Jiggly Delight: Candy Corn Inspired Gelatin Ghosts—The Ultimate Halloween Treat
Halloween parties call for a little bit of spooky magic, and sometimes the best treats are the ones that are both cute and a blast to eat. Forget the store-bought candy—this year, you’re going to be the hero of the dessert table with these Candy Corn Inspired Gelatin Ghosts.
I’m Jason Griffith, and I’m always looking for a recipe that combines fun presentation with simple execution. This dessert is the answer. It has the classic, vibrant yellow, orange, and white colors of the beloved candy corn, but instead of sticky, chewy fondant, you get layers of cool, wobbly, sweet gelatin topped with a ghostly swirl of whipped cream. They’re served in mini clear cups, making them perfect for grabbing right off the table. They’re a certified party trick, and I promise you, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is genius because it takes a simple concept—layered gelatin—and gives it a spooky, seasonal twist. Here’s why this recipe earns a permanent spot in my party rotation:
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Serving them in individual cups makes them a breeze for guests. No slicing, no mess, just grab and go.
- The Wow Factor: The vibrant layers are stunning, and the little whipped cream ghost faces are just too cute. This dessert is a guaranteed centerpiece. It’s almost as much fun as making a gorgeous, colorful dessert like How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This is the ultimate prep-ahead dessert. It requires serious chilling time, which means all the hard work is done days before your party.
- No-Bake Simplicity: No oven? No problem! This is a simple stovetop and refrigerator recipe, perfect for freeing up your oven for party appetizers like These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Ingredients
(Makes 12 mini cups)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| For the Yellow Layer | ||
| Lemon Gelatin Mix (3 oz. box) | 1 box | Any brand will work. |
| For the Orange Layer | ||
| Orange Gelatin Mix (3 oz. box) | 1 box | The key to the candy corn color. |
| For the White Layer | ||
| Unflavored Gelatin (packets) | 2 packets | |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | Chilled is best for a creamy texture. |
| Granulated Sugar | 41 cup | Adjust to taste. |
| Vanilla Extract (optional) | 21 teaspoon | For an extra layer of flavor. |
| For the Ghost Topping & Face | ||
| Whipped Cream (heavy cream) | 1 cup, chilled | Or use a tub of whipped topping. |
| Powdered Sugar (if making from scratch) | 2 tablespoons | |
| Candy Eyeballs | 24 | Mini chocolate chips also work well. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Mini Cups vs. Shot Glasses: The recipe is designed for small, 2-ounce clear mini cups or shot glasses. The clear container is essential to show off those beautiful layers.
- White Layer Creaminess: For an even richer, creamier white layer, you can substitute the whole milk with evaporated milk or a 21 cup of heavy cream mixed with 21 cup of whole milk.
- Speeding up the Chill: You can place your cups in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes between layers to set them faster, but watch them closely to prevent freezing!
- Flavor Combo: The lemon and orange combo is classic, but you can technically use Pineapple for yellow and Peach for orange. The color payoff is what really matters here.
Instructions: Layering Your Gelatin Ghosts
The secret to perfect layered gelatin is patience and ensuring each layer is completely set before adding the next.
Step 1: Prep the Yellow Layer (The Base)
- Prepare Gelatin: Following the package directions for the standard set, dissolve the lemon gelatin mix in the specified amount of boiling water.
- Cool Slightly: Let the mixture cool for about 5–10 minutes on the counter to prevent it from melting your cup.
- Pour and Chill: Carefully pour the yellow liquid into the bottom of your 12 mini cups, filling them about 31 of the way.
- Set: Transfer the cups to the refrigerator and chill for approximately 1–1.5 hours, or until the layer is firm to the touch (but not sticky).
Step 2: Prep the Orange Layer (The Middle)
- Prepare Gelatin: Repeat the dissolving and cooling process with the orange gelatin mix.
- Pour and Chill: Once the yellow layer is firm, pour the orange mixture gently over it, filling the cup up to about 32full.
- Set: Return the cups to the refrigerator and chill for another 1–1.5 hours until the orange layer is fully set.
Step 3: Create the Creamy White Layer
- Bloom Gelatin: Pour 2 tablespoons of cold water into a small bowl and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes to “bloom” (thicken and gel).
- Heat Milk: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and sugar over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the milk from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the optional vanilla extract.
- Cool: Allow the white mixture to cool significantly (15–20 minutes) until it’s barely warm to the touch. This prevents it from melting the orange layer.
- Pour and Final Chill: Gently pour the white mixture over the orange layer, filling the cup to the top. Chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the entire cup is perfectly firm.
Step 4: Ghost Decoration
- Prep Topping: If using pre-made whipped topping, scoop it into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off). If making fresh whipped cream, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then transfer to the piping bag.
- Pipe the Ghost: Pipe a generous swirl of whipped cream on top of the white layer, pulling up at the top to create a ghost-like shape.
- Add the Face: Immediately place two candy eyeballs or mini chocolate chips onto the front of the whipped cream to form the ghost’s face.
- Serve: Keep chilled until party time!
Tips for Success
- Cool is Crucial: The most common mistake with layered gelatin is pouring the new layer while the liquid is still warm, which melts the layer below and creates muddy colors. Always let your gelatin cool (but not set) before pouring.
- The Gentle Pour: To ensure the layers stay distinct, pour the liquid over the back of a spoon held just above the set layer. This diffuses the force of the liquid and prevents it from breaking the surface.
- Know Your Container Size: This recipe is scaled for 12 mini (2-ounce) cups. If you use standard 4-ounce cups, you will only get about 6 servings, and you will need to increase the chilling time for each layer.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Gelatin Ghosts are a fun, sweet finish to a festive meal.
Drinks: Pair this sweet treat with a refreshing, themed beverage. The vibrant flavors work perfectly with This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days. For the adults, a spooky cocktail like a classic Margarita or a Rum Punch (made with dark rum to match the holiday mood) is ideal.
Savory Starters: Balance the sweetness with some delicious savory appetizers that are easy for guests to graze on:
- A rich, cheesy dip like my This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers (perfect for a busy party day).
- A fun finger food like a simple tray of baked brie with crackers.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Estimate)
Based on 12 mini-cup servings using prepared gelatin mix, milk, sugar, and a swirl of whipped topping.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 120−150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2−4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1−3 g |
| Sodium | 70−90 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20−25 g |
| Total Sugars | 18−22 g |
| Protein | 2−3 g |
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Note: These values are estimated and may vary based on the specific gelatin, milk, and whipped cream brands used.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Gelatin is a wonderful make-ahead dessert!
- Making Ahead: You can make the layered gelatin cups up to 3 days in advance. Store them covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
- Topping: Do not add the whipped cream and candy eyes until just before serving! The whipped cream will start to weep and flatten after a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Any leftovers should be covered and kept chilled. They will last for another 2–3 days. If the ghost topping gets messy, you can always scrape it off and add a fresh swirl of cream.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved this easy, fun dessert, check out some of my other crowd-pleasing recipes:
- Sweet Bites: For another adorable, bite-sized sweet, try The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About And Asking The Recipe For.
- Brownie Heaven: If you’re craving deep, fudgy chocolate, you have to make These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- Party Food: Need more great appetizer ideas? You can’t go wrong with These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Final Thoughts
These Candy Corn Inspired Gelatin Ghosts bring a playful, edible element of spooky season to any gathering. They are a true labor of love in a low-effort package, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your party. Happy chilling, and happy haunting!
What’s your favorite Halloween party trick? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow @ChefManiac on social media for more holiday hacks and easy entertaining recipes!
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