Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Jello

One of the many fall highlights for us is the start of apple cider season. There’s just something about it that fits perfectly with the crispness of the air, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the smells that accompany the changing of the seasons. It’s equally delicious enjoyed cold and fresh or served warm, mulled with spices. Because of its deliciousness versatility, we also figured that it would be delicious transformed into apple cider jello.

Safe to say, apple cider jello has become a new favorite.

Homemade jello, as we’ve seen before, is super easy to make. It has none of the nasty additives that you’ll find with store-bought jello. We’re not adding any sugar and gelatin has a number of benefits. In fact, because we’re not adding any sugar (apple cider is plenty sweet), I’d almost call this healthy. Your kids will still call it dessert though.

Spiced Apple Cider Jello

Regular apple cider would be perfectly acceptable in this recipe. I decided to take it up an extra notch and used spiced cider.

Simply add some mulling spices (traditionally cinnamon, clove, allspice, orange peel) to a pot of cider. Using a tea strainer or reusable tea bag makes this really easy. Let this simmer for about 10-15 minutes, then remove the spices (but keep the cider simmering).

In a bowl, add a scoop of gelatin to another 1/4 cup of cider. When the gelatin softens and starts to dissolve, stir it into the hot cider. Don’t try to add the gelatin directly to the hot cider – it won’t dissolve easily.

Pour the cider into a loaf pan or something else equally smallish, then toss it in the refrigerator. For individual servings, pour it into small glasses or Mason jars. It will take at least a couple hours to set, but when the apple cider jello is firm enough for your liking, cut it or just scoop it out and enjoy!