Halloween is the perfect excuse to get a little playful in the kitchen, and these Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots are equal parts spooky and fun. They’re easy to make, eye-catching (literally!), and guaranteed to be the life of your party table. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll have a creepy-cute treat that’s festive, flavorful, and surprisingly simple—even if you’ve never made Jello shots before.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drinks / Party Treats | 15 min | 4 hrs (chilling) | 12 | ~120 kcal |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (3 oz) box flavored gelatin (lime, cherry, or orange work great for spooky vibes)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 12 canned lychee fruit (these become the “eyeballs”)
- 12 blueberries (for the pupils)
- Red gel icing (for “veins”)
- Nonstick spray or silicone shot molds (optional for easy removal)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Gelatin Base
In a heatproof bowl, whisk the gelatin with 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved. - Assemble the Eyeballs
Place a blueberry inside each lychee fruit cavity to form the “eyeball.” A little red gel icing around the opening gives a realistic “vein” effect. - Fill the Molds
Lightly spray shot cups or molds. Pour the gelatin mixture about halfway up each cup. Place one lychee “eyeball” inside. Top with more gelatin until the cup is nearly full. - Chill to Set
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm. - Serve Spooky & Cold
Just before serving, check that the eyeballs are peeking through the Jello. Add an extra drizzle of red gel icing on top for extra creepy detail!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Make Ahead: These can be made the day before your party and stored in the fridge, covered.
- Eyeball Tricks: If lychees aren’t available, peeled grapes can also work (slightly smaller but just as spooky!).
- Mold Tip: Silicone molds make removal easier, but clear plastic shot cups look great for presentation.
Recipe Variations
- Different Flavors: Try grape Jello for a darker, more eerie look, or cherry Jello for a bloody vibe.
- Candy Pupils: Swap blueberries for chocolate chips or dark candy pieces if you prefer sweeter “eyeballs.”
- Layered Shots: Alternate orange and purple Jello layers for a festive striped effect with the eyeball set in the middle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these on a tray decorated with fake spider webs, plastic spiders, or a foggy dry ice effect for maximum Halloween drama. Pair them with other themed treats like “witch’s finger cookies” or “bloody vampire punch” for a party spread that guests will remember.
Conclusion
These Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots are playful, spooky, and delightfully simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a costume bash or just want to surprise friends with a creepy treat, this recipe will bring plenty of laughs (and maybe a few shivers). Share them, snap a few pictures, and enjoy the magic of Halloween with every wiggly, spooky bite.