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Specimen Jar Layered Gelatin Cup

This whimsical and colorful dessert features layers of lime gelatin, clear 'fluid', and grape gelatin, making it a perfect treat for themed parties and Halloween.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Green Layer
  • 1 box 1 (6 oz) box lime-flavored gelatin
  • 2 cups 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup 1 cup cold water
For the Clear Layer
  • 2 envelopes 2 (0.25 oz) envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1-2 drops 1-2 drops green gel food coloring
For the Purple Layer
  • 1 box 1 (6 oz) box grape-flavored gelatin
  • 2 cups 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup 1 cup cold water
For Garnish
  • 8 pieces 8 small gummy worms or plastic eyeball rings For a 'specimen' effect
  • 8 pieces 8 small clear plastic cups or mason jars For serving

Method
 

Make the Green Layer
  1. Dissolve the lime gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until no granules remain. Stir in 1 cup cold water and divide the mixture evenly among 8 cups, filling each about one-third full.
  2. Refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes until the layer is just set but still slightly tacky on top.
Mix the Clear 'Fluid' Layer
  1. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water in a heatproof bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 1/2 cups boiling water and the sugar until fully dissolved. Add 1 to 2 drops of green food coloring if desired. Let the mixture cool at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes until just warm.
Add the Clear Layer
  1. Carefully pour the cooled clear layer over the set green layer in each cup, filling another one-third. Return the cups to the fridge for 45 to 60 minutes until this layer is set but still a little tacky on top.
Make and Add the Purple Layer
  1. Dissolve the grape gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the granules are gone. Stir in 1 cup cold water and let cool for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  2. Pour it over the clear layer in each cup, filling to the top.
Garnish and Chill Again
  1. While the top layer is still soft, tuck a gummy worm or plastic eyeball ring into each cup. Refrigerate the fully assembled cups for at least 3 more hours until all layers are firm.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve the cups chilled with a spoon. Keep them upright until serving so the layers stay clean and distinct.

Notes

Ensure each layer is fully dissolved before chilling. Let layers set until tacky on top to maintain distinct layers. Keep cups level in the fridge. Store up to 4 days in the refrigerator.