One of our family’s favorite snacks is homemade applesauce fruit leather. I am going to teach you exactly how I do make it in this post.
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Earlier this year I made a goal for our family to eat less processed foods. We as a family are highly sensitive to preservatives in our foods today and I also wanted to move towards being more self sufficient.
One of the first things I tackled was replacing my kids’ fruit snack addiction with homemade applesauce fruit leather. Not only is it preservative-free and naturally sweetened, but it has also quickly become on of their favorite snacks.
Using a dehydrator makes the process easier, but this recipe can also be adapted for an oven. Some air fryer models with a dehydrate function could also work. No matter your method, the key is to create a snack that is both wholesome and delicious. Let’s dive into how you can make applesauce fruit leather at home!
This post is all about how to make homemade applesauce fruit leather.
Why Make Your Own Applesauce Fruit Leather?
Making homemade fruit leather has so many benefits:
- Healthy Alternative: Store-bought fruit leathers often include added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Homemade versions rely on simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Cost-Effective: If you have applesauce on hand (especially homemade), making fruit leather costs just a fraction of what you’d pay for packaged snacks.
- Customizable: From adding apices like cinnamon to mixing in other fruits, homemade fruit leather lets you get creative.
- Family Activity: This can be a fun project to do with kids, and they’ll feel proud knowing they helped make their favorite snack.
Step-by-Step Applesauce Fruit Leather Recipe
Here’s my tried and true method for making applesauce fruit leather using a dehydrator. I use the Meat Your Maker 10-Tray Dehydrator and 12×12 silicone trays, which make cleanup a breeze and ensure the leather peels off effortlessly.
Ingredients:
- Applesauce: 2-3 cups per tray (homemade or store-bought with no added sugar)
- Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a touch of honey if desired
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Dehydrator:
- Lay out your silicone trays and make sure they are clean and dry. If you don’t have silicone trays, parchment paper works, but it may not peel off as well.
- Set your dehydrator to 130F. This temperature preserves the nutrients in the fruit while gently removing the moisture.
- Spread the Applesauce:
- Pour about 2-3 cups of applesauce onto each tray.
- Using an offset spatula, spread the applesauce into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Uneven layers will lead to uneven drying.
- Dehydrate:
- Place the trays in the dehydrator.
- Let the applesauce dehydrate at 130F for about 12 hours. Drying time depends on the thickness of your layer, the humidity in your home and your dehydrator model.
- CHeck for doneness by gently touching the leather. It should feel tacky but not sticky.
- Peel and cut:
- Once the fruit leather is fully dried, carefully peel it off the silicone trays. It if sticks, let it dry a bit longer.
- Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut the leather into 16 equal pieces.
- Store:
- Store the fruit leather in an airtight container or zip-loc bags. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a year.
Tips for Success
- Consistency is Key: When spreading the applesauce, aim for a consistent layer. Thin spots will dry too quickly and crack, while thicker spots may stay sticky.
- Monitor Closely at the End: The final hour of dehydrating can make a big difference. Check your trays regularly to avoid over-drying, which can make the leather brittle.
- Use Homemade Applesauce: If you have a surplus of apples, making your own applesauce is a game-changer. I love to simmer cored, chopped apples until they are soft. Then I run them through my Sauce Master to remove the peels and any leftover bits of core. No added sugar necessary!
- Try Different Flavors: Blend applesauce with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries or peaches for a fruity twist. Puree the fruit until smooth before mixing it with the applesauce.
Alternative Methods
If you don’t have a dehydrator, here’s how you can still make applesauce fruit leather:
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 140-170F (as low as it will go).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Spread applesauce into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake for 6-8 hours, checking periodically. The leather is done when it’s tacky but not sticky.
Air Fryer Method:
If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, follow the same process as above, adjusting the time and temperature as needed based on your air fryer’s manual.
Why Use a Dehydrator for Fruit Leather?
I love using my Meat Your Maker 10-Tray Dehydrator because it allows me to make large batches at once. Here are a few reasons I recommend investing in a dehydrator:
- Even Drying: A dehydrator circulates air evenly, ensuring consistent results.
- Energy-Efficient: Dehydrators use less energy than ovens for long drying times.
- Hands-Off Process: Once the trays are loaded, you can set the timer and walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does homemade fruit leather last?
A: At our house it is gobbled up so fast but stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to a month at room temperature.
Q: Can I use sweetened applesauce?
A: Yes, but be cautious as added sugars can make the leather stickier and more prone to burning.
Q: Why is my fruit leather cracking?
A: This usually happens when the applesauce is spread too thin or over-dried. Aim for an even layer of about 1/4 inch thick.
Final Thoughts
Making applesauce fruit leather is one of those satisfying projects that checks all the boxes – it’s healthy, cost-effective, and a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking to reduce processed snacks in your home or just want to use up a batch of applesauce, this recipe is a fantastic place to start.
Try if for yourself, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your household too! I’d love to hear about your experience – drop a comment below or tag me on social media if you try this recipe.
Here’s to wholesome, homemade snacks your family will love!
This post was all about homemade applesauce fruit leather.
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