Applesauce Delight
A smooth and creamy applesauce-flavored dessert with subtle cinnamon and vanilla notes, perfect for a light, refreshing treat or a delightful finish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 can (1 2/3 cup) Pet evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 1 can (16 1/2 oz.) applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid artificial sweetener or 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup graham crackers ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the gelatin in water over low heat.
- Stir in the evaporated milk.
- Add the applesauce, grated lemon peel, salt, vanilla, lemon juice, and sweetener.
- Chill until the mixture is thick as unbeaten egg whites.
- If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh applesauce or adding spices like nutmeg along with the optional cinnamon. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, adjust the sweetener to your taste. For a dairy-free version, substitute the evaporated milk with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream. Ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved before adding the other ingredients for the best consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Applesauce Delight chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. This dessert is perfect for a light finish after a hearty meal or as a refreshing snack on warm days. Explore more dairy recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give the applesauce delight a gentle stir to restore its creamy texture. If it becomes too firm, you can add a splash of milk or water to loosen it slightly before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Delight contains roughly 383 calories, with 4g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 567mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
Using flavored gelatin may alter the taste of the Applesauce Delight significantly. It’s best to stick with unflavored gelatin to maintain the intended flavor profile. If you want to experiment, consider a complementary flavor like apple or lemon to enhance the dish.
How long does it take for the mixture to chill?
Chilling the mixture usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on your refrigerator's temperature and how thick you want it to be. Keep an eye on it and check periodically until it reaches the desired consistency, similar to unbeaten egg whites.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the Applesauce Delight can be prepared a day in advance, making it a great option for gatherings. Just ensure it's covered well in the refrigerator to avoid absorbing other odors. This makes it a convenient dessert option for parties or family dinners.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).