I've seen this a dozen times on cakes and will PLEASE like to know if anyone knows what it is!!!?? Almost looks like piping gel...or some sort of gelatin....it seems too thick to be any kind of apricot jam/jelly glaze. Anyone know what I mean?  Please HELP!  

Yes, its strawberry glaze, and is probably sold at your grocery store right next to the strawberries.  It's basically piping gel, flavoring and red food dye.

AAnd it tastes like crap.

It's a glaze you dip or brush on fruit.  Here in Canada we have Dr. Oetker brand a strawberry glaze (for red fruits) and a clear glaze for other fruits.  You add water to dry package and cook a bit then brush on.  Usually you find it near gelatin.  When out I have heated strawberry/raspberry jam strained it a bit and brushed it on fruit.

It keeps the fruit fresh and prevents it from turning brown or drying out.

Commercially you can get the fruit glaze in containers if you do a lot.  They have clear and red ones.

AAhh I see, ill have to take a look next time im @ the grocery store. thank you all for answering!! :)

AAlternatively you can find a recipe for a simple apricot glaze. Looks as good, tastes way better

Check out this link ,

candy.about.com/od/fruitcandy/r/glazed_sberries.htm

these items you may already have at home.