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Apple apple apple apple apple! Who doesn’t love apples? There are so many different things you can do with them. One of the most popular is apple fruit leathers. They’re sweet, fruity, and delicious. This recipe guide will show you how to make apple fruit leather in a dehydrator! Making your own fruit leather allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness, ensuring a healthier and more personalized snack.
Apple fruit leathers are a healthy snack that you can enjoy any time of day. They’re made from apple puree, which means they have no added fat or cholesterol. Apples also help maintain good health by providing fiber (to keep you feeling fuller), potassium (for muscle strength) and vitamin C (to keep you healthy).
The puree that is used in apple fruit leathers can be made from any apple variety. However, the most popular type of apple to use for this recipe are Granny Smith apples, which have a tart taste and firm texture. They’re the perfect option if you want an apple-y flavor without adding extra sugar.
I love apple fruit leather. There is something so satisfying about the sweet-tart apple flavor and chewy texture of this healthy snack that just seems to satisfy my cravings in a way I can’t describe. This recipe is delicious, easy on your wallet, and takes only a few hours from start to finish!
Equipment: Food Dehydrator
You’ll need a food dehydrator to make this recipe. You can buy one from Amazon, or you could use your oven if it has the capability for dry heat.
A blender is also required to make the puree.
Plastic wrap is essential for rolling and storing the fruit leather.
Fruit puree: Using a high-quality fruit puree is essential for achieving the right texture and consistency. Ensure the puree is smooth by using a blender or food processor.
This recipe makes one dehydrator tray full of delicious apple leather. You can make more if you have multiple trays.
Preparing the Apple Mixture
Step 1: Peel, Core, and Chop the Apples
To prepare the apple mixture, start by peeling, coring, and chopping 2-3 apples into small pieces. You can use any variety of apples, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Make sure to remove any seeds or stems, as they can affect the texture and flavor of the fruit leather. This step ensures that your homemade fruit leather has a smooth and consistent texture, free from any unwanted bits.
Step 2: Blend the Apples into a Puree
Next, add the chopped apples to a blender or food processor with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (optional). Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and pureed, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. The lemon juice helps to preserve the color and adds a slight tang, while the maple syrup can enhance the sweetness if desired. If you prefer an even smoother texture, you can use a food mill to puree the apples. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency for your apple fruit leather.
Instructions:
Wash apples thoroughly, then peel them.
Chop up the apples.
Simmer the chopped apples with lemon juice, minced ginger, and water over medium heat for 10 minutes until the apples soften.
Puree the softened apple mixture in a blender or food processor until the mixture is smooth.
Spread apple mixture onto Teflex sheets on dehydrator trays. Dry at 135 degrees for 6-12 hours to make apple fruit leather. It depends on how thick the mixture is and the performance of the dehydrator.
Store the dehydrated apple leather in an airtight container for up to one month.
Tips for Making Perfect Fruit Leather
Achieving the Right Texture
To achieve the right texture for your fruit leather, it’s essential to get the puree to the right consistency. If the puree is too thick, it won’t dry properly, and if it’s too thin, it will be too fragile. Aim for a consistency that’s similar to applesauce. You can test the consistency by spreading a small amount of the puree onto a piece of parchment paper or a fruit leather tray. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s ready to go.
Additionally, make sure to spread the puree evenly onto the baking sheet or fruit leather tray, using a spatula or offset spatula to get it into the corners. This will help ensure that the fruit leather dries evenly and doesn’t develop any wrinkles or creases.
Finally, keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels in your dehydrator or oven, as these can affect the texture and dryness of the fruit leather. Aim for a temperature of 135°F (60°C) and a humidity level of 60-70%. This careful monitoring will help you achieve perfectly dried, chewy, and delicious apple fruit leather every time.
What Is Fruit Leather?
Fruit leathers can be made by pureeing fruit in a blender or food processor until it is smooth. Pureed fruit is the primary ingredient used to create fruit leather, with suggestions for additions like sweeteners or spices. It’s then poured into the dehydrator tray, where they dry out while turning to leathery sheets that can later be cut into strips. They have a chewy-like texture and are often used as a low-calorie substitute for candy bars. Fruit leathers can be made from apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, blueberry (boysenberries), cherry, cranberry, and pineapple slices.
Why You Should Eat It (Benefits)
Apple fruit leather has a high apple content, which provides plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Apple fruit leather is low in sugar compared to other desserts such as apple pie or apple crisp. This is because the apples are cooked down with some water until they become apple sauce before being mixed with honey for sweetness. This makes apple fruit leather an excellent dessert choice.
There are many benefits to dehydrating fruit, such as preserving it in the long term, increasing shelf life.
Dehydrated food is lighter weight than fresh produce so that you can take your favorite foods on the go.
Dehydrating apples will also reduce spoilage rates, so your batch of apple leather lasts longer than a fresh apple would.
How to Store It
Apple fruit leather is best stored in an airtight container and put into the fridge. You can also freeze them for long-term storage.
What It Tastes Like
Apple fruit leather tastes sweet and tangy with just enough apple flavor to remind you that this is what apple pies are made of!
Can You Make It In An Oven Or Microwave?
Yes, apple fruit leather can be made in an oven or microwave.
If you make it in an oven or microwave, be sure to keep a close eye on it while cooking because heating can quickly go wrong.
To get that same intense apple flavor, we recommend making them in a food dehydrator.
Food dehydrators are the best way to create apple fruit leather because the temperature and airflow are controlled so you can be sure it’s heated at an appropriate high temperature without burning.
In addition, they’re safer than ovens or microwaves as apple won’t overheat in them because of some models that have automatic temperature and timers.
Conclusion:
I hope this post has been a helpful guide for you to make apple fruit leather in the food dehydrator. I will be making more fruit leathers soon, so keep an eye out for more recipes!
And as we mentioned, you can use any kind of apple for this recipe. So if your favorite is Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps, go ahead and make them. On the other hand, suppose you don’t have a dehydrator yet but want to try out making fruit leather yourself (or just find one on sale). Check out our article on choosing the top food dehydrators for your needs here. In that case, it will help guide you in what type to buy!
FAQ
How long does it take to dehydrate fruit leather in a dehydrator?
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