Candy Corn Jello Cups

These Candy Corn Jello Cups are made with layers of yellow lemon Jello and orange Jello, then topped with whipped topping and a piece of candy corn. They’re an easy make-ahead Halloween dessert, and serving them in individual cups makes them especially handy for parties.

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I first started making layered gelatin desserts when I made my Red, White and Blue Jello Cups for the Fourth of July. They were such a hit that I knew I had to make another version, and these orange-and-yellow cups were the obvious choice for Halloween.

Once the whipped topping and candy corn go on, they really do look like little candy corn desserts. The trick to getting those distinct layers is letting the first layer set completely and letting the second batch of gelatin cool before pouring it on top. It takes a little patience while the cups chill, but the actual hands-on work is simple.

Recipe Highlights

What You Need for Candy Corn Jello Cups

• Lemon Jello – The lemon gelatin makes the yellow bottom layer. Pineapple Jello is another option if you want to keep the yellow color but change the flavor.
• Orange Jello – Use orange jello to create the orange middle layer.
• Cool Whip – I use regular whipped topping for the white candy corn layer. You can also use reduced-fat or sugar-free whipped topping.
• Candy corn – Add one piece of candy corn to the top of each cup just before serving. You can also use Halloween sprinkles.

How To Make Candy Corn Jello Cups

Step 1. Prepare the cups. Set 6 plastic cups on a baking sheet or tray. This makes it much easier to move all of the cups in and out of the refrigerator at once.

Step 2. Make the yellow Jello. Pour the lemon Jello powder into a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in 1 cup of cold water.

Step 3. Fill the cups. Let the Jello cool until it is warm rather than hot. Pour about ⅓ cup into each cup.

Step 4. Chill the first layer. Refrigerate the cups for about 1 hour, or until the yellow layer is completely set.

Step 5. Make the orange Jello. Prepare the orange Jello the same way, using 1 cup boiling water followed by 1 cup cold water. Let it cool until warm rather than hot before adding it to the cups.

Step 6. Add the orange layer. Make sure the yellow layer is completely set before adding the orange gelatin. I once added the orange layer before the lemon layer had fully gelled, and the orange gelatin sank into the yellow instead of staying in a clean layer. Gently pour about ⅓ cup of orange gelatin over the set yellow layer, then refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm.

Step 7. Decorate. Fit a piping bag with a #1M or #2 star tip and fill it with Cool Whip. Pipe a swirl on each cup and top with a piece of candy corn or Halloween sprinkles.

Clean Jello Layer Tips

• Let the first layer set completely. If the yellow Jello is still soft when the orange layer is added, the colors can run together instead of forming two distinct layers.
• Don’t pour hot Jello over the first layer. Let the orange mixture cool until it is warm before adding it.
• Use a tray for the cups. Moving six filled cups individually in and out of the refrigerator is asking for trouble. A baking sheet keeps them together and level.
• Don’t rush the chilling time. Most of the time involved in this recipe is hands-off while the gelatin sets.

Easy Jello Cup Variations

• Change the yellow flavor: Use pineapple Jello instead of lemon.
• Change the topping: Use Halloween sprinkles instead of candy corn.
• Use the method for other holidays: Change the gelatin colors for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or the Fourth of July.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make the gelatin cups ahead and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. Cover the cups with plastic wrap or store them in a covered container so the gelatin doesn’t pick up odors from the refrigerator.

If you pipe the Cool Whip, make sure it is very cold before you start. Cool Whip is soft, and if it gets too warm the piped swirl can lose its shape and turn into a blob of whipped topping. Once the cups are topped, refrigerate them or serve them right away.

You can also use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. Fresh whipped cream gives you a firmer piped swirl and holds its shape better.

Add the candy corn just before serving. Moisture and condensation can start to dissolve the candy and make the colors bleed.

More Easy Halloween Treats

• For another colorful Halloween dessert, try my Halloween Sprinkle Sugar Cookies with a surprise sprinkle center.
• My Halloween Oreo Cauldron Pops are another fun no-fork-required party treat, and these Black Cupcakes make a dramatic addition to a Halloween dessert table.
• For something with more fall than spooky-season flavor, try the little Maple Spice Acorn Cakes.

Recipe

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First published: Sept. 26, 2023. Last updated: September 11, 2026, for better readability.

  

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