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Edna’s Orange Jell-O

by Jessie Daye

First published: October 20, 2012 | Updated: June 10, 2026

My mom has been making this pineapple-orange Jell-O for as long as I can remember. She got the recipe from Edna, her best friend’s (Debbie) mom. My mom started making this as a teenager and she loved it so much, that she continued making it after she had me and my brothers. So I have grown up on this strange dessert and I can now say it is one of my all-time favorite desserts!

Let me explain something to all you Jell-O haters. I am not a Jell-O fan. I don’t buy Jell-O in the market, I don’t pick up Jell-O when I’m at a buffet (mmmmmm buffet), and I don’t ever make plain old Jell-O. I make THIS Jell-O. It goes above and beyond “Jell-O” …. the custard on top is like ice cream. Pineapple ice cream. It’s seriously unreal. It’s “insane” as my Uncle Ricky would say.

So what I’m saying, is don’t judge every Jell-O by it’s Jell-O box because this recipe is aweeeeeesome. 

Thank you Edna. XO

ednasorangejello.jpg

Edna’s Orange Jell-O

Ingredients for Jell-O
2 – 3 oz orange Jell-O
1 – c hot water
1 – c cold water
2 – bananas sliced
1 – 8 oz can crushed pineapple (drain & save juice)
1 – c tiny marshmallows

Ingredients for Custard
1/2 – c sugar
2 – tbl flour
1 – egg beaten
2 – tbs butter
1 1/2 to 2 cups cool whip
1 cup mild cheddar cheese

Directions
1. In a 13″ x 9″ Combine both Jell-o mixes w/ hot water until powder is completely dissolved then add cold water. (Exactly as described on box)

2. Drain an 8 oz can of crushed pineapple and  KEEP the pineapple juice! You will need this for the custard. Set crushed pineapple aside.

3. Thinly slice 2 bananas and add them to the Jell-O mixture. Pour in your mini marshmallows & crushed pineapple (no juice) as well.

4. Refrigerate Jell-O until firm. About 4 hours.

5. Now we are going to make the custard. Measure your pineapple juice. You will need 1 cup. If you do not have 1 cup, add water until it makes 1 cup. 

6. In a small sauce pan combine pineapple juice, sugar, beaten egg, butter and flour (while cold). Now turn the flame on low and stir until it starts to thicken and coats a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool in fridge. 

7. Once the custard is completely cool, fold your cool whip into it and then spread onto Jell-O

8. Grate mild cheddar cheese on top with large box grater and serve cold. Store in refrigerator.

Edna's Orange Jell-O

Author: Jessie Daye
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Total 4 hours
A layered dessert featuring orange Jell-O with bananas, pineapple and marshmallows topped with a custard and cheddar cheese layer.

Ingredients

  • 2 3 oz orange Jell-O
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 bananas sliced
  • 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple drain and save juice
  • 1 cup tiny marshmallows
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1.5 to 2 cups cool whip
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese

Method

  1. In a 13" x 9" pan, combine orange Jell-O with hot water until powder is completely dissolved, then add cold water (exactly as described on box).
  2. Drain an 8 oz can of crushed pineapple and keep the pineapple juice for the custard. Set crushed pineapple aside.
  3. Thinly slice 2 bananas and add them to the Jell-O mixture. Pour in mini marshmallows and crushed pineapple (without juice).
  4. Refrigerate Jell-O until firm, about 4 hours.
  5. Measure pineapple juice and ensure you have 1 cup. If you do not have 1 cup, add water until it makes 1 cup.
  6. In a small sauce pan, combine pineapple juice, sugar, beaten egg, butter and flour while cold. Turn the flame on low and stir until it starts to thicken and coats a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool in refrigerator.
  7. Once the custard is completely cool, fold cool whip into it and spread onto Jell-O.
  8. Grate mild cheddar cheese on top using a large box grater and serve cold. Store in refrigerator.

Notes

This recipe has been passed down through generations. The custard layer with pineapple juice creates an ice cream-like topping. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

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Hi, I'm Jessie. 

Mama to three girls and a lifelong creative who loves making everyday moments feel a little more special. Here, I share whimsical recipes, holiday inspiration, and creative projects designed to bring a little more joy to your day. I hope to inspire you to get creative, celebrate the little things, and make something beautiful. Welcome!

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