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Best Christmas Sparkle Jello Cups: Easy Kid-Friendly Recipe

christmas sparkle jello cups - featured image

These shimmering red and green Jello cups with a creamy middle layer are a festive, kid-approved dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (3 oz) strawberry or raspberry Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 box (3 oz) lime Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1 cup whipped topping, thawed
  • Edible glitter or sparkling sugar
  • Optional: fresh raspberries or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, empty the strawberry Jello packet. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and whisk for about 2 minutes until the powder is completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir. Pour about 2 tablespoons of the red Jello into each clear cup, about 1/2 inch deep. Place the cups on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the Jello is set but still slightly tacky on top.
  2. While the red layer sets, make the pudding. In a small bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 cup cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of thawed whipped topping until smooth. Set aside at room temperature.
  3. Once the red layer is set, take the cups out of the fridge. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the creamy pudding mixture on top of the red layer. Use the back of a small spoon to spread it gently to the edges. Return the cups to the fridge for 20 minutes.
  4. While the creamy layer chills, prepare the lime Jello. In a medium bowl, empty the lime Jello packet. Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water. Let this sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.
  5. Take the cups out of the fridge. Gently pour about 2 tablespoons of the green Jello over the creamy layer, pouring it over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the pudding underneath. The green layer should be about 1/2 inch deep. Return the cups to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the green layer is fully set.
  6. Once the green layer is firm, remove the cups from the fridge. Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped topping — about 2 tablespoons. Use the back of a spoon to create little peaks or swirls. Sprinkle edible glitter or sparkling sugar over the top. If desired, add a fresh raspberry or a tiny mint leaf on top.
  7. Refrigerate the finished cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold, straight from the fridge.

Notes

Temperature is everything: let Jello cool to room temperature before adding to cups. Patience with layers is key for distinct stripes. Pour liquid over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing set layers. Make extra as these disappear fast. Can be made a day ahead for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas Jello cups, kid-friendly dessert, holiday dessert, layered Jello, sparkle Jello