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Fourth of July layered jello cups in red, white, and blue, topped with whipped cream and red-blue sprinkles.

Patriotic Jello Layer Cups: Easy Red, White & Blue Dessert for Fourth of July and Summer Parties

Samantha
Celebrate summer with these vibrant Patriotic Jello Layer Cups! This easy no-bake dessert features festive red, white, and blue layers of fruit-flavored gelatin and creamy filling. Perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, school parties, and picnics, they’re fun to make, kid-friendly, and easily customizable for dietary needs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

Red Layer:

  • 1 3 oz box strawberry or cherry flavored gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water

White Layer:

  • 1 ½ cups whipped topping Cool Whip, Greek yogurt, or vanilla pudding

Blue Layer:

  • 1 3 oz box blue raspberry or berry blue gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water

Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh strawberries and blueberries
  • Whipped cream or more topping
  • Red white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Red Layer
    - In a medium bowl, stir 1 cup boiling water into red gelatin until fully dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water.
    - Pour about 1/3 cup into each cup. Refrigerate for 45–60 minutes or until set.
  • Step 2: Add the White Layer
    - Spoon or pipe 2–3 tablespoons of whipped topping or yogurt over the red layer.
    - Gently smooth the surface and chill for 20 minutes.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Blue Layer
    - In a separate bowl, dissolve blue gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Add 1/2 cup cold water. Let cool to room temp.
    - Carefully pour blue gelatin on top of the white layer in each cup. Refrigerate until completely set, about 2 hours.
  • Step 4: Garnish and Serve
    Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or festive sprinkles just before serving.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Patriotic Jello Layer Cups

1. Cool gelatin before pouring – Let each prepared gelatin layer cool to room temperature before adding it to your cup. This prevents it from melting the previous layer and ensures clean, distinct stripes.
2. Use a muffin tin for leveling – Place your serving cups in a muffin tin to keep them upright and steady while chilling between layers.
3. Pipe the white layer – For a clean finish, transfer whipped topping or yogurt into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the middle layer neatly instead of spooning it.
4. Chill between every layer – Give each layer at least 30–60 minutes to set before adding the next. Rushing this step will cause colors to bleed.
5. Use clear, straight-sided cups – Clear plastic tumblers or glass jars with vertical sides show off the layered effect better than rounded ones.
6. Avoid overfilling – Leave a little space at the top for whipped cream, fruit, or festive sprinkles to keep it neat and portable.
7. Make them sparkle – Add edible glitter or star sprinkles for an extra pop that catches the light and enhances the patriotic theme.
8. Plan around fridge space – These cups require fridge real estate. Clear a flat space before you start so they can chill evenly.
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