

Equipment

  • plastic cups
  • mixing bowls
  • food processer

Ingredients
  

  • 20 vanilla cookies (or any other graham crackers)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz)
  • few drops blue food coloring
  • gummy bears or chocolate bears
  • peach rings candy for garnish
  • cocktail umbrellas for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place the vanilla cookies in a food processor and process until they are finely ground into crumbs.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla instant pudding mix for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined. This will make the pudding lighter and fluffier.
  • Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the pudding mixture and stir until you achieve a vibrant blue color resembling the ocean. Adjust the amount of food coloring as desired.
  • Take clear plastic cups or glass jars and layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of the processed vanilla cookie crumbs at the bottom of each cup, followed by a layer of the whipped cream and pudding mixture.
  • Add another layer of processed vanilla cookie crumbs, followed by another layer of the whipped cream and pudding mixture. Repeat the layering process until the cups are filled, leaving some space at the top.
  • Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
  • Once the pudding has set, remove the cups from the refrigerator. Decorate the top of each cup with gummy bears or chocolate bears, a peach ring and a small beach umbrella for a fun and festive garnish.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Keyword beach bear pudding cups, beach dessert cups, beach pudding cups, graham crackers, gummy bears, sand pudding

LOVED OUR BEACH PUDDING CUPS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!

beach dessert cup

 

By: Rebeka · In: 4th of July, Desserts, Holiday, SUMMER RECIPES · Tagged: beach bear pudding cups, beach pudding cups, dessert cups, dessert cups for a crowd, dessert cups recipe, dessert pudding cups, pudding cups, sand pudding cups, summer dessert cups, vanilla pudding cups

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Comments

  1. Hari says

    July 14, 2024 at 2:42 pm

    5 stars
    Pudding is my absolute fav dessert! This looks yummy!

    Reply
  2. Karen Kasberg says

    July 14, 2024 at 3:31 pm

    These beach pudding cups are the cutest dessert idea I’ve ever seen!! Pinned to try later.

    Reply
  3. Sierra says

    July 15, 2024 at 4:27 am

    I love the layout of your post! Many recipes do not include substitutions. I love that you did!! Thank you. I am going to try these asap!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 20 Fancy Mini Desserts In Cups You Can Make Ahead - ZEN AND HONEY says:
    May 13, 2024 at 8:33 am

    […] BEACH PUDDING CUPS […]

    Reply
  2. 25 Pool Party Desserts That Are Fun and Easy says:
    March 8, 2025 at 10:10 am

    […] These insanely cute and delicious Beach Bear Dessert Cups are the perfect summer dessert or snack! Pudding that is colored turquoise blue for the water topped with crumbled cookies and gummy and chocolate bears. This recipe tastes so good! […]

    Reply
  3. 25 Bite-Size Treats for the Ultimate Pool Party says:
    March 8, 2025 at 10:11 am

    […] These insanely cute and delicious Beach Bear Dessert Cups are the perfect summer dessert or snack! Pudding that is colored turquoise blue for the water topped with crumbled cookies and gummy and chocolate bears. This recipe tastes so good! […]

    Reply
  4. 12 Beach Themed Foods That Are Extremely Adorable - ZEN AND HONEY says:
    March 20, 2025 at 11:42 am

    […] BEACH PUDDING CUPS […]

    Reply

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Hi, and welcome! My name is Rebeka, and here I share the ultimate dessert recipes, appetizers, easy recipes, drinks, holiday recipes, desserts & sweet treats - for you to enjoy! Creating recipes is my love language, and I hope you'll find something here.

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