Delicious Double Apricot Jello with Whipped Coconut Cream: Your Go-To Allergy-Friendly & Dairy-Free Dessert Recipe

Discover a delightful twist on a classic childhood treat with this Double Apricot Jello, secretly infused with pureed apricots for an extra serving of fruit. This kid-friendly and incredibly easy recipe is perfect as an after-school snack or a light, refreshing dessert. The vibrant, fresh fruit flavor is beautifully complemented by a luscious, dairy-free whipped cream made from coconut milk, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Today, we’re taking a delightful trip down memory lane to a true childhood classic: jello. As a child, I absolutely adored jello, and truthfully, my affection for it hasn’t waned. Its charm lies in its ability to effortlessly straddle the line between a satisfying snack and a delectable dessert. In my family, it even made appearances as a side dish at dinner – a tradition I proudly inherited from my mom, not a late-night college whim! This recipe elevates that nostalgic experience by ensuring it’s not only delicious but also wonderfully allergy-friendly.

Now, with a child attending school, I find myself regularly preparing after-school snacks. This Double Apricot Jello recipe quickly became a household favorite. What makes it truly special is the ingenious inclusion of pureed apricots, replacing plain water to deliver an intense burst of apricot flavor and a hidden boost of fruit. While I appreciate whole fruit pieces in jello (hello, mandarin oranges!), there’s something uniquely satisfying about a cold, creamy, smooth dessert without any additional texture, and this recipe delivers just that.

Why Apricots Make This Jello Extra Special

One of the many reasons I adore this recipe is its celebration of apricots. It skillfully combines apricot jello with canned apricot halves, creating a “double apricot” experience that’s both flavorful and unique. In a world dominated by bananas and apples, apricots offer a refreshingly different kind of sweetness, a flavor we don’t often get to enjoy. They provide a delightful change of pace, adding not just taste but also valuable nutrients like vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber.

The pureed apricot isn’t just a flavor enhancer; it also contributes to a wonderfully smooth texture and a richer, more natural apricot taste that you wouldn’t get from artificial flavors alone. This innovative approach makes the jello more substantial and satisfying, transforming it from a simple wobbly treat into a truly delightful dessert. Plus, using canned apricots makes this recipe incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy this unique fruit even when fresh apricots aren’t in season.

Crafting the Perfect Allergy-Friendly Dessert

Beyond its unique flavor, this Double Apricot Jello is designed to be wonderfully inclusive. It’s a fantastic solution for those navigating food allergies and sensitivities, proudly being Gluten-Free (GF), Dairy-Free (DF), Egg-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree Nut-Free, and entirely Top 8 Free. This makes it an ideal treat for families managing multiple allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious and safe dessert without compromise.

The dairy-free whipped topping is crafted from coconut cream, providing a rich, velvety texture and a subtle, tropical flavor that complements the apricot beautifully. It’s a simple yet elegant substitution that ensures this classic dessert remains accessible to all. Knowing that you can offer a safe, homemade, and incredibly tasty treat brings immense peace of mind, whether it’s for an after-school snack, a party, or just a sweet moment at home.

A Cherished Family Recipe: Shared with Love

There’s an even deeper reason this recipe brings a smile to my face with every spoonful: it comes from my dear best friend, Stacey. I first tasted this amazing creation during a dinner party we hosted with our partners, attempting to embrace our adulting skills. I had asked Stacey to bring a side dish, and this apricot jello was her unforgettable contribution. She’s renowned for this dish, and I’m incredibly grateful she allowed me to share this beloved family recipe, passed down from her Grandma, Deanne Ottesen. There’s truly nothing more heartwarming than recipes that have been lovingly shared and enjoyed across generations of family and friends.

This recipe isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about heritage, connection, and the joy of sharing. It reminds us of the power of food to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. Preparing Grandma Deanne’s Double Apricot Jello is a way to honor those traditions while creating new ones in your own home.

Enjoy Anytime: Snack, Dessert, or Midnight Indulgence

I sincerely hope you, your children, or both, thoroughly enjoy this Double Apricot Jello with Whipped Coconut Cream. It’s perfect as a refreshing after-school snack to recharge little ones, or as a light, satisfying dessert after dinner. And for those moments when a late-night craving strikes, don’t hesitate to enjoy a spoonful (or several!) all by yourself in the glow of the refrigerator light – I promise, there’s no judgment here!

Looking for more allergy-friendly JELL-O recipes?

JELL-O offers a fantastic burst of flavor, and its versatility shines in these delightful allergy-friendly recipes:

• Allergy-Friendly Strawberry No-Bake Pie
• Allergy-Friendly Peach Pie
• Gluten-Free Vegan Lemon Pie Bars
• How to Make JELL-O Pudding Dairy-Free

And, if you REALLY love apricot recipes – for something savory, I highly recommend checking out my Apricot Glazed Pork Chops.

Do you have a video showing how to make vegan coconut whipped cream?

Yes, I do! I find TikTok videos to be perfectly short and succinct for demonstrating quick techniques. This general overview will give you a clear idea of how to prepare the perfect coconut whipped cream. You can also find the video saved to my Instagram Highlight Bubbles. Enjoy!

@allergyawesomeness##vegan whipped cream using ##coconutmilk ##greenscreen ##tiktokpartner ##learnontiktok ##dairyfree

♬ original sound – Megan Lavin

Double Apricot Jello with Whipped Coconut Cream

Yield:
4

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
3 hours

Total Time:
3 hours 20 minutes

A sweet jello, with a secret serving of pureed fruit, topped with freshly whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free and top eight free snack or light dessert.

Ingredients

• JELLO:
• 1 small box (3 oz) of Jello, apricot flavored
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 can of apricot halves
• WHIPPED COCONUT CREAM:
• 1 can of coconut cream–refrigerated for at least 24 hours
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar (or more, to desired sweetness)

Instructions

1. Puree, either in a blender or food processor, the entire can of apricots (including the liquid from the can). This creates the flavorful apricot base for your jello.
2. Boil 1 cup of water, then carefully add the apricot jello powder. Whisk thoroughly until the powder is completely dissolved, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Next, incorporate one cup of your freshly made apricot puree into the dissolved jello mixture. Stir well to combine, creating a rich, double apricot flavor.
4. Pour the jello mixture into individual serving cups or a single mold. Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool for 2-3 hours, or until fully set and firm.
5. While the jello is chilling, prepare your dairy-free whipped coconut cream. Take the cold can of coconut cream (which should have been refrigerated for at least 24 hours). Open the can and carefully scoop out only the thick, solid cream that has settled at the top, discarding any liquid.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the thick coconut cream with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until it achieves a thick, fluffy consistency and holds stiff peaks. Add more powdered sugar if you desire a sweeter cream. Once the jello is perfectly set, either pipe or gently spread the homemade coconut whipped cream on top of each jello serving and enjoy this delightful, allergy-friendly treat!

Notes

*You’ll notice this method is very similar to making regular jello, with one key difference: instead of adding cold water, you’re incorporating the vibrant apricot puree. It’s a super simple modification that makes a huge difference in flavor and nutrition!

For convenience, I always keep a can of coconut cream in my fridge. This way, it’s pre-chilled and ready whenever I crave a dollop of fresh, homemade coconut whipped cream, eliminating the 24-hour waiting period. I highly recommend this practice! While you can try to make whipped coconut cream with less than 24 hours of refrigeration, it’s not ideal as the fat/cream needs sufficient time to separate from the water. If there’s too much water, the cream won’t hold its shape effectively (though it will still taste delicious if you’re in a pinch).

Lastly, remember that canned coconut milk (not the cartons found in the dairy aisle) is typically located in the Asian foods aisle of most grocery stores. And if you have difficulty finding apricot jello mix, peach jello is a fantastic and readily available substitute that works wonderfully in this recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 175Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 120mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 3g

Adapted from: Deanne Ottesen