Apricot Delight

Don’t feel like turning on your oven to bake a dessert for your next get-together? Totally understandable. And this apricot delight is the answer! Forget the oven, and instead toss together this dessert with canned fruit, packets of pudding and gelatin, frozen whipped topping and chunks of angel food cake. (You could even buy a premade cake—again, no oven!)

Ingredients for Apricot Delight

• Apricot nectar: The base of this dessert starts with two cans of apricot nectar.
• Orange gelatin: Apricot delight is made into a thick cheesecake-like dessert with the help of gelatin. For this recipe, we’re using a sugar-free variety.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: The dessert is made creamy with a package of pudding mix, sugar-free as well.
• Dry milk powder: Nonfat dry milk powder also makes this creamier and gives it a cheesecake-like taste.
• Frozen whipped topping: To make it fluffy and light, frozen whipped topping is folded into this apricot delight. Again, we’re choosing a reduced-fat variety.
• Angel food cake: Chunks of cake are added to this dessert to give it even more of a hearty texture.
• Apricot halves: A can of apricot halves are drained and sliced, then placed on top for garnish.

Directions

Step 1: Make the apricot gelatin

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In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave 1 cup of the apricot nectar on high for 50 to 60 seconds, or until the nectar is hot. Sprinkle the gelatin over the nectar, and stir until it has completely dissolved, about five minutes. Set this aside to cool.

Step 2: Combine all the ingredients

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In a large bowl, combine the remaining apricot nectar and enough water until the combination is 1-1/4 cups. Whisk in the pudding mix and milk powder for one to two minutes. Then whisk in the cooled gelatin. Finally, fold in the whipped topping and cake chunks.

Step 3: Dish, and refrigerate

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Pour the apricot delight mixture into an 11×7-inch dish, and refrigerate it for two to four hours. Before serving, garnish with apricot slices.

Abbey Littlejohn for Taste of Home

Apricot Delight Variations

• Top with whipped cream: If you have more whipped cream left over—or you want to make a batch of homemade whipped cream yourself—lightly spread it on top of the dessert, after it chills and before you garnish with the apricot slices.
• Make individual cups: Instead of spreading the apricot delight in a baking dish, spoon the mixture into smaller ramekins. This makes for easier serving and feels a touch more elegant when you’re having a dinner party.
• Use a different fruit: For something a little unique, you could mix the different types of fruits you garnish on top, like fresh berries or bananas. Go ahead and get creative!

How to Store Apricot Delight

Once it’s put together, you can refrigerate any leftover apricot delight in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Can you freeze apricot delight?

Yes! Apricot delight actually freezes well. You can place that airtight container of slices in the freezer, and they will last up to two months. When you’re ready for a slice, let it defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before eating.

Apricot Delight Tips

Abbey Littlejohn for Taste of Home

Can you use angel food cake from a box mix?

Yes! While you could absolutely bake a homemade angel food cake for this apricot delight recipe, a boxed cake mix is perfectly fine for baking and mixing into this dessert. Or to make your life even easier, buy a premade cake from your grocery store.

When should I slice the apricot delight?

It’s best not to slice up the apricot delight until it has fully set, which will take two to four hours in the fridge. (For the best results, give it four hours.) This way, the slices are set and the filling won’t be runny.

How long do apricot preserves last?

Not sure if your can of apricot is still good? Apricot preserves can last up to two years when properly sealed in a jar or can, so if your can is still within that time frame, it should be good for making this dessert.