Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Jello Shots are a fun, grown-up treat for summer gatherings. These bite-sized desserts capture the classic flavors of pineapple upside-down cake by combining canned pineapple juice, cake-flavored vodka and maraschino cherries into layered jello shots that look as good as they taste.
These jello shots come in two layers with a cherry on top: a pineapple layer made with pineapple juice and cake-flavored vodka, and a bottom layer tinted with grenadine to recreate the look and flavor of a pineapple upside-down cake. The cake vodka gives the shots a distinct cake-like sweetness that is surprisingly authentic in a small glass.
Tips For Making Pineapple Upside Down Jello Shots
- Allow the gelatin to bloom. Sprinkle the gelatin over the pineapple juice and sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes so it softens and absorbs liquid before heating.
- When dissolving the sugar and gelatin, heat gently and whisk. Do not let the mixture boil; boiling can prevent the gelatin from setting properly and can diminish the flavor.
- These shots firm up best when chilled for several hours. Make them the morning of your event or the night before to ensure they are fully set.
- Small two-ounce cups or disposable shot cups work perfectly for portioning these jello shots; they make serving and storing easy.
Storage
Store jello shots in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. After that time they may begin to weep and become watery as the gel structure breaks down. Keep them covered or in an airtight container to prevent odors from the fridge transferring into the shots.
More Pineapple Upside-Down Recipes
- Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes
- Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Cocktail
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Jello Shots
A layered jello shot that blends canned pineapple juice, cake-flavored vodka and grenadine with a maraschino cherry garnish for a nostalgic dessert shot perfect for parties.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups canned pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 3/4 cup cake-flavored vodka
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- 1 jar maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Spray 15 plastic shot glasses lightly with vegetable oil cooking spray to help unmold if desired.
- Combine the pineapple juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften (bloom).
- Over medium heat, gently warm the mixture while whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar and gelatin dissolve. Avoid boiling.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cake-flavored vodka.
- Pour half of the pineapple mixture into a separate bowl and stir in the grenadine to create the bottom layer.
- Divide the grenadine-tinted mixture evenly among the shot glasses and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the layer firms up.
- Place one maraschino cherry in each cup. Carefully pour the remaining pineapple-vodka mixture around the cherry to form the top layer.
- Chill the shots in the refrigerator until fully firm before serving, at least a couple of hours for best texture.
Notes
These jello shots can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 5 days. For best presentation, keep the cups upright and covered. If you prefer less alcohol, reduce the vodka slightly and replace the difference with additional pineapple juice; this may change the firmness slightly, so allow extra chilling time.
Nutrition
Calories: 69 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Sugar: 8 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.
Recipe Source: Adapted from Tip Hero.
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