If you’re hunting for the ultimate Halloween party treat, these Candy Corn Jello Shots are pure fun in a cup! With their iconic tri-color layers inspired by classic candy corn, a creamy, sweet finish, and a boozy twist if you like, they’re a true showstopper for any spooky gathering. Whether you serve them alcohol-free or with a splash of rum, each bite is both nostalgic and delightfully grownup.

Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Candy Corn Jello Shots lies in their simple pantry staples that pack a punch of flavor and vibrant color. Each ingredient helps create those gorgeous layers and unmistakable candy corn vibes. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Lemon Jello (2–3 oz. packages): This is the yellow middle layer, giving that citrusy brightness and sunny pop.
Orange Jello (1–6 oz. package): Creates the vivid orange top, with a tangy burst that finishes each shot.
Knox Gelatin (2 envelopes): This unflavored gelatin forms the firm, opaque white base for that authentic candy corn look.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (4 tablespoons): Lends creaminess and sweetness to the white and yellow layers, making them smooth and dreamy.
Hot Water (6 cups): Dissolves the gelatin and jello powders perfectly, ensuring your shots set up just right.
Cold Water (6 cups, or substitute 1 cup rum): Helps cool the mixtures and, if you’re feeling festive, a splash of rum gives that signature party kick!
Whipped Topping: A soft, sweet crown for each shot, echoing the white tip of classic candy corn.
Candy Corn Candies: The finishing touch! Place one on each shot for the perfect Instagram-ready treat.

How to Make Candy Corn Jello Shots

Step 1: Prepare the White Layer

Bring two cups of water to a boil, then mix in two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until it’s nicely combined and creamy. Pour this steamy mixture over two envelopes of Knox gelatin in a bowl, whisking until there are no lumps left. For a spiked version, add one cup cold water and one cup rum; otherwise, simply use two cups of cold water. Combine thoroughly. This will form your white base — it’s smooth, milky, and perfectly subtle to balance the flavors above.

Step 2: Pour and Chill the White Base

Fill each shot cup about a third full with the white gelatin mixture. Pop the cups onto a tray or baking sheet for easy transport, then refrigerate for at least two hours or until fully set. Patience now means cleaner, neater layers later!

Step 3: Make the Lemon Yellow Layer

Again, boil another two cups of hot water and stir in two more tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. In a clean bowl, empty both packages of lemon jello. Pour in the sweetened hot water, whisking until all the jello powder dissolves. Add two cups of cold water, whisk well, and your yellow middle layer is ready to go.

Step 4: Layer the Lemon Jello

Carefully pour this yellow mixture over the set white layer, filling each cup another third of the way. This step turns every shot into a mini candy corn masterpiece! Return them to the fridge for another two hours of chilling so the layers stay distinct and beautiful.

Step 5: Mix Up the Orange Finale

Boil your final two cups of water and pour over the orange jello powder in a bowl, whisking thoroughly to dissolve. Stir in two cups of cold water to cool down the mixture. This orange layer will bring the classic candy corn stripe to the very top of each shot.

Step 6: Top Off with Orange and Chill

Fill the last third of each shot cup with the orange jello mixture. Grab some more patience and give them one final two-hour chill in the fridge. It’s worth every second when those bright, tidy layers come out party ready!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, swirl a little whipped topping on each jello shot and crown it with a single candy corn. Now you’re ready to wow your guests with these playful, irresistible Candy Corn Jello Shots!

How to Serve Candy Corn Jello Shots

Garnishes

The classic approach is a dollop of whipped topping and a candy corn on each shot, perfectly echoing the treat they’re inspired by. If you want to jazz things up, try colored sprinkles, a dusting of edible glitter, or even a tiny wedge of citrus for extra zest. The goal: make each one a little work of Halloween art!

Side Dishes

Pairing your Candy Corn Jello Shots with fun themed snacks makes your party even more festive. Think bowls of caramel-corn, orange and black chocolate bark, or a spooky snack mix. You could also coordinate with savory bites like sliders, deviled eggs, or veggie platters for a well-rounded spread that keeps guests munching and mingling.

Creative Ways to Present

Step up your hosting game by serving the Candy Corn Jello Shots on a black tray scattered with candy corn or glowing LED lights underneath. Try clear mini mason jars for a rustic touch, or tiered stands for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece. For extra flair, tie mini ribbons around each cup or serve with themed paper spoons. The more playful your presentation, the more memorable your party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Candy Corn Jello Shots are happiest when covered and chilled in the fridge. Keep them in their cups and cover with lids or plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or snacking after the party winds down. Just wait to add the whipped topping and candy corn until serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing jello shots isn’t generally recommended, as the texture changes and can become icy or grainy when thawed. If you do need to keep them a bit longer, it’s better to stick with the fridge. The candy corn jello shots will appreciate your patience, and so will your taste buds!

Reheating

Unlike some snacks, these jello shots don’t require any reheating — they’re served chilled for maximum firmness and flavor pop. Just grab from the fridge, add your toppings, and party on! Reheating would melt your carefully crafted layers, so keep these cool for best results.

FAQs

Can I make Candy Corn Jello Shots alcohol-free?

Absolutely! The recipe adapts easily — just use cold water instead of rum for family-friendly treats. They’re every bit as festive and delicious without the booze, so everyone can join in the fun.

What’s the best way to guarantee clean, perfect layers?

Chilling each layer until it’s totally set before adding the next is crucial. Don’t rush it! Give each layer at least two hours, and pour gently. A small pitcher or squeeze bottle helps avoid splashes and keeps those lines sharp.

How far in advance can I make these?

You can whip up Candy Corn Jello Shots up to three or four days ahead. Just hold off on whipped topping and candy corn garnishes until right before your guests arrive for the freshest presentation.

Can I use different flavors or colors?

Definitely! Swap out flavors and colors to match your party theme. Mango, peach, or pineapple for yellow, and even cherry or strawberry for the orange — have fun with it. Just aim for clear separation between layers for maximum visual impact.

What’s the easiest way to transport them?

Keep your Candy Corn Jello Shots in their cups, cover with lids or wrap, and arrange on a tray in a cooler or sturdy box. Serve them cold, and you’ll have beautiful, intact treats wherever the party takes you!

Final Thoughts

Candy Corn Jello Shots aren’t just a treat, they’re a party in a cup! They deliver big on color, nostalgia, and playful flavor, and are guaranteed to spark smiles at your next celebration. Whether you go boozy or alcohol-free, give these a try — your guests will be raving long after the last shot is gone!

Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: Approximately 20 jello shots 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Candy Corn Jello Shots are a fun and festive treat perfect for parties or Halloween gatherings. Layers of lemon and orange jello with a sweetened condensed milk mixture create a colorful and tasty shot that resembles the classic candy corn.

Instructions

White Layer: Boil 4 cups hot water, mix in 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk. Add lemon jello and gelatin, whisk well. Add cold water (or rum + water), whisk, pour into cups and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Yellow Layer: Boil 4 cups hot water, mix in 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk. Add lemon jello, whisk well. Add cold water, whisk, pour into cups on top of white layer, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Orange Layer: Boil 4 cups water, mix orange jello with hot water, whisk well. Add cold water, whisk, pour into cups on top of yellow layer, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Serving: Top with whipped cream and candy corn before serving.

Notes

For an alcoholic version, replace some cold water with rum in the orange layer.
Make sure each layer sets properly before adding the next layer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cocktail
Method: Mixing, Boiling, Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 jello shot
Calories: 80
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Candy Corn Jello Shots, Halloween Treats, Jello Shot Recipe, Party Dessert