Easy, inexpensive, and delightful. Those are three things I love in a dessert and these Two-Ingredient Applesauce Squares won’t disappoint!
A MOUTHFUL OF DELIGHT
Looking thru the “Homemade Candies” section of the 1956 edition of the Good Housekeeping Cook Book is so much fun. There are tons of decadent, easy, sweet recipes with silly little names like “Ting-A-Lings,” “Peanut Chipperoos,” and”Delight Squares.”
Let’s talk about the “Delight Squares.” When I first saw the easy recipe, the name intrigued me, but it seemed pretty boring. What’s so interesting about eating applesauce in a solid form.
I made these Two-Ingredient Applesauce Squares (I changed the name from Delight Squares to be a little more descriptive) just for fun, and to my surprise, I was delighted. When you bite into one of these squares you get a juicy refreshing bite of applesauce. It feels a little classier than eating the stuff with a spoon.
KIDS WILL LOVE THEM
Knowing you, whenever you are invited to a party you always want to be a fantastic guest. Well, what do you bring when you are heading to a party with a ton of kids? Make these! Kids will love them (make sure they are not vegetarians or vegans…gelatin is not their friend).
They are just like Jell-O Jigglers, but can be a much healthier option especially if you use an unsweetened applesauce. That way you won’t have a ton of kids running around with a crazy sugar rush!
FROM SAVORY TO SWEET
Gelatin has been around for a long time. There are recipes as far back as the 1400’s. These were not cute jiggly squares of sugar and fruit flavor. They were “gelatin-based savory-dishes…In them, collagen-rich pig’s ears and feet were boiled…,” and strained to make the savory jellies.[note]http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/jiggle-it-the-history-of-gelatins-aspics-and-jellies[/note]
In the late medieval era sweet fruit based jellies did find their way to the table.
Gelatin has come quite a long way since then. Now you can get it sheet form, unflavored packets of granules, and boxes ready to go pre-sweetened and flavored.
So Tell me, are you going to make these cute little squares?!?! If you do, post them on your insta and tag me!
TWO-INGREDIENT APPLESAUCE SQUARES RECIPE TIPS
-Use any type of applesauce you want! If you want something healthier, use an organic unsweetened brand!
-Never used gelatin granules before? The awesome people at The Kitchen have 5 Tips for Working with Gelatin for you!
-If you like, cut these into shapes using cute cookie cutters!
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These “Delight Squares” are perfect for parties where there will be a ton of kids!
Ingredients
- 2 packets unflavored Knox gelatin packs
- 2 cups applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
Instructions
- Heat applesauce over medium heat until it begins to boil, about 5 minutes.
- While heating applesauce, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water to bloom. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Once applesauce had begun to boil, remove from heat. Add gelatin and stir to dissolve.
- Pour into a 10-inch square pan lined with wax paper and refrigerate 2 hours.
Notes
Recipe from the 1956 edition of the Good Housekeeping Cook Book.
Its always interesting to see these vintage recipes and what they came up with. Hows the consistency? Is it like a thick jello?
Derek, you are spot on. The consistency is like a thick jello. It definitely isn’t smooth like jello though, since the applesauce has some texture to it to start with.
It is so nice to see a vintage recipe. So simple without artificial colors!
Thanks! Vintage recipes are so fun to make!
I love vintage recipes like this! In fact, I just posted my husband’s grandma’s toffee recipe with a pic of her clipping from a 1962 newspaper the other day so it was fun to see your scan of the original version of this on here! These sound fun!
That is so cool! I will have to check out your toffee recipe!
Soooo easy!! The possibilities are endless….
So many fun variations!
I’ve never been a huge fan of applesauce; however, you have my attention with these. They don’t look like applesauce AT ALL. They look and sound really good. You may have just changed my mind. 🙂
Yay! I hope I did change your mind and you get a chance to make these 🙂
Such a fun way to get inspiration. I think I might need to start digging into the Good housekeeping archives. As for these little applesauce jigglers. . .how fun are they? I would have never guessed that they started off as boring, old applesauce. Such a great way to get the kiddos to eat healthy.
Digging thru vintage cookbooks has been such a fun adventure! You definitely should do it!
This is such a brilliant idea and so simple! My kids would love this recipe, I’ll definitely have to make it. The 50s rock!
Thanks Katrin! The recipes from the 1950’s are so creative and fun! I hope you do get a chance to make these for your kids 🙂
These look really cool! I’ve never heard of them before. They would be great for a holiday party. Happy Holidays!
They are great for a holiday party, especially where there are kids! Happy Holidays to you as well!
These look very interesting. I love looking at old cookbooks too. It is amazing what you find in there. Happy Holidays.
Happy Holidays to you Gloria! There are some odd recipes in vintage cookbooks 🙂
Love this idea and I love your photo! My daughter would love this!
Thank you! I’m sure your daughter would love it! If she likes cinnamon you could also use cinnamon applesauce or just add any spices to your regular applesauce. <3
Wow this is such a unique idea! Perfect for apple lovers! And I always love a simple, few ingredient recipe!
Me too! This is the easiest vintage recipe I’ve come across yet and it is delicious!
Very cool and interesting recipe. Going to have to try this out
Thank you! Let me know how it goes when you make it!
What an intriguing recipe! Who would have thought. I have to try this out on my children – how many grams of powdered gelatin are in a pack for us UK readers? 🙂
I think your children will love it and please let me know if you make them! As for the weight of a packet, you should use 7g of powdered gelatin. Hope that helps!