I’ve been on a dehydrating kick lately. When we had an overflow of peaches I made fruit leather with them, as well as dehydrating slices (so good, by the way). The fruit leather was a hit with the kids, but I ran out of peaches and wanted to use what I already had on hand.
In addition to using what we already had, I wanted it to be easy. It doesn’t get much easier than using already-pureed food! We purchase our applesauce in 4-packs from Costco. I’m a big fan of cost breakdowns and based on the current price of the TreeTop Applesauce, these fruit leathers come out to about $0.15/piece.
The best part in this Applesauce Fruit Leather recipe is that you can flavor these with anything you want, or just leave them completely plain. Dehydrating brings out the apple flavor so it’s not bland, and it concentrates the sweetness so there is no need for extra sweeteners, just pure fruit.
Plus, these Applesauce Fruit Leather look adorable when all stacked up in little rolls, just waiting for their place in a lunchbox.
Applesauce Fruit Leather {no added sweeteners}
Ingredients
- 2 cup Applesauce Unsweetened, Unflavored
Flavoring of your choice (choose one):
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Seasoning
Instructions
- If adding a flavoring, mix it in completely to the applesauce.
- Line 3-5 dehydrator trays with parchment paper (not wax paper or foil) or sheets specifically made for your dehydrator (this is preferred).
- With an offset spatula, spread the pureed mixture smoothly and evenly on the trays, leaving at least an inch all the way around. The puree should be about 1/4" thick (the thicker it is, the longer it will take to dehydrate, but the thicker your final product will be). Use the flat side of the spatula to create flat edges.
- If your dehydrator has temperature settings, set to 110°F (or the lowest setting) and let dry for 8-12 hours. Check periodically after 8 hours. The edges will dry first. Rotate trays if needed to ensure even drying.
- When you are able to easily peel the fruit leather completely from the trays, remove from the dehydrator and place on a parchment sheet (or use the one from the dehydrator if you didn't have dehydrator sheets). Using kitchen shears or clean scissors, trim the edges and cut the fruit leather into 2" strips (while still attached to the parchment). Roll and secure with tape or twine.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Yield 30 Serving Size 1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 223Unsaturated Fat 0gSodium 10mgCarbohydrates 57gFiber 6gSugar 46g
Nutrition is calculated by a third party and may not be 100% accurate
Betsy
Sunday 2nd of August 2020
Excited to try this out. How long do they last, if stored in air tight container? Thanks.
Kendra Benson
Wednesday 5th of August 2020
They should last for months if stored airtight. They don't usually take that long for us to go through them though :)