Halloween Jello Shots (Candy Corn Jello Shots)

These Halloween Jello Shots look just like candy corn but are much easier to make than they look. Vanilla vodka gives them a smooth flavor, and they’re perfect for making ahead for Halloween parties.

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Halloween Jello Shots You Can Make Ahead For Parties

If Halloween parties are on your calendar this year, these Halloween Jello shots are one of our favorite Halloween Food Ideas for your menu! Inspired by classic candy corn, they’re made with bright yellow and orange layers, then topped with whipped cream to create the signature white tip.

While some candy corn Jello shot recipes use three separate gelatin layers, we intentionally simplified these to two. Once the whipped cream goes on top, you still get the unmistakable candy corn look, but with less waiting around for layers to set.

We also like using vanilla vodka instead of plain vodka. It softens the alcohol flavor without overpowering the fruity gelatin, so these taste like a fun party treat instead of vodka disguised as dessert. They’re an easy make-ahead addition to any Halloween party, costume party or adults-only trick-or-treat gathering.

Ingredients For Candy Corn Jello Shots

A full recipe card, including exact ingredient amounts, appears at the bottom of this post.

• lemon gelatin – creates the bright yellow base layer that gives these shots their candy corn look. 
• orange gelatin – forms the classic orange middle layer and complements the lemon flavor nicely. 
• boiling water – you’ll have to boil some water so the gelatin can completely dissolve and each layer sets up smooth and clear. 
• vanilla vodka – we prefer vanilla vodka because it rounds out the flavor and makes these shots taste a little smoother than plain vodka. Regular vodka will also work if that’s what you have on hand. 
• whipped cream – adds the white “tip” that completes the candy corn look. We use canned whipped cream here because it’s the absolute easiest to spray onto each shot. If you wanted to make a small batch of whipped cream, you could (just need to spoon a dollop on top of each shot). We recommend adding the whipped cream just before serving. 
• Halloween sprinkles – you don’t have to add a touch of Halloween sprinkles to each shot, but it certainly makes this recipe even more adorable.
• shot glasses – we use 2-ounce disposable plastic shot glasses for this recipe.

How To Make Jello Candy Corn Shots

1. ARRANGE. Arrange sixteen 2-ounce shot glasses on a small rimmed baking sheet or tray. This makes it much easier to transfer them to and from the refrigerator without spills. 
2. MAKE THE YELLOW LAYER. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon gelatin and 3/4 cup boiling hot water until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in 3/4 cup vanilla vodka. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes, then divide it evenly among the shot glasses. 
3. CHILL. Refrigerate for about 90 minutes, or until the yellow layer is completely firm. It should feel set when you gently touch the surface. 
4. MAKE THE ORANGE LAYER. Whisk together the orange gelatin and the remaining 3/4 cup boiling water until dissolved. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup vanilla vodka. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully pour the mixture over the yellow layer. 
5. CHILL AGAIN. Return the shots to the refrigerator for another 90 minutes, or until fully set. 
6. GARNISH AND SERVE. Just before serving, top each shot with a dollop of whipped cream and a pinch of Halloween sprinkles.

Halloween Themed Jello Shots Variations

• USE PLAIN VODKA – Regular vodka works perfectly well if you don’t have vanilla vodka. The flavor will be a bit less sweet, but the shots will still set nicely. 
• TRY WHIPPED CREAM VODKA – If you enjoy sweeter dessert-style cocktails, whipped cream vodka is another fun option. 
• MAKE THEM WITH RUM – For a slightly different flavor. A vanilla-flavored rum would be nice here. We don’t recommend whiskey – the flavor is too strong.
• CHANGE THE GARNISH – Skip the sprinkles or swap in black, orange or gold sprinkles to match your Halloween party theme.

Make Ahead And Storage

• Make Ahead: These candy corn Jello shots are a great make-ahead party treat. Prepare the gelatin layers up to 1 day in advance, then add the whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving for the best presentation. 
• Refrigerate: Leave the shots uncovered in the refrigerator until they’re completely chilled to prevent condensation from forming. Then loosely cover the tray with plastic wrap or transfer the shots to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. 
• Freeze: Freezing isn’t recommended. Gelatin doesn’t thaw well and the texture will become watery and rubbery.

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