This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been updated.
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.
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.
Applesauce Cinnamon Jello
This jello is so easy to make and only has three ingredients - applesauce, cherry jello, and cinnamon imperials. The cinnamon candies are the ones found in the baking section at the supermarket, near the cake and cookie decorations. 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.
Start by adding the jello to a heat-proof bowl. Then, in a small saucepan, add the water and cinnamon candies. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring continually to ensure the candies fully dissolve. Gently pour the hot liquid over the jello, again stirring continually until jello is fully dissolved. Next, stir in applesauce and mix until fully incorporated.
Pour the jello into a serving bowl and refrigerate uncovered. 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 in the refrigerator.
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 accompanying recipes
- Roasted Cranberries with Maple Syrup
- Sausage Cornbread Dressing
- Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Shallots and Sage Brown Butter
- Roasted Green Beans with Orange Butter and Crispy Pancetta
- Maple Ginger Roasted Carrots
Equipment
Saucepan | Mixing bowl | Whisk
More salad recipes to try
- Harvest Salad with Arugula, Apples and Blue Cheese
- Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad
- Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Applesauce Cinnamon Jello
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cinnamon imperials
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 3-ounce box cherry 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.
EQUIPMENT
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending upon the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Jean helm
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
Jean, Thank you for pointing this out. The recipe card has been corrected.
Victoria Chase
Can you use Hot Tamales unstead Red Hots?
Abbey
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.
Jamie
Could this be canned in water bath??
Abbey
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
When I make this, the jello is basically applesauce - it does not set. What am I doing wrong?
Abbey
Too much applesauce can cause a softer, looser consistency. This jello does set but doesn't set quite as firmly as plain jello does.
OB
Could I sub apple juice for the water?
Abbey
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.
Jacque
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
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
Do you use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce?
Abbey
Either one is fine. The jello and the cinnamon candies add sweetness, so if you use unsweetened, the jello will still be sweet enough.