Red White Blue Layered Cups (Printable)

Colorful layered cups with red, white, and blue stripes for festive summer gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Red Layer

01 - 1 (3 oz) box strawberry or cherry flavored gelatin dessert
02 - 1 cup boiling water
03 - 1/2 cup cold water

→ White Layer

04 - 1 envelope (0.25 oz) unflavored gelatin
05 - 1/2 cup cold water
06 - 1/2 cup boiling water
07 - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

→ Blue Layer

08 - 1 (3 oz) box blue raspberry flavored gelatin dessert
09 - 1 cup boiling water
10 - 1/2 cup cold water

→ Optional Garnish

11 - Whipped cream as needed
12 - Fresh blueberries and strawberries as needed

# Directions:

01 - Arrange 8 clear cups with 6 to 8 ounce capacity on a work surface.
02 - Dissolve red gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Distribute approximately 2 tablespoons into each cup. Position cups at a slight angle using a muffin tin for support. Refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes until completely set.
03 - Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water and allow to bloom for 5 minutes. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water and stir until fully dissolved. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir thoroughly. Cool mixture to room temperature before proceeding.
04 - Once red layer is fully set, gently pour white mixture over red layer, distributing approximately 2 tablespoons per cup. Position cups upright and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes until firm.
05 - Dissolve blue gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Cool mixture to room temperature.
06 - After white layer is firmly set, carefully pour blue gelatin over white layer, using approximately 2 tablespoons per cup. Place cups upright in refrigerator for at least 2 hours until completely set.
07 - Before serving, top each cup with whipped cream and fresh berries if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're showstoppers that look way fancier than the fifteen minutes of actual work they demand.
  • The whole thing is a forgiving, fun project for kids to help with (the slow layering feels less stressful when you've got a buddy).
  • You can make them up to three days ahead and just pull them from the fridge when guests arrive.
02 -
  • Patience with the layering is everything—if you pour a new layer when the one below isn't completely set, they blur together and you lose that striking striped effect.
  • Letting the blue Jello cool before pouring it is non-negotiable, because warm liquid will absolutely melt into the white layer and ruin the whole thing.
03 -
  • Use clear plastic cups instead of glass if you're worried about breakage at a party, and honestly they look just as pretty through the plastic.
  • If your sweetened condensed milk is very thick, warm it slightly before stirring it into the gelatin mixture so it combines smoothly without lumps.
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