Looking for an easy St Patrick’s Day treat children can help make at home? These rainbow jelly cups are a simple colourful recipe that turns a few ingredients into a bright layered dessert inspired by the colours of a rainbow.

Perfect for St Patrick’s Day, spring celebrations, or a playful afternoon kitchen activity, this recipe combines soft jelly layers, creamy texture, and whipped topping to create something that feels festive without being complicated.

For families celebrating with The Elf on the Shelf®, this also makes a lovely seasonal surprise for a Scout Elf setup, especially when placed beside your elf as part of a rainbow-themed display.

What is an easy St Patrick’s Day dessert children can make?

One easy St Patrick’s Day dessert children can help make is layered rainbow jelly cups.

Because each colour sets separately, children can watch the rainbow build layer by layer, which makes the recipe feel just as fun as eating it.

The finished cups are bright, playful and ideal for serving after lunch, as an afternoon treat, or alongside other St Patrick’s Day activities at home.

Why do rainbow treats work so well for St Patrick’s Day?

Rainbow treats are closely linked to St Patrick’s Day because rainbows are part of the familiar story children know around leprechauns, lucky treasure and pots of gold.

For younger children especially, colourful food often feels instantly festive without needing lots of decoration.

This recipe also works well because each stage is visual, which helps children stay engaged throughout.


How to make the St Patrick’s Day Rainbow Cups

You’re in luck! Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Santa’s Scout Elves are sharing a colorful treat that creates a fun project for your little leprechauns. Besides hunting for four-leaf clovers, taking a bite out of this “pot of gold” is the Scout Elves’ favorite way to spend St. Paddy’s Day at the North Pole. We know you and your family will be over the rainbow for this yummy treat!

You’ll Need:

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Gelatin Cups – The Elf on the Shelf
  • Gelatin in five colors (red, orange, yellow, green and blue)
  • 4 cups Greek yogurt
  • Whipped cream
  • Clear 9 oz. plastic cups
  • Two bowls
  • Whisk

Instructions:

Makes approximately 8–12 servings

  1. PUT the first packet of gelatin you are going to use into its own bowl. To create a rainbow, you’ll want to go in this order: blue, green, yellow, orange and red.
  2. ADD one cup of boiling water to the gelatin. Whisk the mixture and make sure the gelatin dissolves. St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Gelatin Cups – The Elf on the Shelf
  3. DIVIDE the mixture in half, and wait for it to cool.
  4. Once the gelatin is room temperature, WHISK 1/3 cup Greek yogurt into one of the bowls of gelatin. Helpful hint: If you mix the yogurt in too soon, it may curdle when combined with gelatin that is still hot.
  5. POUR the gelatin and Greek yogurt mixture into the cups in thin layers until it is all gone. Helpful hint: Depending on the thickness of the layers, this recipe yields 8–12 servings. St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Gelatin Cups – The Elf on the Shelf
  6. PUT the cups in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to set. Once the gelatin and yogurt mixture has set, pour the second layer of plain blue gelatin on top in a thin layer.
  7. PUT the cups in the freezer again for 15–20 minutes to set.
  8. Once it is set, REPEAT the first seven steps with the other gelatin packets. Remember to go by the colors of the rainbow! St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Gelatin Cups – The Elf on the Shelf St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Gelatin Cups – The Elf on the Shelf
  9. After completing the final layer, TOP with whipped cream, and enjoy! St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Gelatin Cups – The Elf on the Shelf

This recipe may contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Before using our recipes, always check the ingredient list and food labels of all ingredients and be sure to seek advice from a qualified physician if needed.