I love making these fun candy corn Jello shots for Halloween or fall parties in general. I make mine boozy with vodka, but they’re equally easy to make without if you’re serving them up for the kiddos! These bright, layered shots are a perfect sweet party treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect For Halloween. The candy corn-inspired layers make these an instantly festive party treat!
- Fun Layered Look. Bright yellow, orange, and white layers create a fun presentation that looks just like candy corn (but doesn’t taste like it, if you don’t like the actual candy)!
- Easy Party Treat. They’re simple to prepare ahead of time and keep chilled until you’re ready to serve
- Sweet And Fruity. Colorful gelatin and flavored spirits create a fun, candy-inspired flavor
- Great For Entertaining. Individual portions make them easy to serve at Halloween parties and gatherings
- Make-Ahead Friendly. Prepare them in advance so they’re ready when guests arrive
- Easy To Customize. Switch up the flavors, colors, booze, or garnishes to create your own version
- A Fun Twist On Classic Jello Shots. The layered design makes them more special than a basic single-color shot
- Great For Halloween Dessert Tables. They bring a grown-up, boozy option to a festive spread of sweet treats!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients List
- 3 oz box yellow Jell-o (lemon or pineapple)
- 3 oz box orange Jell-o
- ½ oz plain gelatin (2 packets of Knox)
- 1 ½ cups vanilla or whipped cream vodka, divided
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk (half a standard can)
- 4 cups water, divided
- 30 2-oz jello shot cups (or disposable shot glasses)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can absolutely swap up the vodka to customize your Jello shots! I also like caramel vodka (plain vodka is alright too), a light or spiced rum, or butterscotch schnapps. You can also use Malibu rum for a coconut flavor, and feel free to mix and match between layers. For a non-alcoholic option, just use all water instead!
- The sweetened condensed milk can be swapped for coconut sweetened condensed milk if you need a non-dairy option
- If you don’t want to make the white layer, you can just top the other two layers with whipped cream instead!
Step By Step Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water (about 2 minutes in a 1000W microwave, or you can use a kettle or pan on the stove). Add the lemon gelatin to the hot water, and whisk until fully dissolved. If you use a microwave safe measuring cup, you can do this right in the cup for easy pouring! Then, stir in ½ cup vanilla vodka and ½ cup of cold water, mixing until well combined
- Pour the yellow Jello mixture into the base of your Jello cups, filling them about ⅓ full. Use a sheet pan or tray to catch drips and make transferring easier. Refrigerate about 2 hours, or until firm to the touch (it can vary by exact thickness and your fridge)
- Boil another cup of water, then add the orange gelatin, whisking until fully dissolved. Add ½ cup of vanilla vodka and ½ cup cold water and mix. Then, carefully pour the orange layer on top of the yellow first layer, so that each cup is now about ⅔ full. Refrigerate for another 2 hours or so, until firm on the top
- Mix the unflavored gelatin with another 1 cup of boiling water, and stir until fully dissolved. Add in the last ½ cup vodka and the sweetened condensed milk, stirring again until fully dissolved. Pour the white final layer evenly over top of the orange layer, then refrigerate at least another 2+ hours (or overnight is fine). Note this layer will be texturally thicker because of the milk
- Add any toppings or garnishes you like (such as whipped cream, sprinkles, or a candy corn piece) to the top of each shot, and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Candy corn Jello shots are sweet, fruity, and festive, making them a fun addition to a Halloween party spread. Pair them with salty snacks, savory appetizers, and a few spooky treats for a balanced table!
Halloween Party Foods
- Mummy Pigs In A Blanket: A savory, salty bite that contrasts nicely with the sweet Jello shots. Try my Air Fryer Mummy Dogs!
- Monster Meatballs: Hearty and savory enough to balance the candy-like sweetness
- Halloween Charcuterie Board: Cheese, cured meats, crackers, and fruit give guests plenty of savory options
- Spooky Deviled Eggs: A creamy, savory appetizer that fits right into the Halloween theme
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Rich, savory mushrooms provide a nice contrast to the fruity shots
Salty Snacks
- Soft Pretzels: Their salty flavor is a natural match for sweet Jello shots
- Popcorn: Lightly salted popcorn gives guests an easy snack between shots
- Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, salty, and slightly savory, with enough flavor to stand up to the sweetness
- Chips And Dip: A classic party snack that gives the spread some creamy and salty balance
Hearty Party Bites
- Chicken Wings: Spicy or savory wings pair well with sweet, fruity shots
- Jalapeño Poppers: Creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors provide plenty of contrast. My Mummy Jalapeno Poppers make a great themed choice!
- Mini Sliders: A substantial option for guests who need something more filling
- Loaded Potato Skins: Bacon, cheese, and potatoes bring a hearty savory element to the party!
Halloween Sweets
- Dark Chocolate Brownies: Rich, slightly bitter chocolate helps balance the sweetness
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination works especially well here. Try my Pumpkin Chocolate Covered Pretzels!
- Halloween Rice Krispie Treats: A festive option that adds fun shapes and colors without overwhelming the table
- Monster Cookies: A playful Halloween addition when you want a little more dessert variety
Recipe FAQs
What Is The Best Alcohol To Put In Jello Shots?
Vodka is the most popular choice because its neutral flavor lets the Jello and flavors shine. Flavored vodkas allow for easy customization as well.
Can I Make These With Leftover Candy Corn?
Yes! Leftover candy corn works perfectly in these Jello shots, ideally as a topper added just before serving. It’s a great way to use up extra Halloween candy while adding a festive look.
Can I Double The Recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all of the ingredients to make a larger batch. Make sure to allow enough refrigerator space for everything to chill, and don’t change proportions when scaling (too much alcohol can result in the shots not setting properly).
Tips For the Best Candy Corn Jello Shots
- These shots can be prepared 1-2 days in advance for easy party planning! Store in the fridge, and add garnishes only when ready to serve
- Make sure to let each layer set fully before adding the next one to maintain the stripes when layering. The orange and yellow will be a more soft border, while the white layer will stay sharper (due to the added condensed milk making it thicker and opaque)
- Feel free to use other shot cup sizes, but the number you need will vary, and Jello setting times will vary depending how thick each layer is!
- If your layers are bleeding colors, make sure to let the layers set well, use extra cold water when making a new layer, and/or let the fresh layer cool for about 15 minutes before pouring, which should all help to prevent this from happening
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Keep Jello shots refrigerated until ready to serve
- Use lids or plastic wrap to cover the shots to prevent them from absorbing refrigerator odors
- Store upright (stacking covered cups is fine). Keep the cups level in the refrigerator so the layers stay neat and even
- Do not freeze, as freezing can change the texture and make the Jello shots watery when thawed
Serving Tips
- Jello shots are best served cold straight from the refrigerator when they’re firm and chilled
- Place the shots on a tray or Halloween-themed platter for an easy party presentation!
- For longer parties, set the tray over a larger tray of ice to help keep the shots cold
- Arrange the cups in rows with enough space between them so guests can easily pick one up. Offer small spoons if desired for easier eating!
More Halloween Jello Shots
- Witch’s Brew Jello Shots
- Black Magic Jello Shots
Final Thoughts
These candy corn Jello shots are such a fun treat for Halloween (or fall parties in general)! They look so eye-catching, with their yellow, orange, and white layers, and are perfect topped with a real candy corn candy, whipped cream, or sprinkles.
Individual cups are an easy grab and go single serving, making them ideal for entertaining. You can squeeze them out of the containers, or enjoy them with a spoon.
I make mine with vanilla or whipped cream vodka, but you can get creative with other liquor to make them your own, or skip the booze and make a jiggly confection for the whole family!
Katie’s tip
Check out all of my Halloween Jello Shots to add a variety to your spooktacular party table. Cheers!
Candy Corn Jello Shots (With Vodka)
Servings: 30
Candy corn Jello shots are a fun yellow, orange, and white layered shot perfect for Halloween and fall. Made with vanilla vodka, they’re sweet, fruity, and great for the adults!
Equipment
- Microwave safe bowl (or large microwave safe measuring cup)
- Spatula (or whisk/spoon)
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box yellow Jello (lemon or pineapple)
- 3 ounce box orange Jello
- ½ ounce plain gelatin (2 packets of Knox)
- 1 ½ cups vanilla or whipped cream vodka (divided)
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half a standard can)
- 4 cups water (divided)
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water (about 2 minutes in a 1000W microwave, or you can use a kettle or pan on the stove). Add the yellow Jello to the hot water, and whisk until fully dissolved. If you use a microwave safe measuring cup, you can do this right in the cup for easy pouring! Then, stir in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup of cold water, mixing until well combined3 ounce box yellow Jello, 4 cups water, 1 ½ cups vanilla or whipped cream vodka
- Pour the yellow Jello mixture into the base of your Jello cups, filling them about ⅓ full. Tip: place on a sheet pan or tray to catch drips and make transferring easier. Refrigerate about 2 hours, or until firm to the touch (it can vary by exact thickness and your fridge)
- Boil another cup of water, then add the orange Jello, whisking until fully dissolved. Add ½ cup of vodka and ½ cup cold water and mix. Then, carefully pour the orange layer on top of the yellow layer, so that each cup is now about ⅔ full. Refrigerate for another 2 hours or so, until firm on the top3 ounce box orange Jello, 4 cups water, 1 ½ cups vanilla or whipped cream vodka
- Mix the unflavored gelatin with another 1 cup of boiling water, and stir until fully dissolved. Add in the last ½ cup vodka and the sweetened condensed milk, stirring again until fully dissolved. Pour the white layer evenly over top of the orange layer, then refrigerate at least another 2+ hours (or overnight is fine). Note this layer will be texturally thicker because of the milk½ ounce plain gelatin, 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 4 cups water, 1 ½ cups vanilla or whipped cream vodka
- Add any toppings or garnishes you like (such as whipped cream, sprinkles, or a candy corn candy) and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap the vodka to customize your Jello shots! Try caramel vodka, a light or spiced rum, or butterscotch schnapps. You can also use Malibu rum for a coconut flavor, or mix and match between layers. For a non-alcoholic option, just use all water instead!
- The sweetened condensed milk can be swapped for coconut sweetened condensed milk for a non-dairy option
- To save time, you can skip making the white layer and top the other two layers with whipped cream instead!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings added, size of cups, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 26g | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1.1g | Fat: 0.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 33mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 23.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 25mg
