Caramel Apple Jello Shots Delight
Elevate your party with these creative Caramel Apple Jello Shots! A nostalgic twist on the classic caramel apple, these delightful treats are not only beautiful but also deliciously fun. Perfect for adult gatherings, each bite is a sweet combination of creamy caramel and tart Granny Smith apples. The fun factor increases as you dig right into the edible shot glasses made from the apple halves. Just remember to keep them away from little hands unless you’re making a kid-friendly version! These shots can easily be modified for a non-alcoholic option, ensuring everyone can enjoy. So gather your ingredients, put on your aprons, and prepare to impress your guests with this fun and tasty treat that combines the best parts of autumn into one delicious bite!
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples
6-8 (Hollowed and sliced in half)
Whole Milk
1/2 cup (Measured)
Cold Water
1/2 cup (Measured)
Hot Chocolate Powder (no marshmallows)
1 (3/4 ounce) envelope (Opened and ready to mix)
Knox Unflavored Gelatin
1 (1/4 ounce) envelope (Opened and ready to use)
Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup (Measured)
Yellow Food Coloring
2-4 drops (Ready to use for color adjustment)
Butterscotch Schnapps or Caramel Vodka
1/2 cup (Measured and mixed in)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (For coating apple halves)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the jello mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine cold water and the hot chocolate powder, whisking until smooth. Avoid heating at this stage.
2
After the mixture is well combined, sprinkle the Knox gelatin over the top. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to bloom.
3
Once bloomed, switch to medium-low heat. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Then, mix in the milk and granulated sugar. Gently heat the mixture until it reaches a low simmer, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely. At this point, you can adjust the color with drops of yellow food coloring to create a caramel-like hue.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to a warm temperature. While it's cooling, prepare the apples by mixing lemon juice in a small bowl.
5
Slice each Granny Smith apple in half from stem to bottom without peeling them. Use a melon baller to hollow out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of apple shell. As you hollow each half, dip them into the bowl of lemon juice to prevent browning—this will not alter the taste.
6
Place the hollowed apple halves in muffin tins to keep them stable during the next steps.
7
Once the jello mixture has cooled, stir in the butterscotch schnapps or caramel vodka of your choice, thoroughly mixing until well incorporated.
8
Carefully pour the mixture into each apple half, filling them to the top and ensuring they are level in the muffin tin. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
9
After chilling, gently remove the apples from the muffin tins. Cut each half into 3-4 wedges depending on size, and arrange on a serving platter.
10
Serve immediately for the freshest taste and enjoy these creative, tasty treats!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramel Apple Jello Shots?
They are a creative, adult-friendly party treat consisting of a caramel-flavored gelatin mixture set inside hollowed-out Granny Smith apple halves, which are then sliced into wedges.
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness balances the sweet caramel and they are firm enough to hold the gelatin.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 servings, depending on the size of the apples and how many wedges you cut.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can easily modify this for a kid-friendly version by omitting the alcohol or replacing it with an equal amount of apple juice or water.
What alcohol works best for these shots?
Butterscotch Schnapps or Caramel Vodka are recommended to achieve the signature caramel apple flavor.
How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?
After hollowing out the apples, dip them into a bowl of lemon juice. This prevents oxidation without altering the final taste.
How long do the jello shots need to chill?
The shots should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure the gelatin is fully set.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, do not peel the apples. The skin helps the wedges maintain their shape and provides a convenient 'handle' for the edible shot.
What is the purpose of blooming the gelatin?
Blooming involves sprinkling the gelatin over cold liquid and letting it sit for 2 minutes, which ensures a smooth texture without lumps when heated.
How do I hollow out the apples efficiently?
Using a melon baller is the most effective way to hollow out the insides, leaving about a 1/4 inch shell.
Why is hot chocolate powder included in the recipe?
The hot chocolate powder adds a depth of flavor and contributes to the brownish-caramel color of the gelatin mixture.
How do I keep the apple halves stable while they set?
Place the hollowed apple halves in muffin tins; the cups will hold the apples upright and level while the gelatin sets.
What color should the jello mixture be?
You can use 2-4 drops of yellow food coloring to adjust the mixture until it reaches a warm, caramel-like hue.
When should I add the alcohol to the mixture?
Add the butterscotch schnapps or caramel vodka after the heated mixture has cooled to a warm temperature but before it begins to set.
How many wedges should I cut each apple into?
Once fully set, each apple half can be cut into 3 to 4 wedges depending on the size of the apple.
Is the gelatin mixture boiled?
The mixture should only be brought to a low simmer to dissolve the sugar and gelatin; avoid a rolling boil which can weaken the gelatin's setting power.
What kind of gelatin is required?
The recipe calls for one 1/4 ounce envelope of Knox Unflavored Gelatin.
Can I use milk other than whole milk?
While whole milk provides the best creaminess for the caramel flavor, you can substitute other types, though the texture may vary slightly.
How many apples do I need to buy?
You will need 6 to 8 Granny Smith apples to accommodate the amount of liquid produced by this recipe.
How do I serve the caramel apple shots?
Arrange the chilled wedges on a serving platter and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Can I prepare these a day in advance?
Yes, preparing them the night before is ideal as it gives the gelatin plenty of time to firm up completely.
Will the lemon juice make the shots taste sour?
No, the small amount used to coat the apples will not noticeably alter the sweet flavor of the caramel jello.
What happens if I don't use a muffin tin?
Without a muffin tin, the rounded apple halves may tip over, causing the liquid gelatin to spill out before it sets.
Can I use granulated sugar substitutes?
You can, but granulated sugar is recommended for the best texture and classic sweetness in this specific recipe.
What is the best way to slice the set apples?
Use a sharp, non-serrated knife to make clean cuts through the apple and gelatin wedges.
Is this recipe suitable for fall-themed parties?
Absolutely! The combination of apple and caramel makes it a perfect treat for autumn gatherings and Halloween parties.
Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
This recipe is designed for unflavored gelatin combined with hot chocolate and schnapps; using a flavored jello (like lime) would change the caramel profile significantly.
How thick should the apple walls be?
Aim to leave about 1/4 inch of apple flesh inside the skin to ensure the 'shot glass' is sturdy enough to hold.
Are these shots gluten-free?
This depends on the specific brands of hot chocolate powder and alcohol used; always check the labels of those ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add toppings like nuts or sprinkles?
Yes, you can garnish the wedges with a drizzle of actual caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving for extra flair.