All the tropical sweetness of the classic dessert — in a playful, boozy bite!
If you’re looking to impress your guests with something fun, nostalgic, and absolutely gorgeous, these Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jello Shots are the perfect treat. Inspired by the classic dessert, these layered, golden shots bring together pineapple, cherry, and butterscotch flavors in a silky, jiggly form that tastes like sunshine and vacation in one bite.
When I first started experimenting with these, I discovered something fascinating — raw pineapple doesn’t play well with gelatin! That’s because pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that breaks down the gelatin’s structure. The fix? A quick cook softens the pineapple and keeps your shots perfectly set. Science in the name of cocktail art!
🍒 Ingredients (Makes 8 Jello Shots)
- 1 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup butterscotch schnapps
- 1/2 cup vanilla or cake-flavored vodka
- 2 packets plain gelatin
- Fresh pineapple rings
- Maraschino cherries
- Silicone circle molds
👩🍳 Directions
- Warm the Juice
Pour the pineapple juice into a small saucepan and warm over medium heat. Once it’s hot (but not boiling), sprinkle in the gelatin and stir gently until it dissolves completely. - Prep the Pineapple Rings
Slice your pineapple into ½-inch-thick rings. Trim each ring so it’s just slightly larger than your silicone mold. Cut out a small circle in the center for your cherry. - Cook the Pineapple
To deactivate the bromelain enzyme, heat the pineapple rings — either bake them for a few minutes in the oven or microwave them for about 3 minutes. Let them cool while you finish the mix. - Mix the Magic
Once your gelatin has dissolved, remove it from heat. Stir in the vodka and butterscotch schnapps until everything is well combined. - Assemble the Shots
Place a pineapple ring at the bottom of each silicone mold and drop a maraschino cherry into the center. Pour the gelatin mixture over each ring until filled. - Chill to Set
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is even better) until fully set. - Serve and Enjoy!
Gently pop the jello shots out of their molds. Garnish with half a cherry or a small pineapple wedge on top for extra flair.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Jello Shots
- Cook the Pineapple: Don’t skip this step! It’s the key to getting your gelatin to set properly.
- Silicone Molds Work Best: They make it easy to remove the shots without breaking them.
- Chill Thoroughly: The longer they set, the cleaner the texture.
- Presentation Counts: Arrange the shots on a white plate or tropical platter to make the colors pop.
🧁 Flavor Notes
These jello shots are everything you love about a pineapple upside-down cake — sweet, fruity, buttery, and slightly caramelized. The butterscotch schnapps perfectly mimics the warm brown-sugar flavor of the cake’s topping, while the vanilla vodka brings in a rich, dessert-like smoothness. The result is indulgent, tropical, and dangerously delicious.
💬 Final Thoughts
My husband Todd, who’s always my jello shot taste tester, absolutely loved these — and honestly, I can’t blame him! They’re bright, sweet, and almost too pretty to eat. Perfect for summer parties, luau nights, or any occasion that calls for a splash of color and a touch of fun.
These jiggly treats are a guaranteed conversation starter — a dessert and cocktail in one adorable, bite-sized package. 🍍✨
