Ocean Jello Cups: A Fun & Easy Summer Treat for Kids

Make fun ocean Jello cups with gummy candies and mini umbrellas! This easy under the sea summer dessert is perfect for parties, kids, and make-ahead treats.

Looking for a fun and easy treat your kids will love? These ocean Jello cups are the perfect mix of sweet, silly, and colorful. They’re quick to make, adorable to look at, and full of summer fun!

Whether you’re planning a beach-themed party, a playdate snack, or a cool dessert for a hot day, this recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Let’s dive in and make some!

What Are Ocean Jello Cups?

Ocean Jello cups are a simple, no-bake dessert made with blue gelatin, gummy sea creatures, and crunchy Nerds candy.

Each cup looks like a tiny underwater world. The blue Jello represents ocean water, while the Nerds look like colorful pebbles or sand. Then you add gummy fish and octopuses to create your own edible aquarium.

They’re bright, fun, and perfect for any beach-themed event or summer gathering. Plus, you only need a few ingredients!

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Ingredients for Ocean Jello Cups

To make your own ocean Jello cups, you’ll need the following:

• 1 (6 oz) box of blue Jello (Sonic Ocean Water or Berry Blue flavor works great)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups cold water
• Gummy octopus
• Gummy fish (I used Swedish Fish and Gummy Sharks)
• Nerds candy (any flavor or color)
• Mini paper umbrellas (optional but fun!)
• Clear plastic cups or small bowls

You can usually find all of these ingredients at your local grocery or dollar store. That makes this a super easy and budget-friendly recipe for busy moms!

Shop all of the ingredients to make these adorable summer desserts here. Use arrows on either side of images to navigate through all ingredients, then click on any you are interested in:

How to Make Ocean Jello Cups 🧂⏱️

This treat takes just a few steps to put together.

Step 1: Make the Jello

In a mixing bowl, combine the blue Jello with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes until the powder dissolves. Then add 2 cups of cold water and stir again.

Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Place the Jello in the fridge and let it set for about 2 to 4 hours.

Step 2: Add the Nerds

Pour a layer of Nerds candy into the bottom of each cup. This will be your “ocean floor.” Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on the size of your cups.

Step 3: Add the Jello

Carefully scoop the cooled Jello over the Nerds in each cup. Fill each cup about ¾ full.

Step 4: Decorate

As you are scooping Jello in, press a few gummy fish or gummy octopus into each cup. You can add more than one to create an underwater scene! Or add some in between scoops of Jello to make it look like fish are swimming in the water.

Top with more gummy sea creatures and a cute paper umbrella for a beachy vibe.

Serve chilled and enjoy! 😋

Where to Use Ocean Jello Cups 🌴

These cups are great for so many events:

• Beach-themed birthday parties
• Under the Sea classroom celebrations
• Poolside snacks
• Summer barbecues
• Vacation Bible School treats
• Playdates or picnics
• Shark Week activities

They also make a fun dessert to surprise your kids with after a long day of summer fun.

Ocean Jello Cup Variations 🐟

Want to mix things up a little? Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Add whipped cream on top for foamy waves.
• Use Swedish Fish instead of gummy fish for a different texture.
• Try sour gummy worms as sea snakes or eels.
• Mix in coconut flakes dyed green for seaweed.
• Layer with vanilla pudding to make sandy shores.
• Swap Nerds for graham cracker crumbs if you prefer less crunch.

Kids can even customize their own cups as a party activity!

Can These Be Stored or Made Ahead? 🕒

Yes! These are great for making ahead.

You can prepare ocean Jello cups up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the gummies until right before serving so they don’t get too soggy.

Store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Leftovers will keep for about 2-3 days in the fridge, but the texture may change slightly over time.

Common Questions About Ocean Jello Cups ❓

Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Yes! While blue is best for the ocean look, you can try green for a swamp or lagoon theme.

Are ocean Jello cups gluten-free?

Most ingredients are gluten-free, but always check labels, especially on the gummies and Nerds.

Can I make these in a large bowl instead of cups?

Absolutely. A clear trifle bowl works great if you want to make one big version instead of individual cups.

What if I don’t have Nerds?

You can skip them or use crushed candy, colored sugar, or cookie crumbs for texture.

Can I use plastic bowls instead of cups?

Yes, as long as they’re clear so the ocean layers show through.

Conclusion: Make a Splash with Ocean Jello Cups 🐬

These ocean Jello cups are fun, fast, and full of summer cheer. Your kids will love the bright colors, sweet gummies, and silly setup.

And you’ll love how easy they are to throw together.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just adding something special to a summer afternoon, these treats are sure to be a hit.

Ready to make your own? Grab your ingredients and create your own sea adventure today!

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More Ocean Themed Fun:

• Hydro-dipped Starfish
• Shark Coloring Bookmarks
• Beach Word Search

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