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!
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.
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
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
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Circus peanuts are my brother’s favorite candy! I have to make this for him when he comes into town next month, thanks.
I love circus peanuts! Can’t wait to try.
I’ve never tried this but it looks like a fun dessert!
This looks like such a fun recipe. My kids will love this!!
My kids absolutely loved this jello salad! Definitely going to make it again soon.
This looks so refreshing & delicious! Those peanuts remind me of my dad! He loved them. I’ll have to make this for him!
I’ve never had jello salad! I need to make this soon!
Sounds so amazing.
What a creative dessert! I bet kids go crazy over this!
Such a fun recipe. I’ll be making this all summer long. 🙂
Such a classic! Looks yummy!
An interesting combination that looks refreshing !
Such a fun jello salad! My kids would love it!!!
This looks incredibly delicious!
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 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.
This recipe killed my mother