What’s inside: a fun twist on “America’s favorite dessert,” a layered Red White and Blue Jell-O Cups recipe perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July or anytime you’re feeling a little extra patriotic. These Jell-O cups can be made up to 3 days in advance for easy party prep.

Red White and Blue Layered Jello Cups Recipe

For our penultimate patriotic recipe this year, we decided to go back to basics with a childhood classic: Jell-O cups!

I feel like Jell-O always gets overlooked these days as a fun dessert option but it’s a classic for a reason! It’s fun, delicious and super easy to make – and not to mention budget-friendly. My favorite growing up was grape Jell-O that my mom made in this bright purple mold that gave each Jell-O jiggler their own cute little face.

The base layer is berry blue, the middle is a creamy sweetened condensed milk gelatin and the top can be any variety of red Jell-O that you prefer: strawberry, cherry, raspberry, black cherry, watermelon or tropical punch. I prefer to stick to a berry flavor for the red so that the Jell-O cups have a distinct berries and cream flavor profile.

And like all of our patriotic-themed desserts this year, this one is super easy for kids to help make. With younger kids, you obviously should take the reigns with adding the boiling water, but they can step right in for every other step.

While we made this recipe in individual dessert cups for easy serving, you can prepare it completely in a casserole dish and scoop to serve instead.

Note: if you’re looking to make sliceable Jell-O squares, reduce the cold water in each fruit layer to ¾ cup (using 1 cup boiling water + ¾ cup cold water per box) before pouring into the pan. Prepare the white layer as directed, or add an extra ½ packet of unflavored gelatin to give it the same firmness as the colored layers.

— Jennifer

Ingredients

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Blue Layer (Bottom):

• Blue jello (e.g., berry blue)
• Boiling water
• Cold water

White Layer (Middle):

• Unflavored gelatin
• Cold water (for blooming the gelatin)
• Boiling water
• Sweetened condensed milk

Red Layer (Top):

• Red jello (e.g., cherry or strawberry)
• Boiling water
• Cold water

For Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• 3oz Dessert Cups
• Kettle (for boiling water)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk

Instructions

To Prep: Boil water. Set out approximately 18 dessert cups on a tray that will fit in your refrigerator.

1. Blue Layer (Bottom): Dissolve blue Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in cold water. Pour into 3 oz dessert cups, filling each about one-third full. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours until set.
2. White Layer: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for a few minutes. Add boiling water and stir until fully dissolved. Stir in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Let cool to room temperature. Gently pour over set blue layer to fill another third of each cup. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours until set.
3. Red Layer: Dissolve red Jell-O in boiling water, then stir in cold water. Cool slightly, then pour over set white layer to fill cups to the top. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight until fully set.
4. Garnish: Top just before serving with a small dollop of whipped cream and a scatter of sprinkles.

Prep Tips

• Cool each layer until set before pouring the next to keep the stripes clean and distinct. (You can wait until just room temperature set, but the edges won’t be as crisp and clear. Waiting until each layer fully firms up and no longer jiggles in the center is the best way to ensure clean lines.)
• Use a spoon turned upside down when adding layers to slow the pour and prevent the layers from muddling/mixing.
• Chill the cups on a level shelf in the fridge so the layers set evenly rather than slanting.
• However, if you want slanted layers, you can set the cups at an angle in a muffin tin for controlled yet diagonal layers.
• Stir the white layer gently but thoroughly to fully dissolve the gelatin and avoid graininess and prevent adding air bubbles into the layer.
• Make the cups a day ahead for the cleanest set and easiest serving at gatherings.

More 4th of July Recipes

• “Surfin USA” Patriotic Surfboard Sugar Cookies
• Fluffy 4th of July Cake Mix Cookies
• Red White and Blue Swirl Bundt Cake
• Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats
• American Flag Banana Pudding
• American Flag S’mores Dip

Red White and Blue Layered Jell-O Cups Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

If you tried this recipe and loved it too, please rate it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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