Jello Shot Cupcakes
March 11, 2009 at 7:36 AM | Posted in crunkcakes, cupcakes | 87 CommentsI have 2 confessions.
(1) Me and strawberry jello shots were BFF in high school before he made me puke in my friend’s boyfriend’s car. We broke up that night.
(2) Apparently I don’t know how to make jello.
If you follow me on Twitter, you probably read that I had a heck of a time making J-E-L-L-O over the weekend. Sounds easy enough. Just powder, boiling water, cold water and then set for 3-4 hours. You couldn’t get any more easier than that. Heck I even decided to play it safe and let it chill overnight.
But the next morning it was soup. Slushy jello soup.
Besides all the incoherent curse words I didn’t know what to say. I followed the directions. Even my husband can make jello. Let me repeat… my husband. That just makes my failure even more lame. Maybe I was too overconfident in my jello making abilities. What else could I do but try again? I couldn’t let the jello win. CB don’t play that.
So I drove back to the grocery store, picked up some more jello boxes and made my husband do round 2 while I watched with hawk eyes to see what I did wrong. He did the exact same thing! …and in 3 hours it was perfect and jiggly like jello should be. What gives?
You know who I blame? I blame the cheaper generic store brand that I bought the first time. Yeah that’s right! It certainly wasn’t the jello maker. No sirree bob.
Note to self: Buy Jello brand. Pay the extra $.13 per box. It’s worth it.
PS. Please check out the link to Food Librarian’s blog for AWESOME pictures of the broken glass jello garnish inspiration. Mine didn’t even come close to doing it justice.
PPS. Yes, I used a cake mix. So sue me. I needed easy after the heartbreaking jello fiasco but you could easily use your favorite scratch vanilla recipe too.
Recipe adapted from Food Librarian & Kraft Foods
Makes about 24 cupcakes
INGREDIENTS
For jello shot cupcakes
1 pkg. white cake mix
1 cup boiling water
1 pkg. (3 oz.) Jello Gelatin, any red flavor (I used strawberry)
1 cup Malibu coconut rum
For whipped cream
3 cups whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp granulated sugar
For “broken glass jello” garnish
4 small boxes (3 oz. each) of Jell-O (I used strawberry, blackberry, lime, lemon)
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
INSTRUCTIONS
To make cupcakes—
Prepare cake batter and bake as directed per box for cupcakes.
Fill cupcake liners about 1/2-2/3 full and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven and poke holes in the cupcakes with a fork or toothpick.
In a separate bowl, stir boiling water into jello powder until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add rum. Spoon over cupcakes. (Don’t be shy with the jello. Be generous! 2-3-4 spoonfuls!) Let cool before frosting with whipped cream.
To make whipped cream—
Place the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whisk together on low until stiff peaks are formed. Change to medium speed and whisk until thick.
To make garnish—
Make jello per package instructions for each flavor. After chilling for 4 hours (or overnight), cut them into small blocks.
Carefully mix the blocks in a 9 x 13 pan. In a separate bowl, sprinkle 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin into 1/2 cup cold water. After the gelatin blooms (thickens), add 1-1/2 cup boiling water and dissolve. Add condensed milk. Stir and cool. Pour cooled milk mixture over jello and chill overnight.
Cut into blocks and garnish on top of cupcakes.
ENJOY!
Husband rating: A
Even though he has an aversion to alcohol, he loves coconut rum so I knew it was a winner when he said “now this is my kind of crunkcake”.
Wifey rating: A
Love the white cake with the mix of strawberry and coconut rum. Such a yummy flavor. Maybe next time I’ll make a strawberry-rum buttercream instead of whipped cream though but if you’re looking for a light frosting the whipped cream was very nice. The garnish was my favorite part though. So pretty and tasty!
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Awesome!! These are too cute! You can turn everything in the world into a very inspired cupcake! You rock!
Comment by foodlibrarian— March 11, 2009 #
It was your broken glass jello that inspired me! … so thank you! :)
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
The cupcakes are adorable! If you hear me giggling over the jello misha, know that I’m giggling *with* you and not at yo… yeah, couldn’t keep a straight ace for that one.
Comment by saoirsediarmuid— March 11, 2009 #
Yeah sure… “with” me right? What if I aint laughing?? hehe
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
We have a half-used bottle of coconut rum in the cabinet, and neither of us will drink it. This might be just what I need! In fact, I think I have an unused box of red jello as well! Woohoo…someone’s baking cupcakes this weekend….
Comment by Alanna— March 11, 2009 #
w00t w00t! Can’t wait to see what you think of them!
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
Wow these look so beautiful and so super dleiciouos. Bookmaking these.
Comment by Happy Cook— March 11, 2009 #
Thank you for bookmarking. When (if) you make them, def let me know what you think!
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
If it makes you feel better, for a long time I couldn’t make a cake from a mix. The broken glass jello looks really neat! And these cupcakes sound delicious!
Comment by Mary— March 11, 2009 #
Ooohh cake mix? I am not sure who’s more lame – me or you? haha. I tease! I tease!
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
Wow, these look awesome! Do you think coconut milk could be substituted for the rum? I just don’t do alcohol at all! :)
Comment by jamieanne— March 11, 2009 #
Hmmm… good question. I would say any cold liquid could be added to the jello instead of rum but it might change the color slightly. Then again you might not wanna listen to me about making jello. HAHA. You could use 1 cup cold water instead of the rum if you don’t wanna do alcohol. But if you try it with coconut milk, let me know how it goes!
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
What are you talking about? Those look amazing! Love the broken glass jello too – I don’t even like jello and I was thinking about making it thanks to Mary’s posts :)
Comment by Caitlin— March 11, 2009 #
You know what? I am not a huge jello person either but the broken glass has condensed milk with it and that makes me quite tasty (if you like condensed milk, of course).
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
One shot for the jello. Two shots for you? Are you sure you weren’t drunk while you were making the jello? Hee hee. I just kidding. Those look a-w-e-s-o-m-e! Nothing like a crunkcake. I do agree with you about brand vs. non brand items. I made generic brownies once. They did not turn out so great. I bought Betty Crocker brand. Yea, trust Betty. She is your friend. :)
Comment by Linda— March 11, 2009 #
Who told you??? I may have partaken in some jello shots on the side. HAHA. Oh def. Betty knows best. ;)
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
holy malibu batman! i think i love you. not so much jello shots, but jello shot cuppycakes? yeah….love. thank you!!!
Comment by Jenn— March 11, 2009 #
I love being loved. ;)
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
You have taken Jello shots to a WHOLE new level… man I wish they tasted this good when I was … well at least what I remember.. they used pure grain alcohol.. Okay next up is cupcakes in tube? lol
Comment by Girl— March 11, 2009 #
Eeewww… pure grain alcohol. Here’s what you do. Get yourself some jello (not the store brand haha), boiling water, and Malibu coconut rum and make yourself some GOOD jello shots. Then call me and I’ll come over to help you taste test ;)
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
Yum they look great! And it is nice to hear that even the most talented of cupcake makers has some tough times in the kitchen too, makes us readers feel better! ;) Now I know what crunkcakes are – thanks!
Comment by apparentlyjessy— March 11, 2009 #
Me talented? Aaaawww… Trust me. I make alot of mistakes but practice makes perfect right?
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
love these sooo much! You always have the most creative ideas!!
Comment by junko— March 11, 2009 #
Thank you!
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
Always blame generic brands when something goes wrong!! Don’t you hate it when something that should be so simple gets so complicated?! At least the Jell-O came together in the end, and these cupcakes turned out just preciously!! This story had quite the sweet ending!
Comment by Elyse— March 11, 2009 #
I hate when simple gets complicated but it’s definitely worthwhile in the end when complicated becomes simple again ;)
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
I need to send this to my cousins!! Seriously growing up there were jello shots at every family reunion (I was both too young and straight edge at that point so no partaking for me) But the rest of the family always loved them haha. I’m sending this now!
Comment by stephchows— March 12, 2009 #
You? straight edge?? HAHAHA. You so funny.
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
I know I know! haha I partake in a drink now… still never smoked or done drugs though :)
Ok my cousin wrote me back already
“OMG this sounds wonderful! And Malibu Rum too…my favorite! I am definitely going to have to try these! Instead of the strawberry jello though I think I’m going to use cranberry as Malibu and Cranberry is my most favorite drink!”
Comment by stephchows— March 12, 2009 #
Uh… yeah… me either *looking innocent*
Ooohhh… Malibu and cranberry would be a fabulous combo! Def let me know if you cousin makes it and what she thinks!
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
That is too funny! What a great idea!! ha!
Comment by Cakespy— March 12, 2009 #
Thanks J! I am kinda silly huh? But I think silly is good with cupcakes :)
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
OMG! Those totally ROCK!!
Comment by marguerite— March 12, 2009 #
Thanks!
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
I saw that jelly on Mary’s site as well and thought they looked fantastic!! I love them on top of your cupcakes
Comment by Tammy— March 12, 2009 #
Her’s turned out so much MORE amazing than mine. I think I didn’t let the condensed milk cool enough so when I poured it into the 9×13, the jello colors kinda melted so it wasnt perfectly pearly white like Mary’s.
Comment by CB— March 12, 2009 #
OMG I love Malibu! These cupcakes will be mine, all mine.
Comment by Jupiter— March 13, 2009 #
Can’t go wrong with Malibu ;)
Comment by CB— March 13, 2009 #
I have a confession: My and jello shots are still BFFs. He;s my “drink” of choice! Lol
And uh.. CB.. I think it might be user error with the store brand jello.. I make it all the time! :P :P Hehehehe *hug*
Comment by howtoeatacupcake— March 13, 2009 #
*Me and
Comment by howtoeatacupcake— March 13, 2009 #
Ok if we’re doing “real” confessions. Me and jello shots never broke up. FYI it was the store brand!! Not all store brands are created equal. What’s your store brand? ;)
Comment by CB— March 13, 2009 #
Hello! I just found your lovely site and this cupcake recipe looks really delicious!
But I`ve got a small problem before I can start, because I`m a German and I don`t know what “oz” means.
Example in your recipe: 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
It would be so nice of you, if you could explain to me what hides behind the acronym. Thanks.
Comment by ishua— March 17, 2009 #
Hi there! oz is just shorthand for ounce. Love to hear what you think if you make it! Any other questions, please ask!
Comment by CB— March 17, 2009 #
I think these cupcakes look yummy and awesome. My BFF and I LOVE coconut rum. Her birthday is Thursday and I told her I would attempt these for her birthday! Thanks!
Comment by Jenni— March 17, 2009 #
Happy (early) birthday to your BFF! Let me know what you (and her) think of the cupcakes. I love hearing reviews.
Comment by CB— March 17, 2009 #
Ok…these cupcakes are DANGEROUS! They turned out wonderfully and between the 2 of us we ate all of them! I wonder if you can get a hangover from cupcakes!
Comment by Jenni— March 18, 2009 #
Awesome! I have yet to get a hangover from cupcakes so that’s definitely a perk! ;)
Comment by CB— March 18, 2009 #
made these today! They are to die for :)
Comment by hannah1433— March 18, 2009 #
Thanks for coming back and letting me know! Glad you enjoyed them :)
Comment by CB— March 18, 2009 #
oh my these look so yummy! and the jello cubes look pretty! I would certainly try this but i’m on a losing streak with soaked cakes…they don’t look as good the next day as they sit in a pool of pure sugar/booze. ick. I’ll save this recipe anyways, maybe I’ll feel more daring. Or have more friends around to engulf within minutes.
Comment by shannon— March 18, 2009 #
I agree that I think these cupcakes are best eaten the day of but I did eat a couple the next day and they were still quite tasty. It could be the booze though. haha
Comment by CB— March 18, 2009 #
Big fan of the blog. Question: where do you get the cupcake liners that you use? Not the regular ones of course, but the sturdy looking white ones that you used in the jello shots pictures? Can you e-mail me the info?
Thanks!
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca— March 24, 2009 #
You got email!
Comment by CB— March 24, 2009 #
This recipe looks awesome! But I’m wondering why you didn’t make the garnish on top a Jello shot also? Too much you think?
Comment by rebecca/geekchicbride— March 25, 2009 #
HAHA. I was thinking a jello shot garnish “might” be overkill but I certainly wouldn’t stop anyone from making that substitution in the recipe either ;)
Comment by CB— March 25, 2009 #
[...] I’ve decided, this site is my new go-to for all things culinary. Little known fact, the author…she’s also the genuis mind that brought us the oh-so-delicious jello shot cupcakes. [...]
Pingback by Courtkneerawks— May 26, 2009 #
I had made these a week or so ago. WOW, everyone loved these! I don’t drink, but the cupcake part was not that bad alcohol wise. =]
Comment by Nina— June 5, 2009 #
So glad to hear! It’s really not that alcohol-y. Just a little taste that tastes yummy with the jello :)
Comment by CB— June 5, 2009 #
[...] I Heart Cupcakes has the recipe to end all recipes for your next shindig. [...]
Pingback by GastroNomalies » Blog Archive » The Ultimate Rager Munchie Hybrid— August 6, 2009 #
hey! I was sooo excited to try this recipe. I just have one question. I just finished making them (and I mean just finished. they’re jello-d and cooling right now!) but I didn’t use all the jello/malibu. are you supposed to? I don’t want them to be soggy :\ help!
Comment by kate— July 17, 2010 #
Hello Kate, It’s ok if you wanna err on the side of caution by using less jello+mailbu. I made these a while ago but if my memory serves me correctly I think I did about 3-4 teaspoonfuls for each cupcake so I don’t remember having much leftover (if any) and mine weren’t soggy. Come back and let me know what you think of the cupcakes. HTH!
Comment by CB— July 17, 2010 #
Totally making these for my cousins 21st birthday party this weekend!! These are so perfect!
Comment by Nicky— January 27, 2011 #
I am definitely making these for my bf for Valentine’s Day! One question: How long can these stay stored? Can you freeze jello?
Comment by AC— February 7, 2011 #
I haven’t tried to freeze these cupcakes but in general I’ve frozen cupcakes for up to 1 month with great results. I’m not sure about the added jello though. Usually freezing jello isn’t recommended b/c when it thaws it gets chunky and mushy. But since there’s alcohol and very little per cupcake I think it would be ok. Come back and let me know how it goes!
Comment by CB— February 8, 2011 #
Wow these look awesome, doing cakes for my Presentation at college, these might just be on the menu :D
Comment by Flitt— May 8, 2011 #
Awesome Idea!!! Do you think you could use angel food cake cupcakes?
Comment by Jenna— June 2, 2011 #
I don’t see why not! If you make it, let me know how it turned out.
Comment by CB— June 2, 2011 #
So what exactly are you guys putting the garnish in to cool it doesnt say……
Comment by Teresa Pray— June 28, 2011 #
I’m sorry! I don’t know if I understand your question. Are you asking where I put the cupcakes to cool? I leave them out until they reach room temperature. HTH.
Comment by CB— June 28, 2011 #
Where did you get the paper cup liners for the cupcakes?
Comment by Ruthanne— August 25, 2011 #
Hello Ruthanne, They are called party nut cups or souffle cups depending on where you buy them. I do not recommend buying the ones coated in wax. Just the paper cups. I buy mine at Smart&Final, 250 for $5. HTH!
Comment by CB— August 26, 2011 #
Ok, CB. I’m about to try this recipe…with a little variation. Instead of white cake I’m going with orange supreme. I picked up some cherry jello (illusion of grenadine) and I’m using pineapple rum…..like a Bahama Mama version. I’m going to use your icing and going with a jello shot jiggler as the garnish. By combining cherry, orange and pineapple jello with pineapple rum. Soooo, in your honest opinion, how do you think this will be? In my head it sounds pretty darn refreshing.
Comment by Kathy— October 8, 2011 #
Ok, CB. I’m about to try this recipe…with a little variation. Instead of white cake I’m going with orange supreme. I picked up some cherry jello (illusion of grenadine) and I’m using pineapple rum…..like a Bahama Mama version. I’m going to use your icing and going with a jello shot jiggler as the garnish. By combining cherry, orange and pineapple jello with pineapple rum. Soooo, in your honest opinion, how do you think this will be? In my head it sounds pretty darn refreshing.
Comment by Kathy— October 8, 2011 #
Hello Kathy! I love combining flavors (and a big fan of pineapple rum!) I say go for it. it sounds delish! Let me know how it turns out :)
Comment by CB— October 10, 2011 #
Um, um GOOD!!!!! It was fantastic, such a huge hit at my party! I am defiantly making these again….and according to my friends, more often than I think, lol. Thanks again for the inspiration.
Comment by Kathy— October 21, 2011 #
Awesome review! Will you share your recipe? I’m in the mood for some pineapple rum :)
Comment by CB— October 25, 2011 #
Ok CB, I would be happy to share. As I stated I started out by using Orange Supreme cake mix and made my cupcakes according to package direction.
When they came out of the oven I allowed them to cool for 10 -15 minutes before poking the holes in them. After the holes were done I mixed up my CHERRY jello by stir boiling water into jello powder until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes then added 1 cup of pineapple rum then I spooned the jello over cupcakes. I measured exactly 4 tbsp over each cupcake, and they were not soggy as some first timers might fear, as a matter of fact one more tblsp would not even make them soggy.
I made my whipped cream icing as you instructed above but in addition I added….you guessed it a few more tblsp of pineapple rum…just for flavor.
Now, as I said I made jello shot jigglers for on top of my cupcakes, you know those awesome jello squares we can eat with your fingers.
To make those is super simple. Using a measuring cup, measure 2 1/4 cups of boiling water and dissolve 2 PACKAGES OF EACH FLAVOR – Orange, Cherry and Pineapple (all the 3 oz size), stirring for at least 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of of cold water and 1 cup of pineapple rum and stir well. Pour everything into a 9 x 13 inch pan and chill until the jello is set (at least 4 hours) though I made mine up the night before.
The number of servings entirely depends on the size that you cut your jigglers – adjust as needed for your party. If you have extra, just go ahead and eat them up, no need to have them go to waste.
Let me know if you like them
Comment by Kathy— October 29, 2011 #
Can you tell me for the jello shot garnish, you put all the different flavors of jello into one bowl – or 3 seperate? If it was one bowl, didn’t the color turn out brown? Just curious before I make these for a bachelorette party this weekend! Thanks for the recipe!
Comment by Joanie— November 7, 2011 #
Hi Joanie. You make the 3 different flavors of jello into separate bowls to set overnight. Then you cut them up into cubes and combine them in a 9 x 13 pan. In a separate bowl, sprinkle 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin into 1/2 cup cold water. After the gelatin blooms (thickens), add 1-1/2 cup boiling water and dissolve. Add condensed milk. Stir and cool. Pour cooled milk mixture over jello and chill overnight. After set them cut into cubes for garnish. Hope that makes sense!
Comment by CB— November 7, 2011 #
Joanie
If you were referring to my recipe, I made jigglers, and yes I made all three flavors together in the same bowl. It doesn’t turn brown, it stayed red. When you mix the yellow (pineapple) and orange it makes red and you are just adding more red with the cherry.
Comment by Kathy— November 8, 2011 #
Thanks to you both! Looks like I need to take another look at a color wheel :) Appreciate the help!
Comment by Joanie— November 8, 2011 #
So i made these last night for a halloween party and they were a hit.! used strawberry jello with 99 bananas. everyone loved the garnish.
Comment by Kali— October 29, 2011 #
Awesome!
Comment by CB— November 7, 2011 #
Hi, what is your twitter name?? I am going to attempt to make these for a party on Friday.
Comment by Andi— December 21, 2011 #
These sound soooo good! Though I wonder if you would get more of the rum topping taste if you cut a hole in the top of the cupcake (as if you were filling it with creme) and letting it absorb into the center of the cake? Then you could put the cut-out piece back on, spoon some more over the top, and then frost it. Makes me think you would get a more consistent mouthful of alcohol throughout the cake. :)
Comment by Alyssa— January 5, 2012 #
OH MY GOSH… Absolutely am going to HAVE to make these for my Malibu loving friends… hell… i’m just going to make them for me… i have 3-4 months to get back in shape, right??
On top however, I think i will put a ‘drunk gummy bear’ (saved under my ‘drink recipes’ board…. i believe)
*instead of vodka for the drunk gummy…i will use rum….yum
Comment by terrie— January 17, 2012 #
has anyone tried this with mini muffin tins? i’m thinking that if they are made mini, you could eat a few of them, more like a shot?
Comment by kelly— January 29, 2012 #