Okay, friends, I have to tell you — these Wiggly Worm Jell-O Cups are hands-down the most fun Halloween treat to make with kids, and they never fail to bring out the giggles! Imagine bright, wobbly jello filled with gummy worms that wiggle and squirm right before your eyes. It’s like a tiny edible swamp in a cup! The best part? It’s super simple to put together, so you and the little goblins in your life can whip these up between costume fittings and pumpkin carving. Trust me, the combination of jiggly, fruity Jell-O with chewy gummy worms is a hit every single time. Plus, they’re perfectly portioned for little hands (or sneaky grown-ups). Let’s get creepy and wiggly in the kitchen!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (to dissolve gelatin)
Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling)
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
2 (3-ounce) packages flavored gelatin (I like cherry and lime for that spooky red and green effect)
2 cups boiling water
2 cups cold water
1 (5-ounce) bag gummy worms
How I Make It
Step 1:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and carefully pour it into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the 2 gelatin packets evenly over the hot water and stir well until all the gelatin is completely dissolved. This step is key to getting that crystal-clear, jiggly texture.
Step 2:
Add 2 cups of cold water to the mixture and stir again. This cools it down so the gelatin sets properly without becoming grainy.
Step 3:
Pour a small layer of the liquid gelatin into clear plastic cups—about 1/3 full—and pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. You want this first layer just set enough to hold the gummy worms without them sinking to the bottom in the next step.
Step 4:
Once that bottom layer is slightly firm, add 3–4 gummy worms on top, arranging them so they look like they’re crawling around. Pour the remaining liquid gelatin carefully over the worms to fill the cups.
Step 5:
Place the cups back in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. The worms will wiggle deliciously when you jiggle the cups!
Step 6:
Serve chilled and watch everyone get delightfully grossed out — in the best way!
Variations & Tips
Use different flavored gelatin colors like orange and blue for variety.
Swap gummy worms for gummy spiders or eyeballs to mix up the creepy crawlies.
Layer the gelatin in multiple colors by letting each layer set before adding the next.
If you want firmer jello, slightly reduce the cold water by 1/4 cup.
For a fun twist, add a splash of lemon-lime soda instead of cold water for fizz.
How I Like to Serve It
These jiggly cups are perfect for kid-friendly Halloween parties or classroom treats — just make sure to keep them chilled until serving. They also work great as a spooky finish to a family dinner or as a surprise snack in your little one’s lunchbox during October. Little plastic spoons or spooky-themed straws make eating them extra fun!
Notes
Store the Jell-O cups covered in the fridge; they keep well for up to 3 days.
Because these are gelatin-based, avoid freezing — it changes the texture.
Closing: This Wiggly Worm Jell-O Cup recipe always works like a charm, bringing creepy smiles and tasty fun to your Halloween celebrations every year!
