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Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe·5 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking for a fun, colorful twist on party drinks this season, you’ve got to try my Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe. These layered treats are as delicious as they are eye-catching, perfect for Halloween or any festive get-together. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be the star of the party—friends keep asking me for the recipe!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Layered Flavor & Texture: Each color brings its own flavor with added whipped cream for a creamy, light texture that makes these jello shots irresistible.
  • Perfect Balance of Booze: Vodka adds a nice kick without overpowering the sweet, candy-inspired taste.
  • Easy to Make in Advance: Prep them ahead, chill, and garnish right before serving for maximum freshness.
  • Super Visual Appeal: The classic candy corn colors layered beautifully make for a festive treat that’s as fun to look at as to eat.
The image shows several small clear glass cups filled with a layered dessert that has three colors: a pale yellow layer at the bottom, a bright orange layer in the middle, and a slightly darker yellow layer on top. Each cup is topped with a swirl of white whipped cream and decorated with two small candy corns, which are yellow, orange, and white. The cups are placed on a white marbled surface, with some candy corns scattered around. The shot is bright and clear, making the colors of the layers and candies stand out well. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe lies in carefully balancing flavor and texture with each layer. Using whipped cream in every layer softens the gelatin, giving it a creamy mouthfeel that mimics actual candy corn without getting too stiff. Plus, simple syrup sweetens the white layer perfectly!

  • Unflavored Gelatin: Essential to create the soft white layer and help everything set just right without tasting chalky.
  • Vodka: Keeps it classic with the perfect boozy punch; plus, it blends well with the sweetness.
  • Simple Syrup: Adds the right amount of sweetness without granules, making your shots smooth.
  • Whipped Cream: Lightens the texture across layers and adds a subtle creamy flavor, crucial for that candy corn feel.
  • Almond Extract: Just a hint to evoke that nostalgic candy corn flavor; optional but highly recommended.
  • Orange and Yellow Gelatin Boxes: These bring in not just color but also complementary fruity notes, plus they set quickly for easy layering.
  • Boiling and Cold Water: Properly dissolves gelatin and balances drinks so they aren’t too watery or too stiff.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I always encourage playing around with this Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe to suit your crowd. Whether you want to dial down the alcohol for a lighter version or swap out flavors to match your personal taste, there’s room for customization that makes this recipe truly yours.

  • Variation: I once swapped almond extract in the white layer for a splash of orange extract, and it added a lovely citrus twist that paired wonderfully with the orange and yellow layers.
  • Alcohol-free option: Simply replace vodka with cold water or a citrus soda for a fun mocktail jello shot everyone can enjoy.
  • Seasonal variations: Try swapping the orange and yellow gelatin for flavors like lime and cherry for a Christmas-themed take.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin in Vodka for the White Layer

Start by adding vodka to a medium mixing bowl, then sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the top. Let it sit undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until the gelatin blooms—it’ll thicken and absorb the vodka, forming a jelly-like texture. This step is essential to ensure your white layer sets smoothly and isn’t grainy.

Step 2: Dissolve Gelatin, Add Sweetness, and Whip Cream

Pour boiling water over the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. Next, mix in the simple syrup for sweetness, then gently fold in the whipped cream and almond extract. Be gentle while whisking here – overdoing it will create foam, which will affect the texture of your layer.

Step 3: Pour and Chill Your White Layer

Using a small injector or your favorite pourable measuring cup, fill each shot glass about one-third full with the white layer. Place them on a flat surface in the fridge and chill for about an hour until firm but not rock solid—this way, your next layer will bond nicely.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Layer

While the white layer chills, dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water, stirring well. Add cold water and vodka, then gently whisk in whipped cream. Let this mixture cool for 15 minutes so it’s not too hot when layered—otherwise, it could melt the white layer.

Step 5: Layer the Orange Gelatin and Chill

Pour the cooled orange gelatin over the set white layer, filling each glass another third of the way. Pop these back into the fridge for another hour, allowing the second layer to firm up nicely.

Step 6: Repeat With the Yellow Layer

Follow the same steps for the yellow layer: dissolve gelatin, add water, vodka, and whipped cream, cool and then pour atop the orange layer. Chill until fully set, about an hour more.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each jello shot and stick a candy corn for the final festive touch. Believe me, it’s the little details like these that make these shots unforgettable!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Gentle Folding: When adding whipped cream, gently fold instead of whisking hard to avoid too much air and foam in your layers.
  • Cool Down Gelatin Layers: Let each gelatin layer cool slightly before pouring on top; otherwise, the layers may mix or melt.
  • Choose the Right Containers: I prefer plastic shot cups for easy removal; glass works too but be sure to provide spoons.
  • Garnish Last Minute: Add whipped cream and candy corn right before serving to avoid soggy candy and stiff cream.

How to Serve Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe

The image shows several small clear glasses filled with three layered jelly shots placed on a wooden surface. Each glass has a bottom layer of white jelly, a middle layer of orange jelly, and a top layer of yellow jelly. On top of each glass is a swirl of white whipped cream, with small candy pieces that are orange, yellow, and white, placed for decoration. More of these candy pieces are scattered around the wooden surface. The background features a soft-focused window with green outside light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping each shot with a swirl of whipped cream and one candy corn perched on top—it’s the ultimate combo for that iconic candy corn vibe. Sometimes I skip the garnish if the shots are chilling for a while and add it right before guests arrive. It keeps everything fresh and visually appealing.

Side Dishes

These jello shots pair wonderfully with salty snacks to balance the sweetness, like kettle corn, roasted nuts, or even spicy popcorn. If you’re having a full party spread, simple finger foods like sliders or soft pretzels complement them well too.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I’ve arranged these Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe in a festive tray shaped like a pumpkin or spider web. Another hit was putting mini forks in each shot placed on a mirrored tray—super chic and guests loved the extra touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover jello shots uncovered in the fridge for up to two days. If I want them to last longer, I cover them tightly — they stay fresh for about five days. Just remember: garnish only when you’re ready to serve!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t something I recommend for these. The texture changes quite a bit and can make the shots watery and unpleasant once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh within a few days prepared.

Reheating

Since these are chilled gelatin shots, reheating isn’t really part of the plan. If you want to soften them for easier serving, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin for the white layer?

    While you can, I recommend sticking to unflavored gelatin for the white layer because it allows you to control the flavor with almond extract and simple syrup. Flavored gelatin might clash with the candy corn profile and the layered look.

  2. What’s the best way to avoid blending the layers together?

    Make sure the lower layer is fully set and that the new gelatin mixture has cooled before pouring it on top. Pour gently and use a spoon held just above the layer to slow the pour and prevent breaking the layer beneath.

  3. Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

    Absolutely! Just substitute the vodka for cold water or a citrus-flavored soda. It will keep the flavor and texture fun without the booze—perfect for all ages.

  4. How do I remove the jello shots from plastic shot cups?

    Gently squeeze the bottom of the cup to loosen the jello, then upside down press them onto a flat surface. Using plastic cups really makes this super easy! For glass, mini spoons work great for scooping.

  5. Why does the white layer sometimes have little light lines?

    This happens because of whipped cream settling in the layers, which is hard to avoid if you want that creamy texture. The light lines actually add to the candy corn look, so don’t worry—it’s part of the charm!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe is more than just a dessert cocktail—it’s a conversation starter and a memory maker. When I first made these for a Halloween party, people couldn’t get enough. It’s the perfect combo of festive, flavorful, and fun, and I’m betting you and your crew will love them as much as I do. Give it a go, and don’t forget to garnish them last minute for the freshest, prettiest shots around!

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Candy Corn Jello Shots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Candy Corn Jello Shots are festive, layered gelatin treats infused with vodka and topped with whipped cream and candy corn. Perfect for parties, these colorful jello shots combine creamy and fruity flavors embodying the classic candy corn theme.

Ingredients

White Layer:

  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin (0.25 ounces each)
  • 0.5 cup vodka
  • 0.5 cup boiling water
  • 0.5 cup simple syrup
  • 0.5 cup whipped cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract

Orange Layer:

  • 1 box orange gelatin (3 ounces)
  • 0.75 cup boiling water
  • 0.5 cup cold water
  • 0.5 cup vodka
  • 0.33 cup whipped cream

Yellow Layer:

  • 1 box yellow jello (3 ounces)
  • 0.75 cup boiling water
  • 0.5 cup cold water
  • 0.5 cup vodka
  • 0.33 cup whipped cream

Garnish (optional):

  • Whipped cream
  • Candy corn

Instructions

  1. Prepare White Gelatin Mixture: Add the vodka for the white layer to a medium mixing bowl. Pour the unflavored gelatin packets over the top and lightly mix to wet all the powder. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Pour boiling water over and stir until fully dissolved. Add the simple syrup and stir gently. Fold in the whipped cream carefully to avoid foaminess, then add almond extract and mix gently.
  2. Set White Layer: Pour the white gelatin mixture into shot cups filling about one-third full. Place the cups on an even surface in the fridge for 1 hour until set.
  3. Prepare Orange Gelatin Mixture: When the white layer is almost set, dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water in a medium bowl. Stir until dissolved, then add vodka and cold water and stir again. Fold in whipped cream gently. Let cool about 15 minutes as the white layer finishes setting.
  4. Set Orange Layer: Carefully add the orange mixture on top of the white layer in the shot cups, filling another third. Chill for 1 hour until set.
  5. Prepare Yellow Gelatin Mixture: Repeat the same preparation as the orange layer—dissolve yellow jello in boiling water, add vodka, cold water, and whipped cream, stirring gently to combine.
  6. Set Yellow Layer: Add the yellow gelatin mixture on top of the orange layer, filling the cups completely. Refrigerate until fully set, approximately 1 hour.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once the yellow layer is set, top each shot with a dollop of whipped cream and a piece of candy corn just before serving.

Notes

  • Store shots uncovered in the fridge up to 2 days or covered for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.
  • Use a Wilton 1M frosting tip and disposable bag for pretty whipped cream dollops.
  • Only garnish right before serving to avoid whipped cream stiffness and candy corn becoming sticky.
  • If using glass shot glasses, provide mini spoons as gelatin can stick to glass sides.
  • You can use smaller shot cups for more servings; each color layer should still fill one-third of the cup.
  • Almond extract in the white layer is optional and adds candy corn flavor; substitute with fruity extracts if preferred.
  • Whipped cream in layers may cause light white lines between layers, which helps define the layers visually.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 ounces
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg

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