Fruit leather

Homemade Fruit Leather

September 1, 2011

 

If you think you need a food dehydrator to make homemade fruit snacks, get ready to be surprised! These treats are so simple to make; all you need are fruits like apples, berries or pears and your oven. Sweeten with honey, or add herbs and spices. No matter the flavor, they’re a great way to celebrate the abundant fruits of the season.

Apple Spice Fruit Leather
Yields one 11”x17” pan of fruit leather
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5-8 hours at 170°F

INGREDIENTS
1 25-ounce jar of applesauce
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 170°F.
2. Line an 11”x17” jelly-roll pan or lipped cookie sheet with greased parchment paper (wax paper will smoke in the oven) or a silicone baking mat.
3. Spread the puree until it’s about 1/4” thick. Pick up the pan and tilt back and forth until it’s evenly distributed.
4. Bake in the oven for 5-8 hours. Rotate the pan halfway during the baking time to ensure even drying. Timing will vary depending on the fruit used. It’s ready when it’s smooth and non-tacky.
5. Let it cool, then cut in strips with scissors or a pizza cutter. Stack or roll them and store in an airtight container or a zipper storage bag.

Tip: Store in a cool, dry place. You can store fruit leather for up to a year in the freezer, six months in the refrigerator or a few weeks at room temperature.

Quick Tip

Linger at the table a little longer—washing the dishes can wait. After all, Dawn® Power Clean has micro-scrubbing enzymes that help power through food messes with ease, from small everyday grease messes to tougher jobs.

Try these other ingredients and tips:

• Spread a thin layer of melted caramel over the fruit leather and allow it to harden a little before rolling.
• Cut fun shapes with cookie cutters, stack on parchment paper and tie with a ribbon to make a unique hostess gift or a lunch box surprise. Tuck an inspirational quote into the ribbon for an extra special touch.

• Spice up a can of pumpkin with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves for another twist on fall-inspired fruit leather.
• Puree a can of peaches or other canned fruit in the blender for a quick option that requires no washing and slicing.
• To sweeten fruit leather, add a couple teaspoons, or to taste, of vanilla, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.
• Try adding herbs like lavender, basil, rosemary, mint, sage or thyme for subtle hints of extra decadent flavor – a perfect adult treat.