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Perfect for parties, holidays or anytime you want a fun and eye-catching treat, these cherries and cream jello shots are as tasty as they are beautiful. Alternating layers of cherry-flavored and creamy vanilla-cherry gelatin create a striking visual, while the flavors are sweet, smooth and perfectly balanced. Finished with a cherry on top, these boozy bites are made in individual cups, making them ideal for serving a crowd. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch with impressive results.
Cherries and cream jello shots combine cherry and vanilla-cherry layers for a fruity, creamy treat with plenty of bold flavor and a playful presentation.
You might also enjoy these cherry cream puff pastries, mascarpone stuffed strawberries or tasty strawberry shortcake in a mason jar.
Why You’ll Love It
Fun and festive: Perfect for holidays, birthdays or themed parties.
Balanced flavor: The sweet cherry and creamy vanilla layers pair beautifully.
Great for prepping ahead: Make them in advance and chill until ready to serve.
Easy to customize: Switch the colors, flavors or toppings as you like.
Cherries and Cream Jello Shots Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Cherry-flavored gelatin: Adds vibrant color and sweet cherry flavor. To save money, buy a 6-ounce box of cherry gelatin and divide the box in half by weighing out 2 x 85-gram portions.
Cherry-flavored rum: Enhances the fruity flavor and gives the red layers a boozy kick.
Evaporated milk: Creates a creamy base for the pink layers.
Vanilla-flavored rum: Adds warmth and smoothness to balance the cherry flavor.
Maraschino cherries: A fun and classic garnish that completes the look.
How to Make Cherries and Cream Jelly Shots
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the red gelatin: Dissolve cherry gelatin in hot water, stir in cherry-flavored rum and set aside.
Make the pink gelatin: Heat evaporated milk, stir in cherry gelatin and vanilla rum, then cool to room temperature.
Assemble the layers: Alternate red and pink layers in shot cups, letting each set before adding the next.
Add the garnish: Top the final layer with a maraschino cherry and finish with one last pour of gelatin.
Chill until firm: Refrigerate the completed shots for at least one hour before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Change the alcohol: Use vodka, tequila or your favorite liqueur in place of rum.
Make it non-alcoholic: Replace the rum with cherry and vanilla extracts and extra water or juice.
Use different gelatin: Try raspberry, strawberry or peach for a twist on flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
With savory snacks: Enjoy these with tropical trail mix, mini pizza bagel bites or Cajun shrimp deviled eggs.
With something sweet: Pair them with cherry pie cookies or apple pie cupcakes.
How to Store Layered Cherry Jello Shots
Store: These stay fresh for a 2 days in the refrigerator. Assemble and cover the tray with plastic wrap. They’ll be safe to enjoy beyond a couple of days but the colors will begin to bleed so they won’t look as pretty.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these.
Top Tips
Let each layer cool: Avoid pouring warm gelatin onto a set layer to prevent melting.
Use a pourable container: This makes layering neater and faster.
Keep it level: Place your shot glasses on a flat tray before moving them to chill.
Cherries and Cream Jello Shot FAQs
Absolutely, it’s just for decoration and a fun finishing touch.
Evaporated milk works better because it is thicker and won’t separate.
Cherries and Cream Layered Jello Shots Recipe
Cherries and Cream Jello Shots
Equipment
- Saucepan Small
- Shot Glasses 2-Ounce
Ingredients
For the Red Layers
- 1 Cup water
- 3 Ounces gelatin, cherry-flavored, such as Jell-O Cherry Gelatin
- 1 Cup rum, cherry-flavored, such as Cruzan Black Cherry, chilled
For the Pink Layers
- 1 Cup evaporated milk
- 3 Ounces gelatin, cherry-flavored, such as Jell-O Cherry Gelatin
- 1 Cup rum, vanilla-flavored, such as Cruzan Vanilla, chilled
Optional Garnishes
- 16 maraschino cherries, with stems
Instructions
Make the Red Mixture
- In a small saucepan, over medium-high heat, add water and bring to a low boil. Remove from heat.
- Mix in 3-ounces of cherry gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved. Add cherry-flavored rum. Transfer to a heatproof container with a pour spout such as a glass measuring cup. Set aside at room-temperature.
Make the Pink Mixture
- In the same small saucepan, over medium heat, add evaporated milk. Continue whisking and warming until milk just begins to steam. The evaporated milk can scorch easily so make sure you keep stirring as its heating! Remove from heat.
- Whisk in 3-ounces of cherry gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Add vanilla-flavored rum. Stir to mix. Transfer into another heat-proof container with a pour spout. Set aside at room-temperature.
Assemble the Jello Shots
- For the first layer (I like to make 8 that start with the red layer and the other 8 starting with the pink layer), add about 3 teaspoons to a 2-ounce disposable shot glass. Place into the freezer for about 10 minutes or until the top of the gelatin is firm. You should be able to touch the top of the Jell-O with your finger and it should not stick.
- Before pouring your next layer, assure that it is at room temperature. This prevents bleeding of the colors into the other layers. Add enough of the next layer to match the width of the first layer. Again, place in the freezer for 10 minutes. Continue this process for each layer until you have four layers.
- For the fifth and final layer, add a maraschino cherry to the top with the stem directed toward the outside of the glass. When the cherry is in place, pour the final layer around the cherry until the liquid reaches the top of the shot glass. You can readjust the cherry at this time, if needed. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Notes
Use a pourable container: This makes layering neater and faster.
Keep it level: Place your shot glasses on a flat tray before moving them to chill
Nutrition
Cherries and cream jello shots for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion are a playful way to serve dessert and drinks in one. With creamy pink layers, fruity red ones and a cherry on top, they bring both color and flavor to your party table. The balance of cherry-flavored and vanilla rum creates a smooth, fruity shot that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re making them for holidays, birthdays or summer gatherings, these easy-to-layer treats are sure to be a crowd favorite.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
These are so cute! Want to try these out.