Fish Bowl Jello Cups: A Fun and Colorful Summer Dessert for Kids
Fish bowl Jello cups are a bright, playful, and easy summer dessert that brings a splash of fun to any celebration. With their vibrant colors and whimsical underwater theme, these sweet treats are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Serve this summer party dessert at birthday celebrations, backyard BBQs, or simply as a cheerful treat to brighten up an ordinary day.
This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and delivers big on both flavor and visual appeal. The Swedish fish dessert offers a creative twist on classic Jello cups, making it a standout treat thatโs as fun to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love Fish Bowl Jello Cups
These fish bowl treats are a fun twist on a classic dessert. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Kid-Friendly: The colorful layers and sweet Swedish fish are sure to excite little ones.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can prepare this fun dessert in about 10 minutes (not including chill time).
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the colors and toppings. Use different flavored Jell-O or add extra gummy sea creatures for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Parties: Whether you’re celebrating a summer event, a birthday, or a beach-themed gathering, these ocean-themed Jello cups will add the perfect fun factor to your spread!
Ingredients for Ocean-themed Jello Cups
This recipe makes 4 servings and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Hereโs what youโll need:
- 1 package of Sonic Ocean Water Gelatin โ This flavor mimics the vibrant blue of the ocean and gives the dessert its “water” look. You can easily find this gelatin at most grocery stores, or you can use another blue-colored gelatin if you prefer.
- Swedish Fish โ These gummy candies add the perfect touch to your fish bowl. They look like little sea creatures swimming in the blue gelatin, making the dessert both fun and delicious.
- Rainbow Nerds โ These tiny, colorful candies act as the perfect base for the gelatin, mimicking the vibrant rocks and coral of an underwater world.
Equipment Youโll Need
To make the Fish Bowl Cups, youโll need the following:
- 4 clear plastic cups (8-ounce size works great for individual servings)
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon or ladle
Instructions for Making Fish Bowl Jello Cups
Making this fun dessert is quick and simple. Here’s how you can do it in just a few steps:
1. Prepare the Gelatin
Start by preparing the Ocean Water Gelatin according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves dissolving the powder in hot water and then adding cold water to help it set. Allow the gelatin to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
2. Layer the Rainbow Nerds
Take the four clear plastic cups and pour a layer of Rainbow Nerds into the bottom of each. The Nerds will provide a colorful, crunchy base for your gelatin and help enhance the “fish bowl” effect. You can use as much or as little as you like, but about 2 tablespoons per cup should be plenty.
3. Add the Gelatin
Once your Ocean Water Gelatin has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the Nerds in each cup. Be sure to pour gently to avoid disturbing the candy too much. The gelatin will begin to set as it cools, trapping the Nerds at the bottom and creating a fun, colorful layer beneath the fish.
4. Chill the Gelatin
Place the cups in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for about 1 hour, or until the gelatin is soft set. This means the gelatin should be firm enough to hold its shape but still slightly wobbly. This step is crucial before adding the Swedish fish, as it ensures theyโll stay in place once added.
5. Add the Swedish Fish
Once the gelatin has set, gently press Swedish Fish into the top of each cup. You can arrange them to look like theyโre swimming or floating around in your fish bowl. The bright red candy will contrast beautifully with the blue gelatin, creating a striking underwater effect.
For an extra touch of fun, you can add more Swedish Fish on top of the gelatin as a decoration. Arrange them in any pattern you like, and feel free to use more than one per cup for an even fishier look!
6. Final Chill
Return the cups to the refrigerator for an additional hour, allowing the gelatin to fully set. At this point, the gelatin will be firm and ready to serve. Make sure to let them chill for the full time so they maintain their perfect texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once fully set, your jello cups are ready to be served! You can enjoy them immediately or store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. These cups are perfect for kids and adults alike and can be a fun activity for little ones to assemble as well!
Tips and Variations
- Different Flavors: If you canโt find Sonic Ocean Water Gelatin, feel free to use another blue-colored gelatin, such as blue raspberry or tropical punch. You can even experiment with different flavors to create your own custom fish bowl.
- Extra Toppings: For an even more magical touch, you could add some edible glitter or whipped cream to the top of the Jello before serving.
- Other Candies: Consider adding gummy worms, sharks, or other ocean-themed candies for variety. You could even make a whole ocean scene with multiple types of candy!
Why These Fish Bowl Jello Cups Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These treats are delicious and visually stunning. Their vibrant colors and playful design make them the perfect dessert for a variety of occasions, such as:
- Summertime Socials: The bright blue color and Swedish fish make them ideal for a summer BBQ or beach-themed party.
- Birthday Parties: Whether youโre celebrating a childโs birthday or an adultโs, this Swedish Fish dessert will add a fun touch to the celebration.
- Themed Gatherings: If youโre hosting an ocean-themed event, a pool party, or even a โFinding Nemoโ-inspired gathering, these ocean-themed Jello cups will be a hit.
Why this Swedish Fish Dessert Is a Must-Try Treat
Fish bowl jello cups are the ultimate combination of fun, flavor, and creativity. With their bright colors, playful Swedish fish, and simple preparation, these cups will become a hit at any event. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress your guests. So grab your ingredients, set up your cups, and prepare for an underwater adventure with this summer dessert for kids.
