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Red Hots Applesauce Salad: A Sweet and Tangy Nostalgia Trip

There are some dishes that, with just one bite, transport you back to a specific time and place. For me, Red Hots Applesauce Salad is one of those culinary time capsules. I remember my Aunt Carol bringing this vibrant, shimmering creation to our family gatherings, its ruby-red hue a beacon of festive cheer amidst the holiday spread. The sweet-spicy aroma of cinnamon mingled with the creamy tang of the cheese layer, creating a flavor profile that was both comforting and excitingly unexpected. It was a salad that defied convention, a delightful surprise that always disappeared first, leaving us all clamoring for the recipe.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (Active prep only)
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 10
Yield: One 13×9 inch pan or a molded dessert
Dietary Type: Contains Dairy

Ingredients

This recipe yields a delightful layered confection, where the spicy sweetness of cinnamon-Red Hots meets the comforting embrace of applesauce and a tangy cream cheese dressing.

For the Red Hots Jello Layer:
- 2⁄3 cup red cinnamon candies (like Atomic Fireballs or Hot Tamales, though traditional Red Hots are ideal)
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3-ounce) package lemon Jell-O gelatin
- 1 1⁄2 cups applesauce (unsweetened or sweetened, to your preference)
- 1⁄2 cup pecans, finely chopped (optional, for added crunch)
- 1⁄2 cup celery, finely chopped (optional, for a surprising savory contrast)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄2 cup Miracle Whip (or a similar tangy salad dressing)

Equipment Needed

To bring this delightful salad to life, you’ll want a few key pieces of kitchen equipment:

A medium saucepan for dissolving the candies and gelatin.
A whisk for ensuring a smooth mixture.
A 13×9 inch baking dish or a lightly oiled Jell-O mold.
A mixing bowl for preparing the cream cheese layer.
A spatula or spoon for spreading.

Instructions

Crafting this Red Hots Applesauce Salad is a straightforward process, relying on careful layering and a bit of patience for setting. Follow these steps to achieve that iconic texture and flavor.

Infuse the Cinnamon Flavor: In a medium saucepan, combine the red cinnamon candies and 1 cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the red cinnamon candies are completely dissolved. This process will create a fragrant, vibrant red syrup.
Prepare the Gelatin Base: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the lemon Jell-O gelatin to the hot cinnamon-water mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Incorporate the Applesauce: Stir in the 1 1⁄2 cups of applesauce. If you’re using them, gently fold in the 1⁄2 cup of chopped pecans and 1⁄2 cup of finely chopped celery at this stage. Ensure everything is well combined.
Divide and Set the First Layer: Divide the applesauce-gelatin mixture into two equal parts. Pour one half into your prepared 13×9 inch pan or oiled Jell-O mold.
Chill for Setting: Place the pan or mold with the first layer into the refrigerator. Allow it to cool until it is set. This typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, but the exact time will depend on your refrigerator’s temperature. Crucially, keep the second half of the Jell-O mixture at room temperature while the first layer sets. Do not refrigerate the remaining mixture, as this can affect its texture when layering.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: While the first Jell-O layer is chilling, prepare the creamy topping. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1⁄2 cup of Miracle Whip. Mix them together until smooth and well incorporated.
Layer the Cream Cheese: Once the first Jell-O layer has set firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the set Jell-O layer.
Add the Second Jell-O Layer: Gently pour the remaining room-temperature Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer. Be careful not to disturb the layers too much.
Final Chill: Return the pan or mold to the refrigerator. Allow the entire salad to set until firm. This final chilling period usually takes another 2 to 3 hours, or until the salad is completely solid.
Unmold or Serve: Once fully set, you can either unmold the salad (if using a Jell-O mold, dip the mold briefly in warm water before inverting onto a serving plate) or cut it directly in squares from the 13×9 inch pan.

Alternative Swirl Method: For a different presentation, you can use the swirl method. Prepare the entire applesauce-gelatin mixture as described in steps 1-3. Pour the entire mixture into the 13×9 inch pan. Let it chill in the refrigerator until it is partially set (it should be jiggly but not liquid). Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the partially set Jell-O. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese mixture through the Jell-O. Return to the refrigerator to set firm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Candy Dissolution: Ensure the red cinnamon candies are fully dissolved before adding the Jell-O. Any undissolved pieces can lead to a grainy texture. If using a particularly hard cinnamon candy, you might need to simmer them for a few extra minutes.
Applesauce Choice: The type of applesauce you use will subtly influence the final sweetness and texture. A thicker, less watery applesauce will yield a firmer set.
Celery’s Role: If you’re a traditionalist and find the idea of celery in a sweet salad daunting, you can certainly omit it. However, I encourage you to try it at least once; the finely chopped celery provides a delightful, unexpected crispness and a subtle savory counterpoint that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Cream Cheese Softening: For the smoothest cream cheese layer, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. Leaving it at room temperature for at least an hour, or gently microwaving it in short bursts, will help achieve this.
Achieving a Clean Unmold: If using a Jell-O mold, ensure it’s lightly oiled beforehand. When ready to unmold, dip the mold in warm (not hot) water for about 10-15 seconds, then carefully invert it onto your serving platter. A quick shake might help release it.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Red Hots Applesauce Salad is a striking visual dessert or side, its vibrant color making it a centerpiece on any table. Serve it chilled, directly from the mold or cut into neat squares. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat. It can also be a surprising and delightful accompaniment to a holiday ham or roast turkey, offering a sweet and tangy contrast.

Leftovers should be stored, covered, in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Because it’s a gelatin-based dessert, it doesn’t freeze particularly well, as the texture can become watery upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving of Red Hots Applesauce Salad:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	141.3 kcal
Calories from Fat		71
Total Fat	8 g	12 %
Saturated Fat	5 g	25 %
Cholesterol	24.9 mg	8 %
Sodium	122 mg	5 %
Total Carbohydrate	16.1 g	5 %
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	2 %
Sugars	7.5 g	29 %
Protein	2.5 g	4 %

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of applesauce and Miracle Whip.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is beloved for its classic combination, there are always ways to put your own spin on it:

Fruity Twist: Instead of just applesauce, consider using a blend of fruit purées, such as pear or peach, for a more complex fruit flavor.
Spice Level: For a milder spice, reduce the amount of Red Hots candies. For an extra kick, you could even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the candy mixture.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy.
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: Experiment with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a vegan mayonnaise-style dressing for a dairy-free version. The texture might vary slightly.
Jello Flavor Swap: While lemon Jell-O provides a nice tartness that balances the sweet and spicy, you could experiment with lime or even a berry-flavored gelatin for a different fruit profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this Red Hots Applesauce Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. It needs sufficient chilling time to set properly, so preparing it a day in advance is ideal.

Q: Why is my Jell-O not setting properly?
A: Ensure the gelatin was fully dissolved in hot water, and that the mixture wasn’t refrigerated too early during the first setting stage. Over-dissolving Jell-O in boiling water can also sometimes hinder its setting ability.

Q: Can I use a different brand of cinnamon candy?
A: You can, but be aware that different brands might have varying levels of spice and sweetness. Stick to cinnamon-flavored candies for the intended flavor profile.

Q: Is the celery really necessary?
A: While optional, the finely chopped celery adds a subtle crunch and a savory note that many people find enhances the salad’s complexity. It’s worth trying!

Q: How can I make the cream cheese layer smoother?
A: Ensure the cream cheese is very well softened and blended thoroughly with the Miracle Whip until no lumps remain.

Final Thoughts

Red Hots Applesauce Salad is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful journey into cherished memories, a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that sparks conversation and brings smiles, a perfect example of how a little bit of spice and a whole lot of sweetness can capture the essence of comfort and celebration. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe, whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time. Share it with loved ones, and watch as its unique charm unfolds. Perhaps serve it alongside a slice of rich pound cake or a crisp green salad for a complete and unforgettable meal.

Red Hots Applesauce Salad Recipe