Description
This Edible Aquarium Parfait is a whimsical dessert featuring layers of blue gelatin, crushed cookies as sand, and colorful gummy sea creatures. It’s perfect for beach or ocean-themed parties and a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 2 (3 oz) boxes blue gelatin (Berry Blue Jell-O or similar)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- 8–10 vanilla cookies or graham crackers, crushed
- 1 cup gummy sea creatures (fish, sharks, turtles, or octopuses)
- ½ cup whipped cream (optional)
- ¼ cup mint leaves (optional, for seaweed)
- 4 strips sour belts (optional, for coral)
- ¼ cup candy rocks or chocolate pebbles (optional)
- Clear cups, mason jars, or dessert tumblers
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the blue gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of cold water and stir until combined. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes.
- Place the vanilla cookies or graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the crushed cookies into each clear cup or jar, pressing down gently to form the ‘sand’ layer.
- Carefully pour the cooled gelatin over the cookie layer in each cup, filling them about three-quarters full. Refrigerate the cups for 1–2 hours until the gelatin is partially set.
- Once the gelatin is jiggly but holds its shape, gently press the gummy sea creatures into the gelatin. Add mint leaves or sour belts to represent seaweed and coral. Return the cups to the refrigerator for another 2 hours or until fully set.
- Just before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top to resemble ocean waves. For an extra touch, let a gummy shark peek out from the whipped cream.
Notes
- Use tonic water instead of cold water for a glow-in-the-dark effect under blacklight.
- Prepare up to 24 hours in advance but add whipped cream just before serving.
- Use a trifle dish for a large version of the parfait.
- Fruits like grapes or blueberries can replace gummy candies for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
