Old-Fashioned Apple Chews Candy are easy to make using a bare minimum of simple ingredients. These sweet little apple chews taste like apple pie but without the crust.
Old-fashioned recipes are some of my absolute favorites because they evoke a time when delicious food was made with fewer ingredients and simpler preparation methods. Some of the most popular old-fashioned recipes on my site are Grandma's Asparagus with Breadcrumbs, Vintage Rocks Cookies, and the ever-popular Old-Fashioned Red Bean (Kidney Bean) Salad, and Salisbury Steak with Red Wine and Mushroom Gravy.
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list:
- Ingredient information:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Can homemade applesauce be used for this recipe?
- Can an all-natural sugar substitute be used to make applesauce squares?
- Can the nuts be omitted from this chewy applesauce squares recipe?
- Why is there salt in this candy recipe?
- Add-in or swap-out suggestions:
- How to store homemade apple chews?
- How long will gelatin applesauce candy squares keep?
- Can old-fashioned apple chews be frozen?
- Is homemade applesauce candy good for gifting?
- How many homemade applesauce candies will this recipe make:
- Additional homemade candy recipes that make great gifts:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
Ingredient information:
UNSWEETENED APPLESAUCE - Using unsweetened applesauce is critical for this recipe! If you use sweetened applesauce instead, I doubt you'd be able to enjoy these homemade candies because the sweetness level would be off the charts.
POWDERED GELATIN - You will need two packets of unflavored powdered gelatin, equalling 2 tablespoons (one tablespoon per packet). The gelatin gets thoroughly mixed with ½ cup of the 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce called for in this recipe as one of the very first steps.
GRANULATED SUGAR - You will need two cups of granulated sugar. The sugar will cook on the stovetop along with the applesauce for approximately 15 minutes, with frequent stirring so that it won't burn. You don't need to babysit the pan, but I don't suggest walking too far away, either.
PURE VANILLA EXTRACT - Pure vanilla extract is always your best bet for quality flavor. This ingredient gets added after the boiled applesauce and sugar mixture has been removed from the stovetop and has cooled slightly. Be aware that the mixture will bubble slightly when the vanilla is added, so add and stir it carefully.
CHOPPED PECANS - I think the pecans add a perfect flavor and texture to these homemade gelatin fruit candies. Of course, if you're not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out. I'll leave a few add-in or swap-out suggestions below.
KOSHER SALT - Kosher salt is my choice for cooking and baking. However, if you choose to use table salt, that's perfectly fine, but please see the gray square below for information about adjusting the quantity used.
CONFECTIONER'S SUGAR - Rolling and coating the sticky apple chews in confectioner sugar is a brilliant way to keep the candy from sticking to itself (and anything else), not to mention the chewy, gummy apple candy looks pretty and festive all decked out in a coating of light, fluffy, snow-white powdered sugar.
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*Important Note—If using table salt instead of kosher salt, please cut back on the amount of salt called for in the recipe card by half because they measure differently due to grain size.
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- 3-quart heavy bottom saucepan
- wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 8 x 8 inch baking dish
- parchment paper
- fine mesh sieve (optional, for sugar dusting)
- nut chopper (optional)
- measuring cups and spoons
- small mixing bowl
- chef's knife (for cutting the chews into squares)
- shallow dish/pie plate (for tossing the chews in confectioner's sugar)
- baking sheet (optional, for storing candy)
- baking spray
- plastic wrap (for overnight refrigerator storage)
- gift boxes (optional for gifting)
- gift bags (optional for gifting)
Can homemade applesauce be used for this recipe?
Sure, but only if it's been made without sugar or additional sweeteners.
I have a delicious No-Sugar Added Apple and Pear Sauce with Grand Marnier that would be fantastic if used for this applesauce candy recipe.
See more above, under the ingredient information section, about why sweetened applesauce should not be used.
Can an all-natural sugar substitute be used to make applesauce squares?
If I'm honest, I have to say that I have no idea.
When I originally made this recipe, I toyed with the idea of using allulose as a granulated sugar replacement but decided against it...this time. If you try it before I do, please let me know how it works.
Can the nuts be omitted from this chewy applesauce squares recipe?
Yes, of course. See below for add-in or swap-out suggestions.
Why is there salt in this candy recipe?
It's a necessary ingredient that helps balance the flavor and sweetness of these homemade applesauce chews. I implore you not to omit the salt.
Add-in or swap-out suggestions:
As written in the cookbook's original recipe, walnuts would make a good substitution for the pecans if you're so inclined, or you can leave the nuts out altogether.
As far as add-ins go, I suggest the following: raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, and any other dried fruit you happen to enjoy.
Or, I bet that unsweetened coconut, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger would be delicious!
How to store homemade apple chews?
Store apple chews in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
How long will gelatin applesauce candy squares keep?
If stored on the counter at room temperature and in an airtight container, homemade applesauce chews will last up to 5 days.
Can old-fashioned apple chews be frozen?
Yes.
Flash freeze them first, in an even layer with space between each candy. Once fully frozen, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
I like to use these dissolvable content labels for adding dates and container content information to the outside of refrigerator and freezer packages.
Is homemade applesauce candy good for gifting?
You bet!
Once coated in confectioner sugar, these sweet little applesauce gummy squares are wonderful to add to a gift box (or gift bag) for a pretty presentation.
How many homemade applesauce candies will this recipe make:
As written, this recipe will make approximately 25 1-inch square candy pieces.
Additional homemade candy recipes that make great gifts:
Homemade Payday Candy Bars taste just like what you purchase in the store, but better because you make them yourself and know exactly what's in each bar.
If you're a coconut and pecan lover *raising my hand enthusiastically*, you simply MUST make these amazing Coconut Pecan Pralines.
When you care enough to give the very best, reach for this incredible Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch recipe. You'll be glad you did!
Caramel Corn with Bacon and Cashews may sound a little odd initially, but after your first bite, you'll understand why everyone loves this sweet and salty snack.
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.
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Printable Recipe Card
Old-Fashioned Apple Chews Candy
Equipment
- nut chopper optional
- baking sheet optional
- gift box optional
- gift bag optional
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (2 packets) unflavored gelatin
- 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Place two strips of parchment paper (both in different directions) in the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking dish and spray liberally with baking spray. Set aside.
- Stir together ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce and the powdered gelatin in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a 3-quart heavy bottom saucepan, bring 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce and 2 cups of sugar to a boil over high heat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the applesauce and gelatin mixture to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes before adding the pecans and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Allow it to cool for 1 hour before adding it to the refrigerator (covered) to chill overnight.
- Sprinkle the top of the apple chews liberally with powdered sugar before removing them from the baking dish.
- Lift the apple gelatin candy from the baking dish using the parchment strips and place the candy on a flat cutting surface.
- Cut the candy into evenly sized squares and roll each piece into an awaiting dish of confectioners sugar until each candy piece is covered with powdered sugar.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you will enjoy making and eating (or gifting) these Old-Fashioned Apple Chews Candy as much as I've enjoyed bringing this recipe to you.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Mark says
Moist, tasty and delicious!
Mark says
I really enjoyed these.
Renée says
I know you did. Me too.
Thanks for all the help!
🙂