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Applesauce Jello Squares are a fun, easy and light dessert for everything from holidays to picnics. Use any flavor Jello to fit the occasion.

applesauce jello on a plate with whipped cream, fresh raspberries and mint

If you’re looking for a recipe that is light and refreshing, try these Applesauce Jello Squares. Not only are they delicious, but they make a simple side dish or dessert for just about any occasion.

While the kids were little, this was my go-to recipe for taking to picnics and holiday dinners. I always had boxes of Jello and homemade applesauce on hand so I never had to drag three kids out to the store in order to make this. It’s an old-school recipe that has stood the test of time and now I’m sharing it with you.

About this Applesauce Jello Recipe:

Flavor: The main flavor that shines through is raspberry, or whatever flavor Jell-o you choose. The apple flavor is very minimal.
Texture: The texture is light and soft, but not quite as smooth as plain Jello thanks to the applesauce. The applesauce gives it a light texture.
Method: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to mix up, but needs to chill in the fridge for about 3 hours. Plan ahead for the best results.

If you like Jello, try our Christmas layered Jello.

Ingredients

There are 3 main ingredients:

Water
Jello. You’ll need 2 small boxes of gelatin. (3 ounces each if they are not sugar-free.)
Applesauce. This works best with unsweetened applesauce. There’s enough sugar in the gelatin.

The whipped cream, fresh fruit and mint leaves are simply for garnishing if you’d like.

How to Make Applesauce Jello

There are 4 steps to make this applesauce Jello salad:

In a large bowl, dissolve the Jello powder in the boiling water. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved. Add the chilled applesauce into the warm Jello and whisk well.

raspberry gelatin with applesauce in a glass bowl

Lightly spray an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray. Pour the Jello mixture in the prepared pan.

applesauce jello setting in an 8x8" glass baking dish

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours so that it can set. Do not cover the jello until it has cooled and set so it doesn’t form condensation.
After it has set, you can slice it into squares and serve it with a spatula.

a spatula with a square of applesauce jello on it

Recipe Variations

Use sugar free jello, no-sugar added applesauce and whipped cream with no sugar (or fat free cool whip) for a virtually sugar free dessert. Light and fresh for summer or after a Thanksgiving dinner.
Looking for a Christmas Jello? Try cherry Jello, and you can even top with cranberry sauce for a special treat.
Use blue raspberry jello in this recipe and serve with fresh red berries for a gorgeous patriotic July 4 dessert recipe. Top with miniature marshmallows.
Red Hot Jello: Dissolve up to 1 cup of Red Hot candies in the water before adding the Jello powder. It makes an amazing applesauce cinnamon Jello and the cinnamon candies give it some spicy heat.
Use Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda) instead of water for a unique flavor!

Storage Instructions

Store the leftover Jello in an airtight container (or in the pan covered with plastic wrap) in the fridge for up to 4 days.

I don’t recommend freezing leftover Jello because it can change the texture.

a piece of applesauce jello on a plate in a christmas setting

Other Recipes with Jello