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Layered strawberry shortcake jello shots are as pretty as they are delicious! These easy pudding shots are filled with vanilla pudding, strawberry jello, and are topped with whipped cream, a Nilla wafer, and fresh strawberries.
Strawberry Shortcake Jello Shots
I love strawberry shortcake in actual cake form…and I love vodka…so I thought it would be fun to combine the two into a strawberry shortcake jello shot.
I was right. It is fun 😁. And delicious!
You have a layer of vodka infused vanilla pudding, topped with a layer of vodka infused strawberry Jello. To finish it off, a squirt of whipped cream, a little bit of Nilla wafer cookie crumbs, and a fresh strawberry slice.
Part dessert. Part cocktail. All fun.
Why you’ll love this jello shot recipe
- Summer Parties – These little vodka jello shots are perfect for a BBQ or summer party.
- Perfect Adult Treat – Adding the vodka makes them appropriate for adults but they’re also delicious without vodka for the kids and non-drinkers!
- Delicious – I’m not sure if it qualifies as a dessert or a shot, but it is delicious either way.
Equipment needed to make Jell-O Shots
- Large Measuring Cup
- Jello Shot Cups – These shots are made in 3 ounce plastic cups (which are larger than typical jello shots).
- Lipped Baking Sheet – I find it easiest to set the shot cups on a lipped baking sheet since they have to move in and out of the fridge a few times to set.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Jello Shots
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card.
- VANILLA INSTANT PUDDING – You’ll need two 3.4 ounce boxes of vanilla instant pudding. The heat and serve kind will work, it will just take longer. You could also use cheesecake pudding for a strawberry cheesecake pudding shot.
- MILK – To make the pudding, you’ll need milk. I use 2% because that’s what I keep on hand.
- VODKA – You’ll need a cup of vodka, divided. I find whipped cream to be the best vodka for these shots, in both layers. Smirnoff makes one as does Pinnacle (& I’m sure others). Possible substitutions are listed below.
- STRAWBERRY JELLO – Strawberry Jell-O for the strawberry layer.
- WATER – You’ll need half cup of cold water and one boiling cup water to make the layers.
- TOPPINGS – Reddi-Wip or your favorite whipped cream, crushed Nilla wafers (or mini Nilla wafers), and some fresh strawberries slices.
How to make Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Shots
- STEP ONE: Make the vanilla pudding layer. First, whisk together the vanilla pudding mixes, 3.5 cups milk and ½ cup vodka in a large bowl. Pour the pudding evenly between twelve 3 oz shot glasses that have been lined onto a baking sheet. They should be approximately 2/3 full. Move the entire pan to the fridge to chill for an hour.
- STEP TWO: Make the strawberry jello layer. To a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to boil, remove from heat, and then whisk in the strawberry jello packet. Add in ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka, and whisk again. Set the mixture aside to cool completely. This is an important step – if you pour warm jello onto the pudding layer, you’ll have a melty mess.
- STEP THREE: Chill. Once the strawberry mixture is fully cooled, pour the mixture into the pudding cups and again place the entire tray in the fridge to chill for 3 hours.
- STEP FOUR: Top. When ready to serve, top with whipped cream, crushed Nilla wafers, and fresh strawberries.
What to serve them with
Food
If you’re having a BBQ or pool party, serve these shots with a table full of veggie & cracker dips and some slow cooker main dishes like pulled bbq chicken or a hot dog chili bar.
You could also throw some potatoes in the slow cooker and set out toppings like bacon, cheese, sour cream, or even chili to make loaded baked potatoes.
Desserts
To keep the strawberry theme, how about a strawberry pie or strawberry brownie delight. Strawberry pretzel jello is also always a hit.
More Cocktail Recipes
Favorite vodka cocktails: ultimate lemonade or berry sangria.
For patriotic parties: patriotic vodka cocktail or red white & blue jello shots
More delicious recipes: Blue Hawaiian, Pina Colada, or a Ranch Water.
Possible Substitutions
- Don’t like/can’t find whipped cream vodka? Vanilla flavored or cake flavored will work as well. Absolut, Smirnoff, UV, Pinnacle, and I’m sure others, carry a wide variety of flavors.
- Want more flavor in the strawberry jello layer? You can use a strawberry vodka or even Strawberry Pucker.
- Instead of vanilla pudding, you can substitute cheesecake pudding for a similar strawberry cheesecake pudding shot.
How to store Strawberry Shortcake Jello Shots
How to store leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in the fridge. I like to make the shots in disposable cups with lids so they’re easy to store.
How long do Jello shots last in the fridge?
The shots will last in the fridge for 5-7 days. Hold off on topping them until you’re ready to serve them.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, because of the chill time, you may want to make these shots a day or two ahead of time. They will be just fine in the fridge, with the lids on them. Just don’t add the toppings until you’re actually ready to enjoy them.
FAQs
What is the best liquor to use for Jello shots?
Vodka works best, which is why I used it here, but if you aren’t a vodka fan, another light liquor, like a white rum, gin, or tequila will work. Vodka is the go-to because it has the most neutral flavor and lets the jello and pudding flavors shine.
How much alcohol can you put in Jello shots?
1/2 cup is standard (we use 1/2 cup in each layer here). If you end up adding too much alcohol, the jello shots won’t set properly.
Do Jello shots actually get you drunk?
They certainly can, so be prepared, but even though they often taste like they really pack a punch, Jello shots are generally less boozy than a regular cocktail. Regardless, they contain alcohol so drink/enjoy responsibly.
Can I make them non alcoholic?
Because of the dessert nature of these particular shots, you can definitely skip the booze and just have a fun, handheld treat. Skip the vodka and replace the same amount with milk or water, depending on which layer you’re working on.
Need more fun jello shot recipes? Try these:
- Mermaid Jello Shots
- Malibu Peach Jello Shot
- Fuzzy Navel Jello Shots
- Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots
- Caramel Apple Jello Shots
- Jolly Rancher Jello Shots
- Watermelon Jello Shots
Click here for my entire collection of drink recipes.
Strawberry Shortcake Jello Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6.8 ounces vanilla instant pudding two 3.4 oz boxes
- 3.5 cups milk
- 1 cup whipped cream flavored vodka divided
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3.4 ounce strawberry jello mix
- ½ cup cold water
For the toppings
- 10 Nilla wafers crushed, for topping
- Whipped cream for topping
- Fresh strawberries for topping
Instructions
- Start by adding your jello shot cups to a shallow baking sheet, this makes them stable and easy to move back and forth from the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mixes, 3.5 cups milk and ½ cup vodka.
- Pour the pudding mix into your jello shot cups, filling them about ⅔ full.
- Move to the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.
- After chilling, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium sauce pan.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in strawberry jello.
- Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka, and whisk again.
- Set the jello aside to cool completely. This is important so that the warm jello doesn’t melt the pudding layer.
- Once completely cooled, fill the cups the rest of the way with jello.
- Move to the refrigerator and chill for 3 more hours.
- Once jello is set, you are ready to serve.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream, crushed Nilla wafers, and fresh strawberries.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
