This 4th of July jello dessert will bring a bright splash of red, white, and blue patriotic colors to your holiday spread! Keep to the basic recipe for kids & adults alike or turn them into VODKA JELL O SHOTS with 1 simple twist.
Either way, these are easy to do and won’t heat your kitchen up.
My husband loves jello. He could probably eat it every night. I ate tons of it in my early 30’s when I started doing the Atkins diet and went keto full-tilt-boogey. I never get tired of making it because the colors are so electric and vibrant!
Jello will keep forever in your pantry. Ok, maybe not as long as Twinkies, but close. The reason why I’m mentioning this is because BERRY BLUE jello can be a bit tricky to find, especially around the 4th of July. So when I find it (even if there’s snow on the ground), I always pick up a couple boxes.
If calories are a concern, I’ve seen LITE Jello in just about every color and flavor. It practically doesn’t have any calories at all!
How to Make 4th of July Jello (for everyone!)
- MAKE BLUE JELLO: Bring 1 cup of water to boil in a medium pot. Empty 1 box of berry blue Jello into the boiling water and stir until sugar and gelatin is dissolved. Stir in 3/4 cup of cold water.
- Divide jello between 4 clear glasses (about 1/2 cup in each) making the base blue layers.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
- MAKE WHIP CREAM: With an electric mixer, whip together 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a mixing bowl until stiff. Layer 1 inch whip cream over blue jello.
- MAKE RED JELLO: Bring 1 cup of water to boil in a medium pot. Empty 1 box of red Jello into the boiling water and stir until sugar and gelatin is dissolved. Stir in 3/4 cup of cold water. Let it come to room temperature.
- Make the red layer by pouring the red jello over whip cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
- Top with remaining whip cream.
TIP: Save time, hassle, and dishes by using Cool Whip in place of making your own whip cream.
How to Make 4th of July Jello SHOTS
- MAKE BLUE JELLO: Mix 1 cup boiling water with 1 box of berry blue Jello and stir until sugar and gelatin is dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup of VODKA.
- Divide jello between 6 clear SHOT glasses (approximately 1/4 cup each).
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
- MAKE WHIP CREAM: With an electric mixer, whip together 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until stiff. Layer 1 inch whip cream over blue jello. (Or See TIP above).
- MAKE RED JELLO: Bring 1 cup of water to boil in a medium pot. Empty 1 box of red Jello into the boiling water and stir until sugar and gelatin is dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup of VODKA. Let it come to room temperature.
- Pour red jello over whip cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hours or until set.
- Top with remaining whip cream.
TIP: After adding the whip cream or Cool Whip, wipe the glass with a damp paper towel to clean off the sides. This will help make the next layer clean and neat.
Variations you might like to try
My aunt Katherine used to make a layered jello dessert similar to this for the holidays. She’d make a layer with the plain jello, then she’d add a little sour cream or heavy cream to create a colorful opaque layer. Then she’d repeat this process with the next color. 
I’ve also made the “white” layer in this fourth of July jello by making a condensed milk mixture with a package of unflavored gelatin with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Personally, I like using whip cream or Cool Whip for the middle layer because it’s faster and it’s like spooning into a surprise!
This is also a great KETO low carb dessert by using sugar free jello.
More Summer Holiday Treats
Even if you don’t have a popsicle mold, Laura’s Watermelon Popsicles are worth making in an ice cube tray. Speaking of watermelon… I’m also a huge fan of this Watermelon Salad with feta and blueberries. It’s got the patriotic colors and it’s a refreshing salad.
Blueberry Watermelon Salad
Top this Pineapple Angel Food cake with whip cream, blackberries and strawberries or raspberries for a fun 4th of July dessert. 
Happy 4th of July!
4th of July Jello Dessert & Shots
4th of July jello will bring a bright splash of red, white, and blue patriotic colors to your holiday spread! Keep to the basic recipe for kids & adults alike or turn them into VODKA JELL O SHOTS with 1 simple twist.
Ingredients
- 1 box berry blue jello
- 1 box red jello
- 1/2 package Cool Whip
- 1 cup vodka if making jello shots
- 3.5 cups water
Instructions
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MAKE BLUE LAYER: Bring 1 cup of water to boil and mix in 1 package of berry blue jello. Turn off heat and stir until dissolved.
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Stir in 3/4 cup cold water. If you are making jello shots, stir in 1/2 cup vodka instead of water.
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Divide between 4-6 clear glasses and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
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When blue layer has set, spread 1 inch layer of Cool Whip or whip cream.
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MAKE RED LAYER: Mix red jello with 1 cup boiling water and stir until dissolved.
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Stir in 3/4 cup cold water. If you are making jello shots, stir in 1/2 cup vodka instead of water. Let cool completely.
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Pour equal amounts over whip cream and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
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Top with whip topping.
Recipe Notes
Variation: In place of Cool Whip, try making your own whip topping.
In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla with an electric mixer until stiff.
My kids would love these!! (The non-alcoholic version)
I love your recipes. You really do a wonderful job of showing step by step how to make everything. You make me look good to my family!🤣😊thanks!💙
Definitely saving this recipe for next year 😄