I’ll never forget the first time I tried Apple Pie Jello Shots. It was at my best friend’s birthday party, and she had spent hours perfecting this unique recipe. As soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked. The perfect balance of tart apples, warm spices, and boozy gelatin had me coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
From that moment on, I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe. It’s become a staple at all my gatherings – from cozy autumn parties to lively summer barbecues. The apple pie flavors just seem to bring people together in the most delightful way. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good jello shot?
Why This Apple Pie Jello Shots Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Apple Pie Jello Shots
What makes this Apple Pie Jello Shots recipe so special is the attention to detail in both the flavors and the preparation. Unlike traditional jello shots that can be overly sweet or one-dimensional, this recipe packs a delightful punch of autumn spices and tart apple goodness.
The secret lies in the homemade apple pie filling that gets folded into the boozy gelatin mixture. By sautéing the fresh Granny Smith apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar, you end up with a filling that tastes like it’s straight out of grandma’s oven. The combination of the spiced apples and the jiggly, slightly alcoholic jello is truly divine.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Apple Pie Jello Shots, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened apple juice: This provides the perfect base for the jello, infusing it with natural apple flavor.
- 2 packages unflavored gelatin: The gelatin is what gives the shots their distinctive jiggly texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the jello and balances out the tartness of the apples.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: These warm spices are essential for capturing that classic apple pie taste.
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped: Tart, crisp Granny Smith apples are the perfect choice for the homemade filling.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), and 2 tablespoons brown sugar: These ingredients come together to create the irresistible apple pie topping.
Step-by-Step Apple Pie Jello Shots Instructions
Preparing Your Apple Pie Jello Shots
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, these Apple Pie Jello Shots come together quickly. You’ll need a medium saucepan, a whisk, and a square baking pan or jelly mold to get started.
1- In the saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened apple juice and unflavored gelatin. Allow the gelatin to bloom for 5 minutes.
2- Turn the heat to medium and whisk in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
3- Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the jello mixture into your prepared baking pan or jelly mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the jello is partially set.
4- While the jello is setting, prepare the apple pie topping. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped Granny Smith apples, all-purpose flour, melted unsalted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
5- Once the jello is partially set, spoon the apple pie topping over the surface. Gently press down to ensure the topping adheres.
6- Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 3 hours, or until the jello is completely set. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, make sure to let the gelatin “bloom” in the apple juice for the full 5 minutes before heating.
- Resist the urge to overheat the jello mixture – keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent the gelatin from breaking down.
- Chopping the apples into a fine dice ensures they’ll distribute evenly throughout the jello.
- Pressing the apple pie topping gently into the partially set jello helps it adhere better.
- Chill the jello shots for the full 5 hours to ensure they’re set up properly before serving.
- Top each square with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Serving and Storing Your Apple Pie Jello Shots
Perfect Pairings for Apple Pie Jello Shots
These Apple Pie Jello Shots are the perfect addition to any autumn gathering, serving 24 people. They pair beautifully with a mug of hot apple cider or a glass of red wine. For a heartier pairing, try serving them alongside a slice of roasted pork tenderloin or a savory turkey and stuffing dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about these jello shots is that they can be made up to 5 days in advance. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They’ll keep for up to 1 week in the fridge.
If you’d like to make them further in advance, you can freeze the jello squares for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To reheat, simply place the jello squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Apple Pie Jello Shots
Creative Apple Pie Jello Shots Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping out the Granny Smith apples for a different variety, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter take. You could also experiment with other autumn spices, like ginger or allspice, or even a touch of vanilla extract.
For a boozy twist, try substituting the apple juice for apple brandy or hard cider. Or, for a kid-friendly version, use apple juice in place of the gelatin.
Making Apple Pie Jello Shots Diet-Friendly
To make these Apple Pie Jello Shots gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, use a granulated sugar substitute and omit the brown sugar in the apple pie topping.
Looking to make them vegan? Replace the unflavored gelatin with agar agar powder and use melted coconut oil instead of the butter. Finally, for a dairy-free option, opt for a plant-based milk or unsweetened apple juice in place of the dairy milk or cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast, you can experiment with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the sugar content accordingly.
Q: How long do these jello shots take to set up completely?
A: The total time for these Apple Pie Jello Shots is 245 minutes, or just over 4 hours. It’s important to allow the jello to set for the full recommended time to ensure the perfect jiggly texture.
Q: Can I make these jello shots ahead of time?
A: Yes, these jello shots can be made up to 5 days in advance. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can also freeze the set jello squares for up to 2 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for Apple Pie Jello Shots yields 24 servings. The squares can be cut into smaller or larger sizes depending on your preference and the size of your gathering.
Q: What should I do if the jello doesn’t set properly?
A: If you find that your jello isn’t setting up as firmly as you’d like, try adding an extra packet of unflavored gelatin to the mixture. You can also try chilling the jello for a bit longer before adding the apple pie topping.
Apple Pie Jello Shots
- Total Time: 245
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Indulge in the flavors of autumn with these delectable Apple Pie Jello Shots – a fun, bite-sized treat that captures the essence of classic apple pie. Made with a layer of sweet, tart apple gelatin and a buttery crumb topping, these shots are a must-try for any apple dessert lover.
Ingredients
– 2 cups unsweetened apple juice
– 2 packages unflavored gelatin
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple juice and gelatin. Let stand for 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until dissolved. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
3. Stir in the chopped apples and pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, melted butter, and brown sugar until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the set apple gelatin.
6. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve chilled.
Notes
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the apple juice with unsweetened apple sauce. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Apple Pie Jello Shots are truly a delight for the senses – the perfect blend of tart, spicy, and boozy. Whether you’re hosting a cozy autumn gathering or looking to liven up your next summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The combination of homemade apple pie filling and jiggly gelatin is simply irresistible. Plus, with make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy these jello shots with minimal prep time. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and get ready to wow your guests with the ultimate adult treat.
