Easy Red, White & Blue Jello Cups for the 4th of July
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 4 cups
• Family friendly: Absolutely! The perfect summer treat
• Total prep time: 20 minutes
• Total chill time: 6 hours
• Total time: About 6 1/2 hours
These layered Jello cups are a simple make-ahead dessert that's perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, birthday parties, and patriotic celebrations. Since they're served in individual cups, they're easy to transport and even easier to enjoy.
What Makes These Easy Red, White & Blue Jello Cups Unique
Most people think of Jello as a simple dessert or as party shots for adults. These layered Jello cups are portable, fun to serve, and perfect for parties. Kids love the colorful layers, and parents appreciate how simple this non-alcoholic recipe is to make. If you'd like an adults-only version, you can easily replace part of the cold water with vodka in each layer. They're colorful, festive, and perfect for summer celebrations.
What Inspired This Recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Cheese Curd in Paradise who created a recipe on Bomb Pop Jello Shots. I decided to take the recipe and turn it into a kid-friendly dessert or snack recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
Whether you're planning a 4th of July BBQ, holiday picnic, or summer party, these layered Jello cups are an easy patriotic dessert that's colorful, portable, and fun for all ages. They're also easy to make ahead of time, leaving you with one less thing to prepare on the day of your celebration.
What I Would Do Differently Next Time
Next time I would probably use smaller cups, especially for younger children. I also think it would be fun to make them in glass so you can see the colors better. I would also be interested in adding an alcoholic layer so if you do add alcohol, please comment below and let me know what you think. When you make the layers, you want to make sure that all layers are set in between or the colors will combine.
Recipe Tips
- Let each layer cool slightly before pouring so it doesn't melt the previous layer.
- Use a measuring cup with a spout for cleaner, more even layers.
- Chill each layer until completely firm before adding the next.
- Clear cups show off the patriotic layers beautifully.
- Refrigerate overnight if making these ahead for a party.
FAQ
How long should I set the layers in between?
On the box, it says about an hour. Although the box recommends chilling each layer for about 1 hour, I found that about 2 hours produced much cleaner layers. Every refrigerator is different, so the Jello should feel completely firm before adding the next layer.
Does it matter what the flavor the jello is?
The jello flavor can make a difference. For the blue layer we used a flavor from Sonic but you can use any brand and any flavor, it will just have a slightly different taste. You can adjust it to the flavors you enjoy.
How far in advance should I make this?
I suggest making it the day before or the day of.
When do I add the vodka/alcohol?
You can add the alcohol (I suggest vodka) in each layer separately. The amount is completely up to you but you do want to add it when mixing the jello so as it stands, it's absorbing the vodka.
Who Will Love These Red, White & Blue Jello Cups?
Anyone from toddlers to adults will love these. As long as you enjoy jello, you will enjoy these cups.
Variations
- Sugar-free: Use sugar-free Jello for a lighter version.
- Rainbow: Swap the colors to create a rainbow dessert for birthdays.
- Mini cups: Make bite-sized portions for parties.
- Fresh fruit: Top with strawberries and blueberries.
- Whipped cream: Add whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles before serving.
- Adults only: Replace part of the cold water with vodka for a fun party dessert.
If You Enjoy Summer Treat Recipes, You May Also Like
- No-Bake Candy Cane Cookie Dough Protein Bark – Who says candy canes only have to be used during the holidays? This sweet treat is not only easy to make, but a little nostalgic.
- No-Bake Butterscotch Bars – If you're looking for a dessert that's full of flavor yet light and not overly rich, this is the recipe to make.
- Easy Lunch Lady Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – A healthier, no-bake version of the classic lunch lady dessert made with just five simple ingredients.
- 5-Ingredient Caramel Apple Dessert Recipe – A healthy, low-calorie treat made with yogurt, apples, walnuts, and sugar-free caramel.
- No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cups – Quick, freezer-friendly peanut butter cups made with six simple ingredients and no baking required.
Ingredients For Easy Red, White & Blue Jello Cups
*Items marked with an asterisk (*) are Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
These patriotic Jello cups are made with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Most can be picked up at your local grocery store, making this a simple dessert to prepare for any summer gathering.
Blue Layer
• *3 oz box of Berry Blue Jello
(or try
*Starburst Blue Raspberry)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup white grape juice or apple juice
• 1/2 cup cold water
Note: The original recipe recommended chilling each layer for 1 hour, but I found that 2 hours produced much cleaner layers. If the Jello isn't completely firm before adding the next layer, the colors can mix together.
How to Make These Patriotic Red, White & Blue Jello Cups
✓ Step #1: Create the blue jello layer - Follow the preparation instructions for the blue jello on the back of the box. When it's time to add the cold water, add 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup grape or apple juice. If you want to add in the vodka, you can add 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka. This is the first layer.
✓ Step #2: Let set- Let this layer sit for 1-2 hours. Make sure it's completely set before you build out the next layer.
✓ Step #3: Create the white (pink) layer- Place white jello in a mixing bowl and add cold water. Allow gelatin to sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir in boiling water until fully dissolved then mix in sweetened condensed milk. If you want to use vanilla extract, you can add that as well. All the mixture to cool slightly and then pour it evenly over the set blue layer. Refrigerate for another 1-2 hours.
How to Store
Store the Jello cups covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. They'll stay fresh for 3–4 days and are best enjoyed chilled. I don't recommend freezing them, as the texture can change once they thaw.
About the Author
Did You Enjoy This Fun 4th of July Recipe?
Did you love this recipe as much as we did? Did you use the family-friendly version or something else? Let me know your comments and thoughts below.
How You Can Support Savvy With Abbie
✓ Pin this recipe on Pinterest
✓ Comment below and let me know if you made this recipe
✓ Review/rate the recipe below so others can see what you thought of it
✓ Follow this blog for more treat recipes
Comments
Post a Comment