Red-White-and-Blue Jell-O Cups – Easy No-Bake 4th of July Dessert

Looking for a fun and festive no-bake dessert to serve at your next Memorial Day or Fourth of July party? These red-white-and-blue Jell-O cups set up in the fridge while you get ready for the fireworks.

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Desserts should always be delicious, but when they’re fun to make and fun to eat, that makes them even better. Just grab some Jell-O and maraschino cherries for a colorful, crowd-pleasing treat.

I made these for a BBQ and wasn’t sure how my guests would feel about a Jell-O dessert, but once I brought them out, they were an instant hit. Many people said they hadn’t had Jell-O in years—let alone something as bright and fun as these Jell-O cups.

These Jello Cups Are a Party Trick That Never Fails

• They are super simple to make using boxes of Jell-O.
• There’s no need to wait for a holiday; you can make these layered Jello cups anytime you want a fun treat. I have made them for birthday parties, slumber parties, and picnics.
• Jello comes in lots of flavors, and for Halloween, try these Candy Corn Jello Cups.
• Nothing says ‘Happy 4th of July’ like a festive red, white, and blue dessert, so plan ahead to get the gelatin chilled.

Try my other favorite patriotic desserts like this red, white and blue M&M ice cream recipe, or our favorite sugar cookie bars, thumbprint cookies with sprinkles, or firework sugar cookies. All of these desserts are perfect for a celebration.

How To Make Layered Jello Cups

Step 1. Set the disposable cups on a cookie sheet or tray to easily move them in and out of the fridge.

Step 2. How To Make Blue Jello Layer– Place the blue gelatin in a medium-sized bowl, pour 2/3 cup of boiling water over the gelatin, and stir until combined. Allow the Jell-O to cool before pouring it into each cup, filling it to about 1/3 full. Place the cups in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set.

Step 3. The White Jello Layer – In another medium-sized bowl, sprinkle the clear gelatin over 1/3 cup of milk and allow it to bloom. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2/3 cup of milk to almost a boil. Add the hot milk to the clear gelatin and mix well until the gelatin is completely dissolved and absorbed. Allow the mixture to cool. Pour the white jello over the cold blue Jello until about 2/3 full. Return to fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow to set.

Step 4. The Red Jell-O Layer – Place the red gelatin in a medium-sized bowl, then pour 2/3 cup of boiling water over it and stir until combined. Allow the jello to cool before pouring it into each cup.

Step 5. Insert a toothpick into the top of each maraschino cherry. Press the cherry into the white jello to keep the stem upright while the red jello sets. Place the cups in the fridge for 3-4 hours to fully set.

Step 6. When the jello is set, remove the toothpicks by gently twisting them until they loosen from the cherry.

Step 7. The jello cups are ready to eat once fully set.

Look how pretty these dessert cups turn out. Pretty impressive, aren’t they? I know we think jello is so old-fashioned, but I think it should make a big comeback for easy desserts.

Prep Ahead

Feel free to make these a few days in advance.

• Prep the layered Jell-O cups up to 3 days in advance and keep each one tightly covered so the tops stay smooth and moist.
• Wait on the extras: add whipped cream, sprinkles, or other toppings right before serving to avoid melting or color bleeding.

Variations to try

Changing things up is always fun!

• Add some whipped cream and sprinkles on top.
• Instead of making the white gelatin, replace that layer with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Just make sure the red gelatin is cooled before adding.
• Replace the Jell-O flavors to create these dessert cups for any occasion.
• I also pour the gelatin into a clear glass baking dish and cut it into squares.
• Swap out ¼ cup water for vodka for a boozy adult dessert.

Recipe

First published: May 20, 2024, Last updated: June 26, 2025, for better readability.

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About Jere’                             

From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending.  Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.