Red Hot Applesauce Jello is an easy alternative for cranberry sauce that tastes like spiced apples. A perfect holiday side dish that’s super easy, but shhhh! I won’t tell!
Old Fashioned Holiday Side Dish
Growing up, I lived near an apple orchard in Southwest Missouri. My neighbor lady, Mrs. Walters, used delicious Jonathan apples to create perfect spiced apples each Christmas.
She would take the little red beauties to the VFW Auxiliary meeting. Sometimes though, I would have good timing and would drop by on my bike, just in time to get a little bowl full.
This quick Red Applesauce Jello recipe brings back all the feels of the love I had for my sweet neighbor and the spiced apples she made.
Mrs. Walters is long passed, but the cinnamon candy used to make this dish brings sweet memories that swell my heart. I betcha she would have taken this recipe to the VFW!
Flavoring Red Hot Jello Salad
Cherry is my favorite Jello flavor for this recipe, but other flavors of red Jello such as raspberry or cherry could work.
Try a different flavor and let me know in the comments what you think.
Ingredients
- Boiling water--Make sure it's actually boiling before adding the Jello powder. Otherwise, it won't dissolve.
- Red Hot Candies or Cinnamon Imperials--this cinnamon flavor candy can be hard to find outside of the Christmas season. So I always buy an extra bag to keep on hand.
- A small Box of Cherry flavored Jello--Raspberry Jello would be delicious, too.
- Applesauce-sweetened or unsweetened, your choice.
Top Tip
Cinnamon Red Hot candies can be hard to find in some areas, so stock up when you see them. Usually, they are easiest to find around Christmas time.
Red Hots in Applesauce
It is essential that the water and Red Hot mixture is boiling (not just hot when you add the Jello) to ensure the sugar and gelatin actually dissolve.
If the Red Hots don’t seem to be dissolving in the water, turn the heat up just a little, but stir, stir, stir to prevent them from burning.
Top Tip
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.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pour water and Cinnamon Red Hot Cinnamon Candy into a small saucepan. Constantly stir until the water is boiling.
Add Jello to boiling water. Stir until Jello is completely dissolved using a spoon. Approximately 2 minutes.
Stir in the applesauce until well combined. Transfer to a serving dish, if desired.
Lastly, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until set. About 4-6 hours (or overnight).
Top Tip
Work quickly! Have all your ingredients and tools ready before beginning, so your Red Hot Applesauce Jello doesn’t start to set up before you are finished stirring.
Should I Use Sweetened Applesauce or Unsweetened Applesauce?
I choose to use unsweetened applesauce for my family as I find the sugar in the Jello and Cinnamon Red Hot candy is plenty.
However, if you want it extra sweet use the sweetened applesauce. Or use what you have.
Can I Use Homemade Applesauce ?
Homemade or Cinnamon applesauce will work just fine here.
Can I Add Other Fruits to Jello?
Applesauce works great as a stir in here, but 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.
Canned fruits can be used because the pasteurization process in canning destroys the enzymes.
Can I Use Sugar-Free Jello?
Yup! You can use the sugar free Jello flavors if that is your preference. No modifications to the recipe are needed.
However, there is sugar in the Cinnamon Red Hot Candies, so there will be a trace of sugar even if you use the sugar free Jello.
Make Jello Feel Fancy
Kids and adults love to feel special. Make this simple dish feel special by pouring the mixture into
- champagne flutes
- wine glasses
- jelly jars
- ramekins
Lunch bucket addition—pour the mixture into small, lidded containers to pack in your lunch. 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 making homemade whipped cream for extra decadence.
Serving Ideas for Red hot applesauce jello
This delightful dessert (a side dish if you're from some parts of the US) not only packs a punch of flavor but also adds a pop of vibrant red to your table. Other creative serving ideas to make your Red Hot Applesauce Jello the star of your next gathering.
- Individual Jello Cups: Serve your Red Hot Applesauce Jello in elegant individual cups or glasses. Layer it with vanilla whipped cream and a little sprinkling of ground cinnamon for a beautiful, restaurant-style presentation.
- Jello Parfaits: Create stunning parfaits by alternating layers of Red Hot Applesauce Jello with whipped cream (or vanilla yogurt) and granola, with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Jello Shots for Adults: Transform your Red Hot Applesauce Jello into adult-friendly shots by adding a splash of cinnamon schnapps or Fireball whiskey. Serve them in shot glasses for a fiery kick.
Do I Add the Second Cup of Water as the Box Says?
Ignore all box directions when making this recipe. Because applesauce has water in it, you do not add the second cup of water as directed on the box.
Does Red Hot 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!
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Did You Try this Recipe?
Lastly, if you made Red Hot 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
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands before cooking
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Red Hot Applesauce Jello
Ingredients
Method
- Pour water and Cinnamon Red Hot Candy into small saucepan. Constantly stir until water is boiling.
- Add jello to boiling water. Stir until Jello is completely dissolved using a spoon. Approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the applesauce, stir until well-combined. Transfer to serving dish, if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate until set. About 4-6 hours (or overnight).
Chuckie says
A perfect fall or holiday side dish! Easy and inexpensive to make and the kids love it!