Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Shots

If you ask me, jello shots were already fun – but these take it to a whole new level.

These strawberry cheesecake jello shots combine two favorite party treats into one perfect bite-sized dessert. The creamy cheesecake layer sits pretty on top of strawberry jello, making them look like mini versions of the classic cake.

I started making these for summer barbecues, and now my friends ask for them at every get-together. The graham cracker crumbs on top give that familiar cheesecake crunch, while the jello base keeps things playful and party-ready.

They’re easy to make ahead and always get people smiling – exactly what you want in a party treat.

What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?

Fresh strawberries are your best bet for these jello shots, but you’ll want to make sure they’re ripe and bright red throughout – avoid any berries with white or green patches near the stem. The good news is that since these berries are going into jello shots, they don’t need to be picture-perfect specimens like you’d want for a strawberry tart. If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can skip them altogether since the recipe marks them as optional. If you do use fresh berries, look for medium-sized ones that are easier to slice into pieces that will fit nicely in your shot glasses. Just remember to wash them well and pat them dry before slicing to keep excess moisture from affecting the jello’s texture.

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch things up with these jello shots? Here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Strawberry-flavored gelatin: You can use any fruit-flavored gelatin – raspberry, cherry, or peach work great. Just match your fruit and vodka flavors to whatever gelatin you choose.
• Strawberry vodka: Regular vodka works fine, or try vanilla vodka for a different twist. You can even use rum or another clear spirit. Just keep the total amount of alcohol the same.
• Fresh strawberries: These are optional, but you can swap them with any fresh berries that match your gelatin flavor – raspberries, blueberries, or even canned fruit in a pinch.
• Instant cheesecake pudding: Vanilla pudding mix works just as well. If you can’t find cheesecake flavor, use vanilla and add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice to get that tangy cheesecake taste.
• Whipped topping: Feel free to skip this, use homemade whipped cream, or try a dollop of cream cheese frosting instead.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making jello shots is getting the timing and temperature right – adding hot liquid to cold or mixing ingredients at the wrong temperature can prevent your shots from setting properly. To avoid grainy pudding texture, make sure to whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk vigorously for a full 2 minutes before combining it with other ingredients. When layering your shots, patience is key – wait until each layer is completely set (about 30 minutes in the refrigerator) before adding the next, or you’ll end up with mixed layers instead of clean, distinct ones. For the smoothest results, avoid pouring the liquid mixture directly from the bowl – instead, use a small measuring cup or turkey baster to fill each shot cup, which gives you better control and helps prevent messy spills.

What to Serve With Jello Shots?

These fun strawberry cheesecake jello shots are perfect for serving alongside other party snacks and finger foods! I like to set up a little dessert station with mini cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and these jello shots as the star. Since these have a sweet, creamy flavor profile, they pair really well with salty snacks like pretzels or mixed nuts to balance things out. Keep some bottles of water or sparkling lemonade nearby too – it’s always smart to alternate between drinks and water when enjoying these grown-up treats at parties.

Storage Instructions

Chill: These jello shots need to set up properly in the fridge for at least 4 hours, 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.

Keep Cold: Once they’re set, these party-perfect shots will stay good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re adding whipped topping, wait to do that until right before serving – it’ll look and taste much better fresh!

Transport: Taking these to a party? Keep them cold in a cooler with ice packs. They can stay at room temperature for about an hour, but any longer and they might start to get too soft. Remember, they’re best served nice and cold!

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	1-2 hours
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 8-12 g
• Fat: 12-18 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 6-8 strawberries, sliced (optional)
• 1 box of strawberry-flavored gelatin (3 oz)
• 1/3 cup strawberry-flavored vodka
• 1/4 cup strawberry vodka
• 1 box instant cheesecake pudding (3.4 oz)
• 1 cup milk
• Whipped topping (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Jello Mixture

Begin by adding water to a large glass measuring cup.

Place it in the microwave and heat for about a minute and a half, or until the water reaches a boiling temperature.

Carefully remove the measuring cup from the microwave and stir in the strawberry gelatin powder.

Continue to stir until the powder is completely dissolved in the water.

Set the mixture aside and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Pudding

While the Jello mixture is cooling, focus on preparing the pudding.

In a mixing bowl, combine the milk with the cheesecake pudding mix.

Stir until the mixture thickens.

Once it has thickened, add 1/3 cup of vodka to the pudding and mix well until fully incorporated.

Place the mixing bowl in the refrigerator to keep it cool while you finish preparing the Jello mixture.

Step 3: Add Vodka to the Cooled Jello

Once the Jello mixture has cooled to room temperature, add 1/4 cup of vodka to it.

Stir well to ensure the vodka is evenly mixed throughout the Jello.

This step is crucial for ensuring the proper consistency and flavor of the Jello shots.

Step 4: Pour and Set the Jello Layer

Carefully pour the Jello mixture into 24 (or fewer if using larger containers) shot glasses or small plastic containers with tops.

Fill each container halfway with the Jello mixture.

Arrange the filled containers on a cookie sheet, as this will make it easier to transfer them to the refrigerator.

Allow the Jello to chill and set for at least 1 hour in the fridge.

Step 5: Add the Cheesecake Pudding Layer

Once the Jello layer has fully set, remove the cookie sheet with the shot glasses from the refrigerator.

Fill the remaining half of each glass with the chilled cheesecake pudding that was set in the fridge earlier.

Cover the containers with tops and return them to the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving the shots, top each one with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of fresh strawberry for an extra touch of flavor and appeal.

Serve the Jello shots chilled and enjoy with friends!