Easy Christmas Sparkle Jello Cups Recipe (Kids Love It!)
These shimmering, layered jello cups are the ultimate quick and easy holiday dessert. With just 20 minutes of active time, you can create a festive treat that kids and adults love, featuring beautiful red and green stripes with a creamy middle layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (3 oz) Strawberry or Raspberry Jello
- 1 cup boiling water (for red layer)
- 1/2 cup cold water (for red layer)
- 1 box (3 oz) Lime or Green Apple Jello
- 1 cup boiling water (for green layer)
- 1/2 cup cold water (for green layer)
- 1 envelope (0.25 oz) unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 1/2 cup boiling water (for creamy layer)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
- Red and green sprinkles (for garnish, optional)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the green layer: In a small bowl, dissolve the green jello in 1 cup boiling water, whisking for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Pour the first layer: Divide the green jello evenly among clear plastic cups, filling each about 1/3 full. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Prepare the creamy layer: In a medium bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water. Let bloom for 5 minutes. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over bloomed gelatin and whisk until dissolved. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature.
- Add the creamy layer: Once green layer is set, gently pour creamy mixture over it, filling cups to halfway. Refrigerate for 1 to 1.5 hours until firm.
- Prepare the red layer: About 10 minutes before creamy layer is set, dissolve red jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Cool to room temperature.
- Add the final red layer: Once creamy layer is firm, gently pour cooled red jello over it, filling cups almost to the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a cherry. Serve cold.
Notes
Let each layer set completely before adding the next to avoid mixing. Always cool jello mixtures to room temperature before pouring over set layers. For best results, make a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. The cups can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (5 oz)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 33
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Christmas jello cups, holiday dessert, easy jello recipe, layered jello, kids dessert, no-bake dessert, festive treat