Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Apricot Gelatin Salad

Teresa Ambra

 2013 – Gluten Free Living

This luscious Apricot Gelatin Salad has been one of our favorites over the years. It’s made with apricot Jello, marshmallows, bananas, crushed pineapple, and has a marvelous cream cheese topping on top. Wow! Talk about wonderful.

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It’s a great salad to take along to potlucks or have when you’re having a cookout or barbecue and want something cool to eat rather than heating up the kitchen. It’s also one of those fluffy-type salads (because of the topping) that’s really enjoyable to sink your teeth into.

About three decades ago, Bonnie Rodriguez brought this Jello salad recipe to several potlucks at our church. I asked her for the recipe and she gladly provided it to me. The instructions were somewhat unclear so the first time I made this on my own I just mixed the topping ingredients together not realizing you had to cook them to get them to thicken.

So I made that notation in my cookbook and the second time I made it, the recipe turned out perfectly. While my pictures show this salad decorated with peach and banana slices, I did that only for decoration. The original recipe doesn’t have anything on top of the cream cheese topping (nor does it need anything else).

Gelatin recipes have sort of fallen out of favor over the past decade or so, although they were really popular between the 1950s and 1980s. This recipe is really exceptional. In order to get my Jello recipes to thicken, I usually put them in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour–depending on if they need to be firm or just thick enough to stir in more ingredients.

Any Jello recipe like this one which has a topping must already be completely set before putting any kind of topping on top or the topping will just dissolve into the Jello ingredients (which you don’t want to happen)!

If you’re looking for a great salad recipe for picnics or summer parties, then look no farther than this appetizing Apricot Gelatin Salad. Your family and your guests will enjoy this great recipe even if they’re not used to eating Jello-type salads.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Apricot Gelatin Salad is so refreshing–especially in the summer.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

The hardest thing about this recipe is finding apricot Jello! Only certain grocery store chains carry it. This recipe is also good made with peach Jello.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

This close up shows the texture of the Jello and the amazing cream cheese topping. Apricot Gelatin Salad is a great recipe for picnics or potlucks because it provides at least 12 large servings.

Here’s what I did.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0632

You will need two boxes of apricot gelatin. Jello is the only maker of this flavor gelatin. You will not be able to find a knock-off brand for this flavor.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0634

Place hot water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0635

Add the two packages of apricot Jello and stir to combine.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0637

Add a cup of miniature marshmallows and continue stirring until marshmallows are completely dissolved. Continue stirring over medium heat.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0639

The marshmallows have finally dissolved.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0640

Add cold water. (Not tap water.) This is cold water from the refrigerator with a couple of ice cubes in it. The original recipe says this should thicken a little. Mine NEVER has! Add cold water to the apricot gelatin mixture and stir to combine.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0641

Pour mixture into a glass 9×13″ baking dish.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_5328

Place a large bowl underneath a colander and press juice out of a can of crushed pineapple reserving the juice.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0643

Here’s the reserved pineapple juice. Set it aside; you will need it for the topping.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0644

Stir crushed pineapple into the apricot gelatin mixture.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0646

Add sliced bananas and stir ingredients to combine. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour (mine took an hour) until mixture is set.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0649

Meanwhile, make Pineapple Cream Cheese Topping. Place butter in saucepan. Add sugar.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0650

Add cornstarch.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0651

Add egg and pineapple juice. Turn on low to medium heat and whisk all the ingredients together. Continue whisking and cooking until mixture starts to thicken. I usually cook it about two minutes after that time whisking continuously.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0652

Cube cream cheese.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0653

Add cream cheese to thickened pineapple juice mixture. Continue whisking until cream cheese dissolves into the remaining ingredients. Make sure you’re heat is not too high. You don’t want to scorch the mixture.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0655

Here the cream cheese has finally dissolved into the remaining ingredients. You can see how nice and thick the topping gets. Allow topping ingredients to cool completely.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0665

It took about an hour in the freezer for my Apricot Gelatin to set up firmly enough that I could spread the topping on top.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0666

Spread Pineapple Cream Cheese Topping over top of the Apricot Gelatin Salad in a somewhat thin layer so the whole salad is covered.

Apricot Gelatin Salad - IMG_0669

Here, I’ve covered the gelatin with the topping. Refrigerate for a few hours until ready to serve.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Apricot Gelatin Salad is perfect for summer holiday fun, but it’s also a great salad to make for family get-togethers during the fall and spring, too.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

If desired, you can garnish the gelatin with fruit.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

We love this salad! It’s so refreshing during hot, summer days.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

The marshmallows are dissolved with the Jello but they provide a nice taste in addition to the apricot jello base. Pineapple juice is added to the cream cheese infusing the topping with a great flavor. 

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Marshmallows, bananas, apricot jello and pineapple make an unbeatable combination. Add  the pineapple-sweetened cream cheese topping, and you have an irresistible salad everyone will love.

Here’s the recipe.

APRICOT GELATIN SALAD

(Recipe from Bonnie Rodriguez, when we attended First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, Largo, FL)

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Apricot Gelatin Salad

Teresa Ambra
Apricot Gelatin Salad is absolutely fantastic. This drool-worthy salad is made with apricot Jello, marshmallows, bananas, pineapple & a scrumptious cream cheese topping that is amazing. It's a delicious gelatin salad that tastes more like dessert! It's terrific for company or holidays. This is one of those vintage recipes you'll want to make a lot during the summer months, it's just so wonderful!
4.20 from 5 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 168 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large sauce pan
  • 1 medium sauce pan
  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 knife to slice bananas

Ingredients
  

APRICOT GELATIN SALAD:

  • 6 oz. pkg. Jello apricot gelatin (or two 3-oz. boxes)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 cup jet-puffed miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 large bananas sliced
  • 16 oz. can crushed pineapple drained

PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened

Instructions
 

APRICOT GELATIN SALAD:

  • Heat apricot gelatin, hot water and marshmallows in a medium sauce pan until marshmallows are melted.
  • Add 2 cups ice cold water.
  • Let this thicken. (I have found it never really thickens much).
  • Pour into a 9x13” glass baking dish.
  • Add bananas and drained crushed pineapple and stir well to combine.
  • Put in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes until mixture thickens and sets.
  • Spread cooled topping over top of gelatin and place in the refrigerator to set.

PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:

  • Put all ingredients except cream cheese in a saucepan and cook on medium heat until mixture begins to thicken.
  • Add cream cheese cut into chunks.
  • Stir with whisk until cream cheese dissolves.
  • Remove from heat and cool.
  • Spread cooled topping on gelatin once gelatin has set well.
  • Refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

NOTE: I normally don't garnish this salad with fruit. But you can add whatever you desire on top of the topping.
 
NOTE: The allotted time for this recipe do not include refrigerator or freezer time necessary to set the bottom layer before adding the topping.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 171mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 102IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword apricot, bananas, cream cheese, pineapple, salad, side dish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Apricot Gelatin Salad[/b]
Recipe Type: Salads and Salad Dressings
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Bonnie Rodriguez when we attended First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, Largo, FL
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 15
Apricot Gelatin Salad is made with apricot Jello, marshmallows, bananas, pineapple & a scrumptious cream cheese topping that is amazing. This delicious gelatin salad tastes more like dessert!
Ingredients
  • 6-oz. pkg. Jello apricot gelatin
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 cup Kraft jet-puffed miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 sliced bananas
  • 1 can crushed Dole pineapple, drained, reserving juice
Instructions
  1. Heat apricot gelatin, hot water and marshmallows until marshmallows are melted.
  2. Add 2 cups ice cold water.
  3. Let this thicken. (I have found it never really thickens much).
  4. Pour into a 9×13” glass baking dish.
  5. Add bananas and drained crushed pineapple and stir well to combine.
  6. Put in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes until mixture thickens and sets.
  7. Spread cooled topping over top of gelatin and place in the refrigerator to set.
Notes
I normally don’t garnish this salad with fruit. But you can add whatever you desire on top of the topping.

 

PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:

(Recipe adapted from Bonnie Rodriguez, First Baptist Church Indian Rocks, Largo, FL)

 

[b]Pineapple Cream Cheese Topping[/b]
Recipe Type: Salads and Salad Dressings
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Bonnie Rodriguez when we attended First Baptist Church Indian Rocks, Largo, FL
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 15
Apricot Gelatin Salad is made with apricot Jello, marshmallows, bananas, pineapple & a scrumptious cream cheese topping that is amazing. This delicious gelatin salad tastes more like dessert!
Ingredients
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 4 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp. real butter
  • ½ cup reserved Dole pineapple juice
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 8-oz. pkg. Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients except cream cheese in a saucepan and cook on medium heat until mixture begins to thicken.
  2. Add cream cheese cut into chunks.
  3. Stir with whisk until cream cheese dissolves.
  4. Remove from heat and cool.
  5. Spread cooled topping on gelatin once gelatin has set well.
  6. Refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
The allotted time for this recipe do not include refrigerator or freezer time necessary to set the bottom layer before adding the topping.
Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Try this salad out the next time you have company or your neighbors over for a backyard barbecue. Yum.

Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Apricot Gelatin Salad is such a satisfying fruit-gelatin type salad. We find it the perfect salad to serve any time of the year, but it’s extra special for summer holiday fun.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes! 

Blueberry Salad

Blueberry Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious congealed #salad is made with #grape #JellO, #pineapple, #blueberrypiefilling & has a lovely #creamcheese topping. It's delightful for potlucks, company or #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas. #JelloSalad #congealedsalad #blueberries #glutenfree

Jello Cranberry Salad

Jello Cranberry Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #CongealedSalad is delightful for the #holidays. It's prepared a day in advance which is really helpful. It's made with either fresh #cranberries & sugar or #WholeBerryCranberrySauce. It also has diced #celery, #apples & #pineapple. This terrific #salad is great for #Thanksgiving or #Christmas dinner. #GlutenFree #Jello #HolidaySideDish #JelloCranberrySalad

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen
Apricot Gelatin Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this creamy #apricot #Jello #salad is one of our favorite summer salads. It's wonderful for #MemorialDay & other #holiday fun. #pineapple #bananas

Apricot Gelatin Salad

Teresa Ambra
Apricot Gelatin Salad is absolutely fantastic. This drool-worthy salad is made with apricot Jello, marshmallows, bananas, pineapple & a scrumptious cream cheese topping that is amazing. It’s a delicious gelatin salad that tastes more like dessert! It’s terrific for company or holidays. This is one of those vintage recipes you’ll want to make a lot during the summer months, it’s just so wonderful!
4.20 from 5 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 168 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large sauce pan
  • 1 medium sauce pan
  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 knife to slice bananas

Ingredients
  

APRICOT GELATIN SALAD:

  • 6 oz. pkg. Jello apricot gelatin (or two 3-oz. boxes)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 cup jet-puffed miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 large bananas sliced
  • 16 oz. can crushed pineapple drained

PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened

Instructions
 

APRICOT GELATIN SALAD:

  • Heat apricot gelatin, hot water and marshmallows in a medium sauce pan until marshmallows are melted.
  • Add 2 cups ice cold water.
  • Let this thicken. (I have found it never really thickens much).
  • Pour into a 9×13” glass baking dish.
  • Add bananas and drained crushed pineapple and stir well to combine.
  • Put in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes until mixture thickens and sets.
  • Spread cooled topping over top of gelatin and place in the refrigerator to set.

PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:

  • Put all ingredients except cream cheese in a saucepan and cook on medium heat until mixture begins to thicken.
  • Add cream cheese cut into chunks.
  • Stir with whisk until cream cheese dissolves.
  • Remove from heat and cool.
  • Spread cooled topping on gelatin once gelatin has set well.
  • Refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

NOTE: I normally don’t garnish this salad with fruit. But you can add whatever you desire on top of the topping.
 
NOTE: The allotted time for this recipe do not include refrigerator or freezer time necessary to set the bottom layer before adding the topping.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 171mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 102IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword apricot, bananas, cream cheese, pineapple, salad, side dish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

22 Comments

  • Shannon nelson

    March 27, 2024 at 7:16 pm

    5 stars
    My mother always made this recipe however she topped it with coconut at the end. Great recipe!

    1. Teresa Ambra

      March 27, 2024 at 8:05 pm

      Hi Shannon, I think coconut on top is a great addition!

  • Charlotte

    February 18, 2022 at 12:48 pm

    The instructions say two boxes of jello but the ingredients show just one. Love this recipe. Been making it since early 70s. It’s always a big hit. Enjoy your recipes

    1. Teresa

      February 19, 2022 at 10:27 am

      Hi Charlotte. Ok it’s two 3-oz. boxes or one 6-oz. box that’s needed for the recipe. (I fixed it!) Yes, it’s always a big hit when we make it too. Thanks for stopping by.

  • Anonymous

    September 13, 2019 at 4:34 am

    I have consistently found the apricot jello at Publix. My mother gave me this recipe thirty five years ago. I don’t make it often but it’s worth the effort. It’s different and delicious with the cooked topping.

    1. Teresa

      September 13, 2019 at 12:06 pm

      Yes it is! I think it the southwest this may be able to be purchased at Kroger. Thanks for sharing.

    2. Carol

      November 27, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      I also made peach pineapple banana dessert. I let the jello thicken a ittle before mixing in pineapple so as not to have pineapple float to top. Add bananas, chill completely. Top with Vanilla pudding and chill again. Finally top with Cool Whip. I am bringing this back to this century and sharing with friends. I know they will just love it. Thank you for post.

      1. Teresa

        November 28, 2019 at 8:11 am

        Hi, Carol. This amazing vintage recipe is one we still enjoy eating – even decades later!

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  • Bethany

    July 3, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been looking for this recipe, my mother had a recipe box an she threw it out, and with it this recipe! She called it Sandee’ s Jello casserole. I have ha it like this an also with cool whip added to th frosting, usually around summer holidays to lighten it up a bit. The pineapple is a must, but bananas are interchangeable with blueberries, drained mandarin oranges or other non-watery fruit! Thank you!!!

    1. Teresa

      July 3, 2014 at 6:14 pm

      Wow, I love the idea of using it with blueberries, mandarin oranges or other fruit. This is one of those recipes I’ve never fooled around with much, but I will the next time I make it! I’m so glad you have the recipe in time for the holidays, Bethany. Enjoy.

  • Diana McDaniel

    January 2, 2014 at 9:32 pm

    I have this same recipe except I add 1 small cool whip to the cream cheese frosting–delicious

    1. Teresa

      January 3, 2014 at 6:31 am

      I bet it’s delicious that way too! Thanks for stopping by, Diana.

      1. Caron

        December 24, 2020 at 3:58 am

        I live in the UK and my mum originally got this recepie from my grandmother in Kentucky probably over 50 years ago and it is now a tradition in our house to make this every Christmas as a dessert. It’s a favourite.
        A couple if differences, we don’t melt the marshmallows but leave them floating in the jelly. We also add dream topping to the cream cheese, I think it is similar to cool whip. We also can’t find apricot or peach jelly in the UK so I usually substitute pineapple jelly instead.

        1. Caron

          December 24, 2020 at 4:15 am

          And we call this Granny’s Jelly as we have never found the recipe before.

          1. Teresa

            December 24, 2020 at 5:10 am

            So glad your family enjoys the recipe, Caron.

        2. Teresa

          December 24, 2020 at 5:10 am

          Hi, Caron. Yes, it’s one of those delicious recipes probably put out by Jell-O during the 1950s. We love it too.

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