July Fruit & Jello Cups

Celebrate the 4th of July with these bright and refreshing July Fruit & Jello Cups. Featuring festive red and blue gelatin layered with creamy whipped topping and finished with fresh berries, these individual desserts are as patriotic as they are delicious. They’re the perfect cool treat for hot summer gatherings and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Patriotic and Festive: The red, white, and blue layers make these cups a perfect match for Independence Day celebrations.
• Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this an ideal dessert for busy hosts.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and refrigerate until party time.
• Kid-Approved: Fun colors and fruity flavors make this a favorite among children.
• Customizable: Switch up the fruit or add a twist to the gelatin for a unique spin.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry or cherry flavored gelatin
• 1 box (3 oz) berry blue flavored gelatin
• 2 cups boiling water, divided
• 2 cups cold water, divided
• Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• Fresh strawberries, chopped
• Fresh blueberries
• Clear plastic or glass cups

Directions

1. Make Red Gelatin Layer:
   • In a bowl, dissolve the red gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well.
   • Add 1 cup of cold water, mix again, and let cool slightly.
   • Pour into the bottom of your serving cups, filling each about 1/3 of the way.
   • Place cups in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour, or until firm.
2. Add Whipped Topping Layer:
   • Once the red gelatin is set, spoon a layer of whipped topping over it, smoothing it out gently.
3. Make Blue Gelatin Layer:
   • Dissolve the blue gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stir until dissolved.
   • Add 1 cup cold water, stir, and let cool to room temperature.
   • Carefully pour the blue gelatin over the whipped topping layer until nearly full.
   • Refrigerate for another hour, or until fully set.
4. Top and Serve:
   • Just before serving, add a final dollop of whipped topping on each cup.
   • Garnish with chopped strawberries and blueberries.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 cups
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Variations

• Adult Version: Substitute half the cold water in each gelatin layer with vodka for Jello shots.
• Layered Fruit: Add a few chopped berries between gelatin layers for extra fruitiness.
• Different Holidays: Use orange and purple gelatin for Halloween or green and red for Christmas.
• Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free gelatin and light whipped topping for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Serving: Serve chilled.
• Reheating: Not applicable, as this is a cold dessert.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?

Yes, just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so it holds its shape between layers.

Can I make these a day ahead?

Yes, these are great made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

How do I keep the layers from mixing?

Let each gelatin layer fully set and cool the next layer to room temperature before adding it.

Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely—raspberries, blackberries, or diced peaches also work great.

What type of cups work best?

Clear plastic cups or small mason jars work best to show off the layers.

Can I add fruit into the gelatin layers?

Yes, you can add chopped fruit into each gelatin layer before it sets for added texture.

Can I freeze these?

Freezing is not recommended, as gelatin can lose its texture once thawed.

How long does each gelatin layer take to set?

About 1 hour in the refrigerator is usually enough, but you can chill longer for extra firmness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double each ingredient and use more cups or larger containers.

Are they safe for toddlers?

Yes, but supervise while they eat, especially if using whole berries or firm gelatin.

Conclusion

July Fruit & Jello Cups are the ultimate no-fuss, no-bake dessert for your Independence Day celebration. Their vibrant colors, cool layers, and juicy fruit toppings make them a crowd-pleasing treat that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or festive family dinners—these patriotic cups are sure to be a summertime favorite.

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