Applesauce Jello

Quick and easy Applesauce Jello is loved by kids and adults as a side dish or dessert. Simple enough for lunch and worthy of holidays!

What is Applesauce Jello Salad?

Combine the silky smoothness of applesauce with the wobbling texture of Jello, a light dessert or side dish that captivates both young and old. Simple culinary brilliance!

Plus, Jello Salad just makes meals and snacks more dang fun!

Pro Tips

Work quickly! Have all your ingredients and tools ready before beginning, so your Applesauce Jello doesn’t start to set up before you are finished stirring.

No microwave? Do it the old-fashioned way--Use a saucepan to boil the water and mix the Jello.

Avoid using a whisk to stir as this incorporates air into your Jello and can create a weird bubbly film as it sets up. Use a spoon to stir, instead.

Ingredients

Boiling water

Small box of flavored Jello (choose your favorite flavor and/or color)

Applesauce, sweetened or unsweetened

Instructions

Microwave water in a microwave-safe medium bowl for 2 minutes or until water is boiling.

Add Jello to boiling water. Next, stir until Jello is completely dissolved using a spoon. This takes approximately 2 minutes. Do not use a whisk. I learned this the hard way.

Add the applesauce, and stir until well-combined. Transfer to a serving dish, if desired.

Cover and refrigerate until set. About 4-6 hours (or overnight).

Flavoring Applesauce Jello

Choose your favorite flavor of Jello! You can’t go wrong as long as you can live with the color.

I would start with Cherry or Raspberry Applesauce Jello!

Holiday Themed Ideas

But… what if you choose the Jell-O for its color instead of its flavor?! Now we are getting crazy!

• Think orange or purple for Halloween Applesauce Jello.
• Lime green for a Grinch themed dish!
• Cherry for Christmas
• Blue for 4^th of July

Fun Facts About Jello

There are 22 flavors of Jello!

Jello was first invented in the 1800’s and only had 4 flavors: strawberry, raspberry, orange, and lemon.

Utah eats more Jello than any other state.

In 1897 a Leroy, New York, carpenter, named Pearle Wait, was developing a cough and laxative tea in his home and happened on Jello. Mr. Wait didn’t have the money to market the new product, so in 1899 he sold the trademark for $450.

Dang... I wish my ancestors would have purchased the Jello trademark!

Can I Substitute Gelatin for Jello?

In short, no.

Jello is made with gelatin AND sugar AND flavorings. When a recipe calls for “gelatin” they typically mean plain gelatin. Plain gelatin is often used as a thickener but is not used for flavoring a dish.

Should I Use Sweetened or Unsweetened Applesauce?

I choose to use unsweetened applesauce for my family as I find the sugar in the Jello is plenty for the finished dish.

However, if you want it extra sweet use the sweetened applesauce. Or, use what you have.

Can I use Homemade Applesauce?

Homemade applesauce will work just fine here.

Can I Add Other Fruits to my Jello?

Applesauce works great as a stir in here.

However, keep in mind that fresh mango, guava, kiwi, figs, papaya, ginger, and pineapple are just a few fruits that contain enzymes that prevent Jello from properly setting.

Luckily, canned fruits can be used in Jello because the pasteurization process in canning destroys the enzymes.

Is Applesauce Jello Healthy?

Jello contains proteins and amino acids including collagen which can reduce joint pain and improve skin’s hydration and elasticity—goodbye wrinkles!

And this Applesauce Jello recipe is a great way to sneak in a fruit serving.

Can I use Sugar-Free Jello for Applesauce Jello?

Yup! You can use the sugar-free Jello flavors if that is your preference. No modifications to the recipe are needed.

What is a Microwave Safe Bowl?

Glass, ceramics, and stoneware are materials that are usually microwave-safe. When in doubt—read the bottom of your bowl. If it says “microwave safe” then it should be safe to use in your microwave.

Serving Ideas

• champagne flutes
• wine glasses
• jelly jars
• ramekins

Kids and adults love to feel special. Make this simple dish feel special by pouring the mixture into:

Lunchbucket addition—pour the mixture into small, lidded containers to pack in your lunch. Homemade Jello is cheaper and healthier than those little cups at the store. Plus, no container to throw in the trash!

Fancy it up with a dollop of Cool Whip, spray whipped topping, or try homemade whipped cream for extra decadence.

Applesauce Jello it's a great substitute for cranberry sauce at holiday meals.

Do I Add the Second Cup of Water, Like the Box Says?

Ignore all box directions when making this recipe. Because applesauce has water in it, you should not add the second cup.

Does Applesauce Jello have the Same Texture as Traditional Jello?

The applesauce addition makes the texture different than traditional Jello. It’s more spoonable, less jiggly, and more delicious!

Why didn't my Applesauce Jello Set Up?

Make sure you follow the recipe exactly. Do NOT add the second cup of water. The recipe only has 1 cup of water, Jello, and applesauce.

If you have issues, let me know in the comments section below. We will navigate this together. I'm here to help!

Can I Use Cinnamon Applesauce in Applesauce Jello?

Yup! I think you might enjoy the extra layer of flavor. The cinnamon might not go with every flavor of Jello, but for sure it would be tasty with cherry and raspberry.

Maybe even Cinnamon Orange Applesauce Jello... Now my wheels are turning...

Give this simple side dish/dessert a try and let me know how you like it! Rate and comment below.

Related Recipes

Red Hot Jello Applesauce made with delicious red hot candies.

Did You Try this Recipe?

Lastly, if you made Applesauce Jello following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.

And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag me on Instagram! Seeing your photos is my favorite thing!

Food Safety

• Wash hands before cooking
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended