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Old-fashioned candy brings back memories of childhood with this creamy and fruity Circus Peanut Jello Salad. Potlucks and BBQ’s just got more fun!
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Circus Peanut Jello Salad
Does anyone remember the old-fashioned candy, Circus Peanuts? Back in the day, they were made by a candy company called Spangler. The candies are banana-flavored, orange, and peanut-shaped. From what I’ve gathered, they are one of those very polar things that people either love or hate.
How do you make Circus Peanut Jello Salad?
Start by chopping the circus peanuts into small pieces and placing them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add water and microwave until melted and smooth. Mix the orange gelatin with water. Add the melted candy mixture and pineapple to the gelatin. Allow the mixture to partially set. Fold in whipped topping and transfer the mixture to a glass baking dish. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares and garnish with additional Circus Peanuts.
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Where do I find Circus Peanuts?
Your local grocery store may carry them. However, I’ve noticed they are not as easy to find as they once were. For this recipe, I found mine on Amazon. I got the big 2-pound bag, so I would have plenty for this salad dish, as well as plenty to share with my kiddos for a treat!
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Circus Peanut Jello Salad
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 44 circus peanut candies, divided
- 1 cup boiling water, divided
- 2 packages orange gelatin, 3 ounces each
- 2 cans crushed pineapple, undrained, 8 ounces each
- 1 carton frozen whipped topping, thawed, 8 ounces
Instructions
- Set aside 12 circus peanut candies for garnish. With the remaining 32 candies, cut them into small pieces and place them in a microwave safe bowl. Add 1/4 cup of boiling water. Cover and microwave on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 1 minute longer. Stir until smooth.
- In a large bowl, dissolve orange gelatin in remaining 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir in candy mixture and pineapple. Refrigerate until partially set.
- Fold whipped topping into the gelatin mixture. Pour into a 9×13-in. baking dish lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate until firm.
- Cut into squares. Top each square with a reserved circus peanut.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out your jello flavor – just keep in mind that while the peanuts look orange they are technically banana flavored!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe killed my mother
This is delicious and unique. I love the pineapple in it and suggest adding even more. I made it with banana flavored circus peanuts. So good.
My mother’s family is from the Illinois Prairie neat an Amish Settlement. In several of their cookbooks they list this Circus Peanut Salad.
This looks incredibly delicious!
Such a fun jello salad! My kids would love it!!!
An interesting combination that looks refreshing !
Such a classic! Looks yummy!