Apple Pie Jello Shots Spiced Apple Cider Gelatin Shooters

Q: Can I use agar-agar or another vegetarian substitute instead of gelatin?

Yes—agar-agar works as a vegetarian substitute, but it behaves differently: use about 2 teaspoons of agar powder for this recipe (follow your package instructions), simmer it in the cider to fully activate, and expect a firmer, less jiggly texture. Agar sets more firmly at room temperature and doesn’t need “blooming” like sheet or powdered gelatin, so watch the simmering time carefully to avoid graininess. Because texture and set times differ, test one small cup first if you’re unfamiliar with agar.

Q: How far in advance can I make these and what’s the best way to store leftover shots?

Make them up to 2–3 days ahead—chill uncovered until firm, then cover lightly (or transfer to an airtight container) and keep refrigerated. Store whipped cinnamon cream separately and dollop on just before serving to keep it fresh; crushing the graham crumbs is best done the same day to preserve crunch. Avoid freezing because gelatin and toppings don’t thaw well; also note boozy shots can be slightly softer, so if your mixture has a high alcohol percentage add a bit more gelatin for stability.

Apple Pie Jello Shots Easy Spiced Cider Shooters for Fall Parties

By Emma SterlingSeptember 16, 2025

5.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Apple Pie Jello Shots are my go-to fall party trick. Want bite sized nostalgia? Oh my gosh, they deliver.
Think warm cinnamon, bright apple cider, and a hint of bourbon.

Fun stat: apple pie ranks among top U.S. desserts.
That little fact always gets a laugh at gatherings.

Brief Overview

This mash-up mixes classic American apple pie with party gelatin.
It grew from casual barroom fun and cozy kitchen baking.

Difficulty is easy. Prep time is short.
Active prep about 15 minutes. Chill time is 3 4 hours .

Yields about 24 one-ounce shots for nibbling guests.
Serve as Thanksgiving Dessert Shooters on a tray.

Main Benefits

Top perk: real apple cider adds natural flavor and vitamin C.
Less processed sugar if you choose fresh cider.

Perfect for Food For Friends Parties or holiday cocktail hours.
Also great for Easy Fall Dishes For Parties and potlucks.

What makes these special is the finish. A Cinnamon Whipped Cream Topping lifts each spiced bite.
A Graham Cracker Crumble Garnish gives that pie crust crunch.

Try Bourbon Apple Pie Shots for depth.
Or swap spirits for extra cider for Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Gelatin Cups.

I remember making these for a housewarming. They vanished fast, like little nostalgic candies.
People loved the Spiced Apple Cider Gelatin Shooters idea.

They pair nicely with warm apple cider and simple cookies.

They are versatile. Serve as Apple Cider Jello Shots.
Or label them Fall Flavored Jello Shots for seasonal menus.

These are playful, portable, and surprisingly elegant.
Ready to grab the ingredient list and start assembling?

I made these for a friendsgiving last year. Everyone loved them. Here’s what you need for Apple Pie Jello Shots . Quick note: bite sized desserts win every time.

Main Ingredients

Gelatin base:

4 cups (950 ml) apple cider, fresh if possible. Best flavor comes from unfiltered cider.
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar. Taste your cider first.
1 teaspoon (2.6 g) ground cinnamon.
1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground nutmeg.
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract.
4 tablespoons (40 g) unflavored gelatin powder, or 2 teaspoons agar agar for vegetarian option.
1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water to bloom gelatin.
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) vodka or spiced rum. For a sober crowd, use 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) extra cider.

Topping and garnish:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled.
1 tablespoon (8 g) powdered sugar.
1/2 cup (60 g) crushed graham crackers. Quality tip: use fresh cider and good vanilla. Cheap cider tastes flat. I learned this after a bland batch.

Makes about 24 x 1-oz (30 ml) shots.

Seasoning Notes

Stick with classic spice pairs. Cinnamon plus nutmeg equals cozy. Add a pinch of cloves if you like. For depth, stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup.

Vanilla lifts all flavors. Flavor boosters: a splash of bourbon makes Bourbon Apple Pie Shots richer. For non-alcoholic versions, increase gelatin by 1 tablespoon (10 g) to firm up.

If you need a swap, use maple syrup for sugar. Want a different texture? Try agar agar, but expect a firmer set.

Equipment Needed

Essential tools only:

Medium saucepan.
Heatproof bowl.
Whisk.
Measuring cups and spoons.
24 x 1-oz shot cups or silicone molds.
Ladle or spouted measuring cup. Household alternatives: use small ramekins instead of shot cups. A mug can bloom gelatin. A fork works if you lack a whisk.

Oh, and cool the cider 5 10 minutes before adding alcohol. Chill shots 3 4 hours until set.

These make great Fall Flavored Jello Shots for Food For Friends Parties and Thanksgiving Dessert Shooters . Honest tip: don’t rush the chill.

It’s the secret to neat little pie bites.

Cooking Method quick and cozy

Fun quote to kick this off: As Julia Child said, people who love to eat are always the best people.

I made these for Thanksgiving once. Everyone kept coming back. Apple Pie Jello Shots are tiny nostalgia bombs. They’re perfect as Fall Flavored Jello Shots for a crowd.

Prep Steps

Gather everything first. Measure cider, sugar, gelatin, and alcohol. Chill the heavy cream. Prep cups and a ladle.

Save time by lining cups on a tray. Pour from a spouted cup. Work in batches.

Safety note: handle hot cider carefully . Use oven mitts. Keep kids away during heating. If using alcohol, add it only after the mix cools to below 120° F .

step-by-step Process

Bloom gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water for 5 minutes .
Simmer 4 cups cider, sugar, and spices 5– 7 minutes . Do not boil hard.
Whisk in bloomed gelatin until smooth. Skim foam.
Cool 5– 10 minutes until warm to touch, then stir in 1 1/2 cups vodka or extra cider.
Pour about 1 ounce per cup. Chill for at least 3– 4 hours .
Top with cinnamon cream and graham crumbs. Serve chilled.

Visual cues: mixture should be glossy and grain free. Set shots look firm with a gentle wobble. Whipped cream should form soft peaks.

Pro Tips

Use fresh cider for the best flavor. For clarity, strain hot cider through a fine sieve. Tap the tray after pouring to pop bubbles.

Common mistakes: adding alcohol while too hot. Overheating gelatin. Under chilling shots.

Shortcuts: swap pre-made whipped cream if pressed for time. Use spiced rum to make Bourbon Apple Pie Shots vibes without the fuss.

make-ahead: assemble and chill up to 3 days . Keep toppings separate until serving. These also work as Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Gelatin Cups by swapping booze for more cider and adding an extra tablespoon of gelatin.

I love serving these with a dollop of Cinnamon Whipped Cream Topping and a Graham Cracker Crumble Garnish . They are tiny Thanksgiving Dessert Shooters.

Trust me. Your friends will ask for the recipe.

Recipe Notes

Oh my gosh, these Apple Pie Jello Shots are my go-to party trick. Fun fact: apple pie is basically the poster child of fall desserts.

My grandma used to say, “Serve nostalgia in a cup,” and honestly, that’s exactly what these are. They taste like a tiny, boozy (or not) slice of pie.

Serving Suggestions

For plating, arrange shot cups on a wooden board. Add a sprinkle of Graham Cracker Crumble Garnish and a tiny apple chip.

It looks rustic and fancy. Pair with warm drinks. Hot cider or an espresso martini works great. If you want a boozy twist, try Bourbon Apple Pie Shots for deeper flavor.

These are perfect for Food For Friends Parties and star on any Thanksgiving Dessert Shooters tray.

Storage Tips

Chill the shots until fully set. Let them rest 3 4 hours in the fridge. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? I tried it once texture went weird. If you must freeze, skip the toppings and freeze for no more than a month.

Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating isn’t a thing here. Just let them warm slightly at room temperature before serving.

Variations

Want a non-alcoholic version? Make Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Gelatin Cups by swapping vodka for extra cider and add a bit more gelatin.

For a vegetarian option, use agar agar. Swap flavors with the season. In late fall, stir in a spoon of maple syrup for cozy notes.

In early autumn, add a splash of pear juice.

Nutrition Basics

Per 1-oz shot, expect about 75 110 kcal . Alcohol adds calories. Toppings bump fat and sugar. Still, apple cider brings vitamin C and antioxidants.

Gelatin offers amino acids that support skin and joints. Small bites. Big comfort.

I messed up the first batch by pouring while the cider was too hot. Lesson learned: let it cool a bit.

You’ll get it. These Fall Flavored Jello Shots , like Apple Cider Jello Shots or Spiced Apple Cider Gelatin Shooters , are easy fall dishes for parties.

Add a dollop of Cinnamon Whipped Cream Topping , and you’re golden. Give them a go your friends will love you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Apple Pie Jello Shots and what do they taste like?

Apple Pie Jello Shots are mini gelatin shooters made from spiced apple cider (plus alcohol or extra cider) set into cups and finished with cinnamon cream and graham crumbs essentially a bite sized, boozy (or non-alcoholic) apple pie.

They taste of bright apple cider tang with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, a hint of vanilla or bourbon depending on your spirit, and a creamy, slightly crunchy topping that recreates the pie experience.

Texture wise they’re firm but wobbly; the whipped cinnamon cream and graham crumbs give the “slice of pie” finish.

How do I make alcohol free Apple Pie Jello Shots that still taste full of apple pie flavor?

Swap the alcohol for an equal amount of extra apple cider and consider simmering the cider a little longer to concentrate the flavor, then taste and adjust sweetness with a little maple syrup or brown sugar.

Increase the gelatin slightly (the recipe suggests +1 tbsp) so the set is firm without the drying effect of alcohol, and add a splash of vanilla or a drop of spiced rum extract to mimic the boozy notes.

Keep the whipped cinnamon topping the same for nostalgia and texture kids and non-drinkers love these as mini dessert cups.

Can I use agar agar or another vegetarian substitute instead of gelatin?

Yes agar agar works as a vegetarian substitute, but it behaves differently: use about 2 teaspoons of agar powder for this recipe (follow your package instructions), simmer it in the cider to fully activate, and expect a firmer, less jiggly texture.

Agar sets more firmly at room temperature and doesn’t need “blooming” like sheet or powdered gelatin, so watch the simmering time carefully to avoid graininess. Because texture and set times differ, test one small cup first if you’re unfamiliar with agar.

How far in advance can I make these and what’s the best way to store leftover shots?

Make them up to 2 3 days ahead chill uncovered until firm, then cover lightly (or transfer to an airtight container) and keep refrigerated. Store whipped cinnamon cream separately and dollop on just before serving to keep it fresh; crushing the graham crumbs is best done the same day to preserve crunch.

Avoid freezing because gelatin and toppings don’t thaw well; also note boozy shots can be slightly softer, so if your mixture has a high alcohol percentage add a bit more gelatin for stability.

Any pro tips for getting crystal clear, evenly set Apple Pie Jello Shots and lowering calories?

Bloom the gelatin first, don’t boil the cider (gentle simmer only), cool the mixture slightly before stirring in alcohol, and strain through a fine sieve to remove foam for clearer shots; pour with a ladle and tap the tray to release bubbles.

To cut calories, use extra cider instead of alcohol, reduce sugar or swap some for maple syrup or a zero calorie sweetener to taste, and use light whipped cream or chilled coconut cream remember a topped shot can add a fair few calories, so skip or lighten the topping if you’re counting.