These red white and blue Jell-O cups are a festive, low‑calorie layered dessert that’s ideal for the 4th of July or Memorial Day — only 110 calories per cup.
Why Make This Recipe?
- They look impressive but are very simple to make — an easy, festive dessert for summer holidays.
- Kid tested and kid approved, and you can add a small serving of fruit for extra flavor and color.
- Easily customizable for other occasions — swap colors for Christmas or school colors for graduation parties.
- Best of all, these are only 110 calories per cup, and they can be even lower in calories if you use two sugar‑free mixes.
Ingredient Notes
- This recipe uses two small boxes of Jell‑O to make six cups — I used one sugar‑free raspberry and one berry blue. Keep the ratio 1:1 to scale up.
- You need one package of fat‑free Cool Whip, thawed, for the white layer or topping.
- Toppings are optional. I like fresh raspberries and blueberries for garnish. Sprinkles, cherries, or brownie bits also work.
- Use clear cups to show the layers — 9 oz short plastic cups are recommended for best presentation.
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the raspberry Jell‑O according to the box directions. To create a diagonal layer, flip a muffin pan upside down and nestle the clear cups into the wells so they sit at an angle. Fill each cup halfway with the raspberry Jell‑O. Refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours.
- When the red layer is firm, prepare the berry blue Jell‑O and chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes so it’s cold but still pourable. If it’s too warm you’ll mix the colors and get purple layers.
- Place the cups upright on a flat surface and slowly pour the chilled blue Jell‑O over the red. Return the cups to the refrigerator and chill for another 4 hours or until set.
- Once set, top each cup with thawed Cool Whip and garnish with raspberries and blueberries. Serve chilled and enjoy.
FAQs and Expert Tips
- Shopping: Pick up short, clear cups (9 oz recommended), two small boxes of Jell‑O, a container of Cool Whip, and fresh raspberries and blueberries.
- Substitutions: Try different flavors or use regular or sugar‑free mixes. Swap toppings to suit your event.
- Prep: Patience is key — be sure each layer is completely chilled before adding the next to keep clean lines.
- Storage: Store assembled cups in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days. For make‑ahead convenience, prepare the Jell‑O layers in advance and add Cool Whip and berries just before serving.
If the layers blend and create purple, either the red layer wasn’t fully set or the blue layer was too warm when poured. Let the first layer set for at least 4 hours and ensure the second layer is well chilled before pouring.
Chilling the prepared Jell‑O for 15–20 minutes usually brings it to the right consistency for layering. If unsure, a quick ice cube test helps: if an ice cube causes the mix to crack, it’s still too warm.
Yes. Make and chill both Jell‑O layers ahead of time, then add Cool Whip and fruit just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Gently reheat the mixture to return it to a pourable state using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth and avoid boiling the Jell‑O, or it may not set properly.
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What do you think? Did this recipe make the cut or did it crumble? Tell us what you’d do differently — leave a comment below!
Red White and Blue Jell-o Cups
- Author: Caitlin
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These red white and blue Jell‑O cups are a colorful, low‑calorie layered dessert perfect for summer celebrations — only 110 calories per cup.
Ingredients
- 1 small box sugar‑free raspberry Jell‑O
- 1 small box berry blue Jell‑O
- 1 package fat‑free Cool Whip, thawed
- Raspberries and blueberries for garnish
- 6 short, clear plastic cups (about 9 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the raspberry Jell‑O per package directions. Angle cups in an inverted muffin pan and fill halfway. Chill at least 4 hours until firm.
- Prepare the berry blue Jell‑O and chill for 15–20 minutes until cold but still pourable.
- Place cups upright on a flat surface and slowly pour the blue Jell‑O on top of the red. Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.
- Top with Cool Whip and fresh berries before serving.
Notes
Shopping: Use short, clear 9 oz cups, two small Jell‑O boxes, Cool Whip, and fresh berries.
Substitutions: Try different flavors or toppings — sprinkles, cherries, or brownie bits work well. Mix regular or sugar‑free Jell‑O to suit your needs.
Prep: Ensure each layer is fully chilled before adding the next to keep clean separation.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 7–10 days. For best appearance, add Cool Whip and berries just before serving if making ahead.