Applesauce Cinnamon Jello is a delicious combination of cherry jello, applesauce, and cinnamon imperials. This jello is the perfect accompaniment for roasted turkey or ham.
This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been updated.
Applesauce Cinnamon Jello
Applesauce Cinnamon Jello is one of those recipes that conjures up holiday memories for me. We always had this jello on our Thanksgiving table - and as a child, I preferred it over cranberry sauce.
It's wonderfully sweet and balances all of the heavy, rich side dishes. This jello pairs wonderfully with turkey and ham but is delicious with chicken or pork as well.
Melted cinnamon imperials infuse the jello and applesauce with the most delicious flavor. It only takes minutes to mix together this jello salad, but it does require time to chill and set. So this jello is ideal as a make-ahead dish.
Ingredients
- Applesauce - I use plain applesauce. Both sweetened and unsweetened work great in this recipe.
- Cinnamon imperials - These are typically found in the baking section at the supermarket, near the cake and cookie decoration. If you can't find imperials, cinnamon red hot candies can also be used.
- Cherry jello - Both sweetened and sugar-free varieties can be used. You will need one 3.0-ounce package of sweetened jello or one 0.3-ounce package of sugar-free.
Step-by-step instructions
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- Add the jello to a heat-proof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and cinnamon candies. Heat to a gentle boil, stirring until the candies are completely dissolved.
- Gently pour the hot liquid over the jello, whisking together until the jello is fully dissolved.
- Stir in the applesauce until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and transfer it to the refrigerator uncovered for 6-8 hours or until it is set.
It is important not to cover the jello until it is cool. The steam from the warm jello needs to escape so that it doesn't form condensation on top of the jello. Once cool, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
This recipe can easily be doubled and it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. This recipe takes only minutes to make but does need to chill for 6-8 hours until firm.
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I've made this with sweetened applesauce and jello and also with unsweetened applesauce and sugar-free jello. It's equally delicious both ways.
Serving options
This dish always takes the place of cranberry sauce on my Thanksgiving table. While this jello has a very festive appearance, it is equally delicious all year long.
- Serve alongside turkey or chicken, ham, or pork.
- Add this jello to a panini layered with leftover Thanksgiving turkey and dressing.
- Serve as a light dessert.
More salad recipes to try
📖 Recipe Card
Applesauce Cinnamon Jello
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup cinnamon imperials
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 3-ounce box cherry jello (or 1 0.3-ounce box of sugar-free jello)
- 2 cups applesauce
Instructions
- Add the jello to a heat-proof mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, add the water and cinnamon candies. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to ensure the candies fully dissolve. Pour the boiling water mixture over the jello. Stir constantly until the jello is fully dissolved. Fold in the applesauce and mix thoroughly.
- Gently, pour jello mixture into a serving bowl. Refrigerate uncovered until cool. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated. Jello will keep for several days.
Notes
- Both sweetened and unsweetened applesauce can be used.
- If you can't find cinnamon imperials, cinnamon red hot candies can be used.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Shannon says
This is one good recipe but I generally make a double batch. I feel like I could eat this forever. It's very flavorful. I've traded out cherry jello for strawberry, but cherry is the best. I suppose you could use any flavor of jello that fits your fancy. I first had this jello at school. Everyone loved it. I could have it with every dinner or as a dessert. Add some cool whip to make it look fancy.
Abbey McDermott says
Shannon,
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Jean helm says
I believe the amount of jello isn’t correct. If you use 1 3 oz box and the double it it would be 2 3 oz boxes and if you tripled it it would be 3 3 oz boxes. Might want to check the multiply
Abbey says
Jean, Thank you for pointing this out. The recipe card has been corrected.
Victoria Chase says
Can you use Hot Tamales unstead Red Hots?
Abbey says
I haven't tested this recipe with Hot Tamales. However, I've come across other recipes that are flavored with melted Hot Tamales, so it's worth a try. They should melt in a similar fashion. If you try Hot Tamales, please let me know how it turns out.
Shannon says
This is one good recipe but I generally make a double batch. I feel like I could eat this forever. It's very flavorful. I've traded out cherry jello for strawberry, but cherry is the best. I suppose you could use any flavor of jello that fits your fancy. I first had this jello at school. Everyone loved it. I could have it with every dinner or as a dessert. Add some cool whip to make it look fancy. Red hots and hot tamales both work!
Abbey McDermott says
I agree! Thank you, Shannon!
Jamie says
Could this be canned in water bath??
Abbey says
I have never tried canning this recipe, so unfortunately I cannot offer advice on this. But if you try it, please let me know how it turns out.
Kathy says
When I make this, the jello is basically applesauce - it does not set. What am I doing wrong?
Abbey says
Too much applesauce can cause a softer, looser consistency. This jello does set but doesn't set quite as firmly as plain jello does.
Carley Yolanda says
I use pectin so it won’t be runny and it’s perfect.
Abbey McDermott says
Thank you, Carley!
Mark says
I drain the applesauce with a fine mesh strainer before I add the applesauce.
Abbey McDermott says
Great tip! Thank you, Mark.
OB says
Could I sub apple juice for the water?
Abbey says
I have never tried this with apple juice, but it sounds delicious. If you try the apple juice, I recommend using apple juice with no sugar added since this jello is already sweet.
Shannon says
Sure, substitute applesauce for the cold water. Thats what I do. Make sure it's refridgerated. I make it that way all the time. Delicious!
Jacque says
My mom always made this jello,my husband loved it,but we did it in three layers,first the jello and applesauce and red hots,then a layer of cream cheese,mayo,celery,and pecans,then a layer of just red jello made with only half the water. It is delicious.
Abbey says
Jacque,
I love the layering idea! I've been enjoying this jello during the holidays since my childhood. So good, glad you enjoy it too!
Kandy says
Do you use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce?
Abbey says
Either one is fine. The jello and the cinnamon candies add sweetness, so if you use unsweetened, the jello will still be sweet enough.
Sadie says
Mine turned out superrrr thick am I doing something wrong? What would cause it to get really think. I used sugar free jello idk if that makes a difference
Abbey says
Did you use one 0.3-ounce package of sugar-free jello? Sugar-free jello weighs less than regular jello, so a 0.3-ounce package of sugar-free is equivalent to a 3.0-ounce package of regular jello called for in the recipe.