Creepy Crawly Jello Cups with Gummy Worms

Servings: 8 Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner
pinit

Introduction

Creepy Crawly Jello Cups with Gummy Worms are a playful, spooky dessert perfect for Halloween parties, kids’ gatherings, or themed celebrations. These colorful cups combine wiggly, jiggly Jello with squirmy gummy worms to create a fun treat that looks a little gross—but tastes absolutely delicious.

They’re easy to prepare, customizable with different colors and flavors, and guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few squeals!) to both kids and adults.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s creative, festive, and kid-friendly. It brings out the fun side of food—you don’t just eat it, you laugh at how silly and spooky it looks first. It’s also a recipe that allows flexibility: you can use any flavor of Jello, add whipped cream “dirt,” crushed cookies, or even layer different colors for extra effect.

It’s a dessert that makes Halloween feel more playful and magical—and one that kids will always remember.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

  • It’s incredibly easy—just a few ingredients and some chilling time.
  • It’s a perfect Halloween dessert that doubles as décor.
  • It’s budget-friendly and makes enough for a crowd.
  • You can customize endlessly with different flavors, decorations, or candy.

Recipe Information

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Servings: 8 cups
  • Calories: ~180 calories per serving (varies by Jello and gummy brand)

Cuisine and Course

  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Dessert / Party Snack

Ingredients

  • 2 boxes (3 oz each) flavored Jello gelatin mix (lime or grape work great for spooky effect)
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 bag gummy worms
  • (Optional) 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies (for “dirt”)
  • (Optional) Whipped cream for topping

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Prepare Jello according to package instructions.
  2. Pour into clear cups and chill until slightly set.
  3. Insert gummy worms so they “crawl out” of the Jello.
  4. Chill until firm, then top with cookie “dirt” or whipped cream if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Jello

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve Jello mix in 4 cups of boiling water.
  2. Stir well, then add 4 cups of cold water.
  3. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Step 2: Pour and Chill

  1. Pour the Jello mixture evenly into 8 clear plastic cups.
  2. Place cups in the refrigerator for 1–1.5 hours, until the Jello is partially set but not firm.

Step 3: Add the Worms

  1. Gently push gummy worms halfway into the semi-set Jello, leaving part of them hanging out like they’re crawling.
  2. Refrigerate for another 1–2 hours until the Jello is fully set.

Step 4: Final Touches

  1. Just before serving, top each cup with crushed chocolate cookies for a “dirt” effect.
  2. Add whipped cream if desired, and place one or two extra gummy worms on top.

How to Serve

  • Serve chilled, directly in the clear cups, so the gummy worms are visible.
  • Place on a Halloween-themed tray with spiderweb decorations for an extra spooky presentation.
  • Great as a kids’ party dessert, or as part of a Halloween buffet spread.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use clear cups so the worms are visible through the Jello.
  • For layered Jello, use two different colors—let one set halfway, then pour the other on top.
  • Use sour gummy worms for a tangy twist.
  • Make them ahead of time—Jello holds well in the fridge.

Variations

  • Graveyard Cups: Add crushed cookies and a cookie “tombstone” on top.
  • Bloody Effect: Use cherry Jello and gummy worms for a scarier vibe.
  • Candy Mix: Add gummy spiders or gummy eyeballs for extra creepiness.
  • Healthy Twist: Use sugar-free Jello and fruit-based gummies.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended (Jello loses texture when frozen).

Special Equipment Needed

  • Clear plastic or glass cups
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Refrigerator space for chilling cups

Conclusion

Creepy Crawly Jello Cups with Gummy Worms are the perfect blend of spooky fun and delicious flavor. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and customizable, they bring joy (and playful scares) to any Halloween or themed party.

Whether you’re hosting a kids’ gathering, a festive family dinner, or a Halloween bash, these wiggly, jiggly treats are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re creepy, they’re crawly, and they’re totally yummy

Creepy Crawly Jello Cups with Gummy Worms

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 3 hrs Total Time 3 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 8 Calories: 180 calories

Description

Creepy Crawly Jello Cups with Gummy Worms are a playful, spooky dessert perfect for Halloween parties, kids’ gatherings, or themed celebrations.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Jello : In a large bowl, dissolve Jello mix in 4 cups of boiling water.Stir well, then add 4 cups of cold water.Mix thoroughly until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pour and Chill : Pour the Jello mixture evenly into 8 clear plastic cups. Place cups in the refrigerator for 1–1.5 hours, until the Jello is partially set but not firm.
  3. Step 3: Add the Worms : Gently push gummy worms halfway into the semi-set Jello, leaving part of them hanging out like they’re crawling. Refrigerate for another 1–2 hours until the Jello is fully set.
  4. Step 4: Final Touches : Just before serving, top each cup with crushed chocolate cookies for a “dirt” effect. Add whipped cream if desired, and place one or two extra gummy worms on top.
Keywords: Creepy Crawly Jello Cups with Gummy Worms
Did you make this recipe?

Tag #wpdelicious and #deliciousrecipesplugin if you made this recipe. Follow @wpdelicious on Instagram for more recipes.

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

pinit
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q: Can I make these a day in advance?

Yes! They can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge until serving.

Q: Can I use homemade Jello instead of store-bought mix?

Absolutely—just adjust setting time according to your recipe.

Q: How do I keep gummy worms from sinking?

Add them when the Jello is partially set (about 1 hour in) so they stay in place.

Q: Can adults enjoy this too?

Definitely! You can even make a “grown-up” version with vodka-spiked Jello.

[instagram-feed]