If you’re hunting for a festive treat that’s both playful and delicious, you’ve got to try my Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe. These layered little beauties capture the classic candy corn colors with a boozy twist that instantly becomes the star of any Halloween party. I absolutely love how these shots look and taste—plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Stick around because I’ll share tips that guarantee your Candy Corn Shots turn out perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Halloween Parties: The iconic candy corn layers bring fun and festive vibes that impress your guests.
Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the flavors or alcohol to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family and friends always ask for these at our fall gatherings—these shots are a guaranteed hit!

The image shows six clear cups filled with a two-layered jelly dessert on a dark rust-colored round tray. The bottom layer is bright yellow, and the top layer is bright orange, creating a glowing effect. Each cup has a thick white whipped cream layer on top, decorated with colorful Halloween-themed sprinkles in black, green, orange, and purple. To the left of the cups is a white skull, and on the right side is a white skeleton hand resting on the tray. The background is dark and blurred, making the jelly cups and decorations stand out on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the colors and flavors just right is part of the magic here. The lemon and orange gelatin mixes create that classic candy corn look, while the vanilla vodka adds a smooth sweetness that pulls everything together beautifully.

Lemon-flavored gelatin mix: Opt for a bright, quality pack to get that vibrant yellow layer without bitterness.
Boiling water: This is essential for dissolving the gelatin properly—don’t skip heating it enough!
Vanilla-flavored vodka: The vanilla notes mellow out the citrus and give a nostalgic candy vibe.
Orange-flavored gelatin mix: This delivers that rich orange tone and tangy flavor that completes the candy corn effect.
Prepared whipped cream and sprinkles: For topping—the whipped cream adds a creamy finish, and the sprinkles make it totally festive.

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.

Variations

I love that this Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe is so versatile. Over the years, I’ve played with different flavor combos and alcohol bases. Feel free to experiment—it’s your treat, after all!

Non-alcoholic version: When I have kids or non-drinkers around, I swap the vodka with cold sparkling lemonade for the same fizzy excitement without the alcohol.
Different spirits: Substituting the vanilla vodka with whipped cream vodka or even a smooth rum gives a slightly different twist—it’s fun to mix and match!
Flavored gelatin mixes: I once used a peach gelatin instead of orange for a softer tone, and my guests loved the unexpected flavor profile.
Gluten-free option: Since gelatin and vodka are naturally gluten-free, this recipe is safe, but always double-check your vodka brand if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

How to Make Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Shot Glasses and Lemon Layer

Start by arranging your shot glasses on a small rimmed baking pan—this makes transferring to the fridge easy and prevents spills. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon gelatin mix with 3/4 cup boiling water until it’s completely dissolved. Trust me, you don’t want any granules floating around. Then stir in 3/4 cup of vanilla vodka and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes. This helps prevent melting the next layer. Carefully pour or spoon the lemon layer evenly into each shot glass. Pop them into the fridge to chill for about 90 minutes or until fully set. You’ll want a firm but jiggly base for that perfect candy corn look.

Step 2: Make the Orange Layer and Finish

Once the lemon layer is set, repeat the process with the orange gelatin. Whisk the orange gelatin mix with the remaining 3/4 cup boiling water until dissolved, then stir in the last 3/4 cup of vodka. Cool for 5 minutes as before, then gently layer this mixture over the lemon layer in each glass. Return the tray to the fridge and chill for another 90 minutes until fully set. When your Candy Corn Shots are ready, top each with a dollop of whipped cream and finish with colorful sprinkles. This final touch just elevates them to the next level for your Halloween spread.

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Pro Tips for Making Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe

Patience Is Key: Rushing the chilling process can cause your layers to mix — wait for each layer to fully set before adding the next.
Cool Your Mixture Before Pouring: Let gelatin cool for a few minutes after mixing before pouring to avoid melting the set layers underneath.
Use a Rimming Tray: I find placing the shot glasses on a baking sheet makes moving them easier and prevents spills in the fridge.
Avoid Overheating Water: Use boiling water, but don’t let it sit and get cooler before mixing — it won’t dissolve the gelatin as well.

How to Serve Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe

A clear glass cup holds a layered dessert with three main layers. The bottom layer is a light green gelatin that fills about one-third of the cup. Above it is a thicker, orange gelatin layer that makes up almost half of the cup. On top, a fluffy white whipped cream layer is spread, covering the gelatin completely and slightly overflowing. The whipped cream is decorated with colorful Halloween-themed sprinkles in orange, green, white, purple, yellow, and black which add a playful texture and contrast. The cup is set on a dark surface with additional sprinkles scattered nearby, and the background is blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a swirl of whipped cream and some festive Halloween sprinkles—orange, yellow, and white really bring out the candy corn vibe. Sometimes I add a tiny candy corn topper for fun, but whipped cream is the real star for me, adding balance to the boozy jello.

Side Dishes

These shots are a fun party starter, so I like pairing them with classic snacks like spiced nuts, pretzels, or even a simple charcuterie board. The saltiness cuts through the sweetness nicely and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween gatherings, I line up the Candy Corn Shots on a black tray with dry ice underneath for that eerie fog effect—it’s always such a hit and sets a spooky tone. Another time, I served them in mini candy corn-shaped cups for extra charm. Think about using clear plastic shot glasses so the layers pop beautifully!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover shots covered in the fridge with plastic wrap or inside a sealed container. They usually keep well for up to 3 days, though honestly, my party guests inhale them way faster! Just keep them chilled until serving time for the best texture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing Candy Corn Shots as the gelatin texture changes with freezing and thawing, which can lead to graininess or separation. It’s better to make them fresh a day ahead instead.

Reheating

Since these are gelatin-based, they don’t require reheating. Just chill and serve cold! If you notice condensation on the glasses, pat them dry gently with a paper towel before serving to keep things looking sharp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol in this Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe?

Absolutely! While vanilla vodka works great for a smooth, sweet flavor, you can experiment with whipped cream vodka, rum, or even tequila depending on your taste preference. Just keep the alcohol quantity the same to maintain the gel setting.
How long do these jello shots last once made?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Candy Corn Shots will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. After that, the gelatin can start to lose its firm texture and the flavor may diminish.
Can I prepare these ahead of the party?

Yes! In fact, I recommend making them a day before to save yourself stress on the day of the event. Just ensure they are fully chilled and covered so they don’t absorb any fridge odors.
What type of shot glasses work best for these layered shots?

Clear plastic or glass shot glasses work best to showcase the candy corn layers. Smaller glasses, about 1 to 2 ounces, are perfect for portion control and presentation.
How do I prevent the layers from mixing when pouring?

Make sure each gelatin layer is fully set before pouring the next. Also, let your second gelatin mixture cool slightly before pouring so it doesn’t melt into the first layer.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and just a little patience could create such a festive, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether it’s a kids’ party (non-alcoholic version!) or an adults-only bash, these shots bring smiles and a touch of nostalgia. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family and friends do—Halloween is a little sweeter (and a lot more fun) with these in hand!

Candy Corn Shots (Halloween Jello Shots) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 74 reviews

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Refrigeration
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Candy Corn Shots are festive Halloween-themed Jello shots featuring layers of lemon and orange gelatin with vanilla vodka, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles to resemble candy corn. Perfect for adult parties, these fun and colorful treats are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Gelatin Layers

1 package lemon-flavored gelatin mix (3 ounces)
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup vanilla-flavored vodka
1 package orange-flavored gelatin mix (3 ounces)
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup vanilla-flavored vodka

For Serving

Prepared whipped cream
Sprinkles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the shot glasses: Arrange your shot glasses neatly on a small rimmed baking pan to make transporting easier.
Make lemon gelatin layer: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon-flavored gelatin mix and 3/4 cup boiling water until completely dissolved. Stir in 3/4 cup vanilla-flavored vodka. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, then carefully divide it between the shot glasses. Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill for 90 minutes or until fully set.
Make orange gelatin layer: In another small bowl, whisk the orange-flavored gelatin mix with the remaining 3/4 cup boiling water until dissolved. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup vanilla vodka. Let this cool for 5 minutes before carefully layering it over the lemon gelatin in the shot glasses. Refrigerate again for 90 minutes or until the orange layer is completely set.
Serve: Just before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each shot and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for a festive look that mimics candy corn.

Notes

The layered colors resemble classic candy corn, adding a festive Halloween theme to your party.
These jello shots contain alcohol and are intended for adult consumption only.
Use a small rimmed baking pan to easily transport shot glasses between preparation steps.
Ensure each gelatin layer is fully set before adding the next to maintain distinct layers.
Feel free to experiment with different flavored vodkas for a unique twist.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 shot (approximately 2 oz)
Calories: 92
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Fat: 0.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 2 mg