Red, White and Blue Jello Cups are an easy, layered Memorial Day or Fourth of July dessert that kids absolutely lose their little minds over.
They’re colorful, creamy, fun to make and perfect for cookouts, backyard parties, potlucks and holiday dessert tables.
The best part? No baking required.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Patriotic Dessert
Each cup has a blue Jello layer, a creamy white middle and a bright red Jello layer finished with whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles.
These look impressive but are surprisingly simple to assemble.
Plus, anything served in individual cups automatically feels fancier. That’s just science.
Especially for one of the patriotic holidays. Maybe it's just me but after a while, a 13x9 dessert starts to lose its appeal after the 9th person clumsily takes a slice.
- No-bake dessert perfect for hot weather
- Kid friendly and party friendly
- Great make-ahead Memorial Day dessert
- Easy Fourth of July dessert idea
- Uses Simple ingredients from the grocery store
- Perfect for cookouts and summer gatherings
- Customizable for other holidays and themes
How to Make Red White and Blue Jello Cups
What You'll Need
- 1 packet blue Jello (berry blue or blue raspberry)
- 1 packet red Jello (strawberry or cherry)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- Boiling water (see note below)
- Red, white and blue sprinkles
- Whipped cream for topping
Important Note About the Boiling Water
Prepare each Jello flavor using the amount of boiling water listed on your specific package instructions.
Jello packet sizes and liquid ratios can vary depending on the brand and country, so always follow the instructions on your box for the best results.
Step 1: Make the Blue Layer
Dissolve the blue Jello in boiling water according to the package instructions.
Pour the mixture into clear plastic cups or small dessert cups, filling each about one-third full.
Transfer the cups to the refrigerator and chill until completely set.
Step 2: Make the White Layer
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold milk and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining ½ cup milk until hot but not boiling.
Stir the hot milk into the bloomed gelatin mixture and whisk until fully dissolved.
Let the mixture cool slightly before carefully pouring it over the blue Jello layer.
Return the cups to the refrigerator and chill until firm.
Step 3: Add the Red Layer
Prepare the red Jello according to the package instructions.
Allow the Jello to cool slightly before gently pouring it over the white layer.
Refrigerate until fully set.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, top each cup with whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles.
Serve chilled.
Tips for Perfect Jello Layers
Let each layer fully set.
If the layers are even slightly loose, the colors can bleed together.
Cool the Next Layer Before Pouring
You want the next layer cool but still pourable. If it’s too hot, it can melt the layer underneath.
Pour Slowly
Pouring gently over the back of a spoon helps protect the layers and keeps those clean lines looking pretty.
Use Clear Cups
The layers are the whole show here. Clear cups make these look extra festive on a dessert table.
Storage
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Cover to prevent drying out
- Serve cold
- Do not freeze
Variations
Change the Colors
Swap the colors for other holidays or parties.
- Orange and black for Halloween
- Red and green for Christmas
- Pink and purple for birthdays
- School colors for graduation parties
Use Different Jello Flavors
Cherry, strawberry, raspberry and blue raspberry all work well here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Jello layers mix together?
Usually this happens because the previous layer wasn’t fully set or the next layer was still too warm when poured.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These can be made 2 to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Can I use different colors?
Sure, these layered Jello cups are easy to customize for holidays, birthdays and themed parties.
More No-Bake Desserts
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Kitchen Serf.
Recipe
Red, White and Blue Jell-O Cups
Red White and Blue Jell-O Cups are a fun and easy no-bake patriotic dessert made with colorful Jello layers, a creamy white middle and whipped cream topping. Perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and summer parties.
Ingredients
- 1 packet blue Jello
- 1 packet red Jello
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- Boiling water according to package directions
- Whipped cream
- Red, white and blue sprinkles
Instructions
- Dissolve blue Jello in boiling water according to package instructions.
- Pour into clear cups, filling each about one-third full. Refrigerate until fully set.
- Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold milk and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Heat remaining ½ cup milk until hot but not boiling.
- Stir hot milk into gelatin mixture until fully dissolved.
- Let cool slightly, then carefully pour over blue layer. Chill until firm.
- Prepare red Jello according to package instructions and let cool slightly.
- Pour red Jello over white layer and refrigerate until completely set.
- Top with whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 43Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 3mgSodium 40mgCarbohydrates 6gSugar 6gProtein 2g
Nutrition information is an estimate because I am not a registered dietician.
Comments
No Comments