Oh, fall! There’s something truly magical about the crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and the nostalgic aroma of a county fair. And what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it’s always those glistening, sweet, and perfectly tart candy apples! They take me right back to childhood, sticky fingers and all. But what if I told you we could take that classic fall favorite and give it a fun, grown-up twist? Something that’s just as delightful, but with a little extra zing? Get ready, because these Twisted Candy Apple Shots are about to become your go-to party showstopper. They’re unbelievably easy, come together in a flash, and trust me, they’re utterly unforgettable. It’s like a carnival for your taste buds, but way more sophisticated!
Why You’ll Love Twisted Candy Apple Shots
- Fast: Seriously, this recipe comes together quicker than you can say “candy apple!” No baking, no complicated steps.
- Easy: If you can whisk and stir, you can make these. It’s practically foolproof, even for beginner home cooks.
- Giftable: Pop them into cute little jars with a ribbon, and you’ve got a unique, homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
- Crowd-pleasing: The unique flavor combination and fun presentation make these shots an absolute hit at any gathering, from cozy fall evenings to lively holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix: This is our secret weapon for a creamy, dreamy base that sets up beautifully without any fuss.
- 1 cup cold milk: Regular old cow’s milk works perfectly here to get that pudding nice and smooth.
- 1/2 cup sour apple schnapps: Hello, pucker-up perfection! This gives us that iconic tart apple flavor we all adore from candy apples.
- 1/2 cup caramel vodka: The sweet embrace of caramel for that classic, gooey candy apple taste. If you don’t have caramel vodka, no worries! You can use 1/2 cup regular vodka plus 1 tablespoon of your favorite caramel syrup.
- A few drops red or green food coloring (optional): Want to make them look just like their inspiration? A little color goes a long way. I usually go for red for that classic ruby red apple look!
- 1 cup thawed Cool Whip (or whipped cream): This adds an airy, light texture that makes these shots incredibly smooth and scoopable.
- For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream: A dollop on top always looks festive.
- Caramel drizzle: More caramel, please!
- Crushed candy: Think butterscotch, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon candy for extra flair.
- Apple slices: A fresh, crisp finish to remind everyone of the inspiration.
How to Make Twisted Candy Apple Shots
Ready to whip up some magic? Let’s do this!
- First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. In it, you’re going to whisk together your instant vanilla pudding mix and that cold milk. Keep whisking until it’s wonderfully smooth and starts to thicken. Don’t rush this step; a well-whisked pudding makes all the difference!
- Now for the fun part! Stir in the sour apple schnapps and your chosen caramel vodka (or the vodka and caramel syrup combo). Make sure everything is fully blended. You’ll already start to smell that amazing candy apple aroma!
- If you want to give your shots that vibrant candy apple look, this is where the food coloring comes in. Add just a few drops of red or green and stir gently until you reach your desired hue. I love how a little red food coloring makes them look extra inviting and festive!
- Next, it’s time to lighten things up. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is beautifully light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix here; we want to keep that airy texture. For another delightful no-bake dessert option, you might also love our recipe for a no-bake chocolate cheesecake trifle!
- Spoon this delightful mixture into your plastic shot cups. This recipe makes about 10-12 shots, depending on the size of your cups. Once they’re filled, pop them into the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. This chilling time is super important to let them firm up and develop their full flavor – trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Just before you’re ready to serve, go wild with your garnishes! A dollop of whipped cream, a generous drizzle of caramel, some crushed candy, or a fresh apple slice will take these shots from great to absolutely show-stopping.
Substitutions & Additions
Part of the fun of cooking is making a recipe your own! Here are some ideas to play with:
- Different Schnapps Flavors: While sour apple is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment! Peach schnapps could give it a summery twist, or even a raspberry schnapps for a berry-apple blend.
- Vodka Variations: Instead of caramel vodka, try vanilla vodka for a creamier note, or even a whipped cream flavored vodka. You can also totally use a plain vodka if that’s what you have on hand and just amp up the caramel syrup.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: To make these kid-friendly or for those who prefer to abstain, simply swap the sour apple schnapps for concentrated apple juice or apple cider, and replace the caramel vodka with milk and an extra tablespoon of caramel syrup. Everyone can enjoy a taste of the carnival!
- Extra Crunch: Besides crushed candy, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a textural contrast.
- Dessert Cups: If shot glasses aren’t your style, small dessert cups or even mini mason jars work wonderfully for a rustic, charming presentation. They’re perfect for a larger, more indulgent serving.
Tips for Success
- Whisk Vigorously: Ensure your pudding mix and milk are thoroughly whisked to avoid any lumps. A smooth base is key to a smooth shot!
- Don’t Skip the Chill: That 1-2 hours in the fridge isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential for the shots to firm up properly. A well-chilled shot holds its shape and flavor much better.
- Gentle Folding: When you add the Cool Whip, fold it in gently. This maintains the airy texture and prevents the mixture from becoming dense.
- Make Ahead: These shots are fantastic for parties because you can make them up to 2 days in advance! Just keep them covered in the fridge, and then garnish right before serving. It’s a lifesaver when you’re busy! If you’re looking for other easy, make-ahead dessert ideas that feature delicious apple and caramel flavors, you simply must try our easiest caramel apple crisp.
How to Store Twisted Candy Apple Shots
Once your delicious Twisted Candy Apple Shots are assembled, you’ll want to keep them happy and fresh. Simply cover the individual shot cups tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat for parties, so you can enjoy your guests without fussing in the kitchen!
FAQs
Can I make these shots non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! To create a delicious non-alcoholic version, replace the sour apple schnapps with an equal amount of concentrated apple juice or apple cider. For the caramel vodka, use regular milk and add an extra tablespoon of caramel syrup. It will still have that amazing candy apple flavor without the alcohol!
What if I don’t have Cool Whip?
While Cool Whip provides a unique stability and lightness, you can certainly use homemade whipped cream. Just be aware that homemade whipped cream might not hold its structure quite as long, so I’d recommend assembling and serving closer to when you plan to enjoy them.
Can I use different types of pudding mix?
Yes, you can experiment! A cheesecake or butterscotch instant pudding mix could also be delicious and would pair well with the apple and caramel flavors. Just make sure it’s an instant pudding for the right consistency.
How can I make these even more festive for a specific holiday?
Easy! For Halloween, use red food coloring and a tiny plastic spider ring as a garnish. For Christmas, use green food coloring and sprinkle with red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes. The possibilities are endless for these fun treats!
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, make sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Twisted Candy Apple Shots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
- Step 2: Stir in the sour apple schnapps and caramel vodka (or vodka and caramel syrup combo) until fully blended.
- Step 3: If desired, add a few drops of red or green food coloring and stir gently until you reach your preferred hue.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Spoon the mixture into plastic shot cups. This recipe yields about 10-12 shots. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow them to firm up and develop flavor.
- Step 6: Just before serving, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, caramel drizzle, crushed candy, or a fresh apple slice.