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Homemade Applesauce Fruit Leather

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12 strips

Ingredients

Base

  • 3 cups unsweetened applesauce store-bought or homemade

Optional Additions (pick one or skip)

  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup only if applesauce is very tart
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup fruit puree strawberry, blueberry, or mango, replaces 1 cup applesauce

Instructions

Dehydrator Method

  • Line dehydrator trays with fruit leather sheets or parchment paper.
  • Spread applesauce (with any mix-ins stirred in) in an even layer about ⅛ inch thick. Make the edges slightly thicker than the center.
  • Set dehydrator to 135°F. Dehydrate for 8-12 hours, checking at 8 hours.
  • The leather is done when it peels away cleanly, feels slightly tacky but not wet, with no shiny or sticky spots remaining.
  • Let cool completely. Cut into strips with scissors and roll in parchment paper for storage.

Oven Method

  • Preheat oven to lowest setting (170°F ideal, 200°F maximum). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Spread applesauce in an even layer about ⅛ inch thick. Make edges slightly thicker.
  • Bake for 4-6 hours with the oven door propped slightly open. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
  • The leather is done when no longer sticky to the touch and peels away cleanly from the parchment.
  • Let cool completely. Cut into strips and roll in parchment paper for storage.

Notes

  • Even thickness is key: Spread the applesauce evenly with an offset spatula. Thin spots will overdry and crack. Thick spots will stay tacky.
  • Don't over-dry: The leather should bend without cracking. Pull it when it peels cleanly and feels slightly tacky.
  • Storage: Roll in parchment paper, store in airtight container. Room temp 2-4 weeks, fridge 1-2 months, freezer up to 6 months.
  • Flavor ideas: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon, swap 1 cup applesauce for fruit puree (strawberry, mango, berry), or stir in 1 tablespoon Jell-O powder for fun colors.
  • Unsweetened applesauce only: Dehydrating concentrates sugars naturally. Sweetened applesauce will be overly sweet.