1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Spiced Apple Leather

Spiced Apple Leather

This natural fruit leather transforms fresh apples into chewy, sweet strips flavored with cinnamon and brown sugar. A wholesome alternative to store-bought fruit snacks.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:20:16 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Two rolled fruit leather pieces are placed on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by red apples, apple slices, and a small bowl of ground cinnamon. Save it
Two rolled fruit leather pieces are placed on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by red apples, apple slices, and a small bowl of ground cinnamon. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Making spiced apple leather started as my solution for using up the bounty from our backyard apple tree. Now it's become our favorite healthy snack that captures all the cozy flavors of fall. This homemade treat transforms simple apples into chewy strips of pure fruit goodness with just a hint of warm spices.

The Magic of Fruit Leather

This spiced apple leather recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves natural snacks. The slow baking process concentrates all that wonderful apple flavor while the cinnamon adds such warming comfort. My kids actually prefer these to store-bought fruit snacks and I love knowing exactly what goes into them.

What You'll Need

  • Apples: 4 cups any mix you love will work.
  • Water: 1/2 cup just enough to help things along.
  • Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon adds that perfect warmth.
  • Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons lets the apple flavor shine.

Let's Make It

Get Started
Set your oven nice and low and prep your baking sheet for success.
Cook Those Apples
Simmer everything together until those apples get soft and fragrant.
Smooth It Out
Blend until you get that perfect consistency some like it smooth others prefer a bit of texture.
Spread the Love
Take your time getting that mixture spread just right nice and even.
The Long Wait
Let it dry slowly in the oven checking now and then for that perfect leather texture.
Pack It Up
Once it's cooled cut it into strips and store them away if they last that long.

Success Secrets

The key to perfect spiced apple leather lies in choosing flavorful apples and spreading the puree evenly. I've found that mixing sweet and tart varieties creates the best flavor. Keep an eye on those edges while drying they tend to finish first but a quick rotation of the pan fixes that right up.

Make It Your Own

While this spiced apple leather is wonderful as is feel free to experiment. Sometimes I'll add a pinch of nutmeg or swap in maple syrup for the brown sugar. You can even mix in other fruits like pears for a different twist. They're perfect for lunchboxes hiking trips or anytime you need a healthy sweet fix.

Three rolled apple fruit leathers dusted with seasoning, placed on a wooden board beside fresh apples and a small bowl of spice. Save it
Three rolled apple fruit leathers dusted with seasoning, placed on a wooden board beside fresh apples and a small bowl of spice. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook the apples first?
Cooking the apples softens them for easier pureeing and helps release their natural sweetness. This creates a smoother, more flavorful leather.
→ How do I know when the leather is done?
The leather is done when it feels dry to the touch but still pliable. It shouldn't be sticky or wet.
→ What types of apples work best?
You can use any mix of fresh apples. Sweet varieties work well, but tart apples can add nice flavor balance.
→ Why spread the puree thinly?
An even, thin layer ensures consistent drying and the right chewy texture. Thick spots may remain too wet while thin spots could become brittle.
→ How should I store the apple leather?
Store the strips in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll keep well at room temperature.

Spiced Apple Leather

Homemade apple fruit leather seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar. A chewy, sweet treat made from fresh apples.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
180 Minutes
Total Time
210 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 strips)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cups assorted fresh apples, quartered.
02 1/2 cup water.
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
04 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 170°F. Line baking sheet with silicone mat.

Step 02

Combine apples, water, cinnamon, and brown sugar in pot. Cook over medium-low heat 18-20 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Blend apple mixture until smooth using blender or hand blender.

Step 04

Spread puree thinly and evenly on prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Bake 2-3 hours until dried but still pliable. Cool 10 minutes before cutting into strips.

Notes

  1. Natural alternative to store-bought fruit roll-ups.
  2. Can use any mix of apple varieties.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Silicone mat.
  • Blender or hand blender.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: ~