Coming up with fun party drinks that aren’t the same old boring options can be tricky, especially when you want something that’ll make everyone smile. Between coordinating food, decorations, and managing the guest list, the last thing you need is a complicated signature cocktail that takes forever to prepare.
That’s why these strawberry shortcake jello shots are such a hit – they’re easy to make ahead of time, taste just like everyone’s favorite summer dessert, and bring a playful twist to any celebration without keeping you stuck behind the bar all night.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Jello Shots
- Party-perfect treat – These jello shots combine everyone’s favorite dessert flavors into a fun, adults-only version that’s guaranteed to be the hit of any gathering.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare these shots well in advance, which means less stress when you’re hosting a party or bringing them to an event.
- No baking required – Just mix, layer, and chill – no need to turn on the oven or deal with complicated techniques.
- Nostalgic flavors – The classic combination of vanilla pudding and strawberry jello brings back memories of summer desserts, but with a grown-up twist that makes them perfect for adult parties.
What Kind of Vodka Should I Use?
While this recipe calls for cake-flavored vodka, you’ve got plenty of options to work with here. Regular vodka will do just fine as a base, or you could try vanilla vodka for an extra touch of sweetness that matches the pudding layer. If you can’t find cake vodka specifically, whipped cream vodka makes an excellent substitute since it has a similar sweet, dessert-like profile. Just make sure whatever vodka you choose is at least 80 proof (40% alcohol) to ensure your jello shots set properly. And here’s a pro tip: keep your vodka in the freezer before mixing – it won’t freeze solid, but the cold temperature helps the jello layers set up faster.
Options for Substitutions
Want to make these fun jello shots but don’t have all the ingredients? Here are some helpful swaps:
- UV Cake Vodka: Regular vodka works just fine here – you can add a drop of vanilla extract to get that cake flavor. Or try vanilla vodka if you have it!
- Strawberry Pucker: No Strawberry Pucker? Use any strawberry-flavored liqueur like strawberry schnapps. In a pinch, you could even use more vodka and add 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry syrup.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Both instant and cook & serve pudding work equally well. You can also use white chocolate pudding mix for a different twist.
- Strawberry Jello: While strawberry gives you that classic shortcake taste, raspberry or cherry jello can work too if that’s what you have in your pantry.
- Fresh Strawberries: These are just for garnish, so feel free to skip them or use other berries. You could even use a dollop of whipped cream with sprinkles instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making jello shots is getting the right alcohol-to-liquid ratio – adding too much alcohol will prevent your shots from setting properly, while too little won’t give you the desired effect.
Temperature control is crucial: using water that’s not hot enough (it should be nearly boiling) for the jello mix will result in grainy shots, while adding alcohol to mixture that’s too hot will cause the alcohol to evaporate, defeating the purpose of these fun party treats.
When layering the pudding and jello portions, patience is key – make sure each layer is completely set (about 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator) before adding the next, or you’ll end up with a swirled mess instead of distinct layers.
For perfect presentation, fill your shot cups only about 2/3 full to leave room for whipped cream and strawberry garnish, and avoid the common mistake of trying to rush the setting process – these shots need at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) in the fridge to set completely.
What to Serve With Jello Shots?
These strawberry shortcake jello shots are perfect for parties and go great with other fun finger foods! Since they’re dessert-themed shots, try serving them alongside a spread of mini desserts like chocolate-covered strawberries, bite-sized cheesecakes, or vanilla cupcakes. I like to create a little dessert station with these shots as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh fruit and sweet treats that match the strawberry theme. For balance, include some salty snacks like pretzels or mixed nuts to give your guests options between sweet bites and shots.
Storage Instructions
Chill: These jello shots need at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly, but overnight is even better. Keep them covered with plastic wrap or in a container with a lid to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors or forming a skin on top.
Keep: Once they’re set, your jello shots will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember not to add the whipped cream and strawberry garnish until right before serving – nobody likes soggy toppings!
Serve: Take these party favorites out of the fridge about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps them loosen up a bit from the sides of the cups, making them easier to enjoy. Add your whipped cream and strawberry garnish just before serving for the best presentation.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 140-250 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2100
- Protein: 30-40 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 300-350 g
Ingredients
- Two 3-ounce boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix (cook & serve works too)
- 3 cups milk
- ½ cup uv cake vodka
- One 3-ounce box of strawberry jello
- 1 cup hot water
- ¾ cup strawberry pucker
- ¼ cup cold water
- Whipped cream, if desired
- 16 strawberries, if desired
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Layer
Set out the jello shot cups on a cookie sheet to make transferring them easier.
In a mixing bowl, pour in the vanilla pudding mix.
Add milk and UV Cake Vodka to the mix.
Stir the ingredients constantly for 2 minutes with a whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Spoon or pour the pudding into the jello shot cups, filling them about halfway.
Step 2: Make the Jello Layer
Begin by bringing some water to a boil.
Once the water is boiling, pour the strawberry jello crystals into a separate mixing bowl.
Add 1 cup of the boiling water to the bowl and mix thoroughly until the crystals are completely dissolved.
Then, add Strawberry Pucker and cold water to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
Allow the jello mixture to cool to room temperature, waiting at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: Layer and Set the Jello Shots
Gently spoon the cooled jello mixture onto the pudding layer in each jello shot cup.
Pour gradually to avoid creating a hole in the pudding.
Once all cups are filled, transfer the cookie sheet with the jello shots to the refrigerator.
Chill them for 2 to 4 hours, or until the jello layer has set completely.
The jello shots can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two if necessary.
Step 4: Add Final Touches and Serve
(Optional) Just before serving, top each jello shot with a dollop of whipped cream and a half of a strawberry for added flavor and presentation.
Serve the jello shots chilled and enjoy!