Description
Homemade spiced apple leather delivers classic autumn flavors with minimal ingredients. Simple dehydration techniques create a portable snack perfect for lunch boxes and hiking adventures.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 4 cups fresh apples, quartered
Spices and Sweeteners:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Liquids:
- 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Wash and core apples, cutting them into uniform chunks for consistent cooking.
- Transfer apple pieces to a saucepan, combining with water, cinnamon, and brown sugar over medium-low heat for 18-20 minutes until fruits soften and release natural juices.
- Remove from heat and transform mixture into silky smooth puree using immersion blender or standard food processor.
- Arrange oven rack in center position and set temperature to 170°F, ensuring even heating environment.
- Line rimmed baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper, creating non-stick surface for fruit leather.
- Pour pureed apple mixture onto prepared sheet, using spatula to spread in thin, uniform layer approximately 1/8 inch thick, ensuring consistent texture.
- Place baking sheet in preheated oven, allowing leather to dehydrate slowly for 2-3 hours until surface appears dry yet remains slightly flexible.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes to stabilize texture.
- Once cooled, carefully slice leather into neat rectangular strips using sharp kitchen scissors or pizza cutter.
- Store leather between parchment sheets in airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and natural pectin content.
- Add ground ginger or nutmeg for extra warming spice and depth of flavor profile.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different taste variations.
- Store apple leather in airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg