These red white and blue jello cups are the ultimate summer party treat for your patriotic celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day cookout or 4th of July party, these festive, layered jello dessert cups are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Finding the perfect no bake 4th of July dessert ideas can be a challenge, but these patriotic treats make it easy. They offer a refreshing, kid-friendly dessert that’s ideal for celebrating Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any occasion that calls for a bit of American spirit.
In a convenient snack size cup, this red white and blue dessert is the perfect stress-free option for large crowds. With just a bit of patience for chilling, you’ll have a yummy patriotic snack that perfectly captures the holiday mood.
If you love patriotic treats, you may also like these red, white and blue rice krispies or this no bake patriotic chocolate bark recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Red, White, And Blue Jello Cups Recipe
Easy no bake dessert: There’s no need to turn on the oven for this easy recipe – it’s a simple “set and forget” process that results in a fun dessert with minimal effort.
Perfect for large crowds: With one batch making 40–50 individual servings, it’s an incredibly efficient way to feed a big group. The 1 oz cups make them the ultimate grab and go treat for 4th of July parties.
Kid-friendly treat: This is a kid friendly dessert idea that kids at heart will also enjoy – plus it is easily customizable for an adult party crowd.
Ingredients
To make patriotic layered jello desserts in cups, you’ll need the following ingredients. I cover a few of the key ingredients here, and you can find the specific quantities and steps in the recipe card below.
- Red and blue Jell-o: You will need a standard sized box of both red and blue jello. Choose your favorite flavors!
- Sweetened condensed milk: For a sweet and creamy middle layer, we mix sweetened condensed milk with gelatin for a lovely rich flavored treat.
- Toppings: For a pretty garnish, you’ll need a small amount of whipped cream and your favorite festive sprinkles.
Equipment Needed
The easiest way to pour the jello into your cups is using a jug with a spout like this one.
You will also need 40-50 small plastic cups. I use 1oz cups like these, but you could also use larger 2 oz cups for a more generously sized dessert cup.
Finally, a large tray makes it easy to move the cups in and out of the fridge when layering.
How To Make Patriotic Jello Cups
Here’s a quick overview of how to make layered jello cups at home. For the full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, scroll down to the printable recipe card below.
Arrange the cups on a large tray (that will fit in your fridge) and set aside.
Blue layer: Start by dissolving the blue jell-o crystals with the boiling water in a medium sized bowl or jug. Add the cold water, stir to combine. Pour the mixture into your cups, filling each cup one third of the way.
Place the cups in the fridge to set for 2-3 hours.
White Layer: Once the blue layer is completely set, add the cold water to your jug and sprinkle the gelatin powder over the top. Leave to bloom for a few minutes. Then add the boiling water, and stir until the gelatin is dissolved and mixed through.
Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Gently pour the white mixture over the blue layer, filling another third of the way. Return to the fridge for 2-3 hours to set.
Red layer: Once the white layer is set, dissolve the red jell-o crystals in boiling water. Mix in the cold water, leave for a few minutes to cool a little.
Gently pour the red jello on top of the white layer, filling almost to the top of each cup. Return to the refrigerator to set completely – at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight.
Garnish: When ready to serve, add a dollop of whipped cream to the top of each cup, and decorate with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips For Success
Patience is key: Don’t rush the chilling process. Ensure each layer is completely firm to the touch before adding the next. If the bottom layer is still liquid, the colors will bleed together, turning your jello stripes into a purple or pink muddle.
Cool the white and red mixtures: Cool the middle and top layers a little before pouring. If you pour the mixtures on top while they are still hot, they could melt the layers underneath and ruin the sharp, clean lines.
Add toppings right before serving: Only add your whipped cream and sprinkles immediately before you serve them. Whipped cream can deflate or become watery if it sits in the fridge for too long, and the colors from the sprinkles might bleed into the cream.
What To Serve With Jello Dessert Cups
Serve these festive dessert cups with a platter of red, white, and blue rice krispies and this easy chocolate bark for the ultimate patriotic holiday spread!
If you are making these jello dessert cups in a small 1oz cup, they can be enjoyed much like a jello shot. However if you use a larger cup (2oz or larger), serve them with a small spoon.
How To Store Jello Desserts
Store: Jello cups can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. They are best stored without the whipped cream, but leftover dessert cups can be refrigerated for 2-3 days.
Freeze: Unfortunately this recipe isn’t suitable for freezing.
More Holiday Recipe Ideas
- This collection of red, white, and blue dessert ideas is perfect for your summer party plans.
Loved this recipe? Leave a review, and join me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipe ideas.
Red, White, And Blue Jello Cups
Equipment
Ingredients
BLUE LAYER
- 1 box blue jell-o 3oz box, any flavor
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
WHITE LAYER
- 2 packets Gelatin unflavored
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14oz/395g
RED LAYER
- 1 box red jell-o 3oz box, any flavor
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
TOPPINGS
- whipped cream
- red white and blue sprinkles
Instructions
- Place your small cups on a large baking sheet or tray. Set aside.
FOR THE BLUE LAYER
- Pour the blue Jell-o crystals into a medium sized jug and add the boiling water. Stir until the crystals are dissolved then mix in the cold water.
- Pour the mixture into your 1 oz cups, filling up to one third of the way. Place the tray in the refrigerator to set, about 2-3 hours.
FOR THE WHITE LAYER
- Check the blue layer is set before proceeding. In a medium jug, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Leave to sit for a few minutes for the gelatin to bloom.
- Add the boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Remove the tray from the fridge and gently pour the white mixture into each cup, filling another third of the way. Return the tray to the refrigerator and allow to set for 2-3 hours.
FOR THE RED LAYER
- Check the white layer is set before proceeding. In a medium jug, add the red jello crystals and pour over the boiling water. Stir until dissolved, then add the cold water. Mix to combine.
- Remove the tray from the fridge and gently pour the red mixture into your 1 oz cups, filling up the final third to just below the top of each cup. Place the tray in the refrigerator to set, about 2-3 hours, or overnight.
GARNISH
- Just before serving, top each jello cup with a small dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle your red, white and blue sprinkles over the top for a festive finish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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