Description
Starburst Jello in a Watermelon is a vibrant, vodka-spiked, rainbow-layered party treat served right inside a watermelon shell! It’s sweet, colorful, and made for summer. Each slice is a showstopper—perfect for BBQs, birthdays, or anytime you want to bring a wow-factor to the table.
Ingredients
1 large seedless watermelon, halved and hollowed
4–5 boxes Starburst-flavored gelatin (use a variety of colors/flavors for layers)
2½ cups boiling water (½ cup per Jello flavor)
2½ cups vodka (plain or fruit-flavored; ½ cup per flavor)
Optional: ½ cup cold water per flavor to reduce alcohol strength
Tools: sharp knife, large spoon, whisk, mixing bowl, baking sheet or tray for stability
Instructions
Prepare the Watermelon Shell
Slice your watermelon in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the fruit (save it for snacking!), leaving about ¾-inch thick walls. Pat the inside dry with paper towels and set the halves cut-side up on a tray for stability.Make the First Layer
Boil ½ cup of water and dissolve 1 box of Starburst gelatin in it, whisking for 2 full minutes. Stir in ½ cup vodka (or ¼ cup vodka + ¼ cup cold water for a lighter version). Let the mixture cool for 5–10 minutes.Pour and Chill
Pour the cooled mixture into the watermelon shell, creating a ½-inch thick layer. Place in the fridge and chill for 30–45 minutes, or until mostly set but still tacky.Repeat for Remaining Layers
Mix each gelatin flavor the same way and pour once the previous layer is firm. Alternate colors for a rainbow effect, and continue layering until the watermelon is full.Final Chill
Once all layers are in, refrigerate the watermelon for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the watermelon into wedges. Serve cold and show off those colorful stripes!
Notes
Let each gelatin layer cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the layer below.
A level fridge surface is key—use a tray to keep the melon stable.
Want a kid-friendly version? Skip the vodka and use fruit juice or water instead!
You can prep this up to 2 days ahead—just keep it chilled and covered until slicing.
Experiment with flavors or even add fruit bits to the layers for extra texture!
Pair this showstopper with fun summer cocktails like the Pink Russian, Skewer Intentions, or Jamaican Me Thirsty for a next-level party spread.