DIY Cinnamon Applesauce Fruit Leather Recipe for Healthy Snacking

Are you ready to transform your snack game with a healthy and delicious treat? Make your own Cinnamon Applesauce Fruit Leather right at home! This easy recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients. It delivers a chewy, flavorful delight that kids and adults alike can enjoy—perfect for lunchboxes or as an on-the-go snack.

What is Cinnamon Applesauce Fruit Leather?

Fruit leather is a chewy, dried fruit snack made by pureeing fresh fruit and dehydrating it until it reaches a flexible, leathery texture. This nutritious snack showcases the natural sweetness of fruit, making it an ideal alternative to processed snacks. You can customize the flavor by adding various spices and herbs. In this recipe, the combination of applesauce and cinnamon creates a warm and inviting flavor that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your own cinnamon applesauce fruit leather, gather these simple ingredients:

• 4 cups of applesauce (I prefer the cinnamon applesauce.)

• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

• 1 cup of sugar (optional for added sweetness)

  
  

These ingredients are not only easy to find but also promote a healthy snacking habit. Making homemade fruit leather means you can control what goes into your snack, ensuring it’s a guilt-free indulgence you and your family can enjoy.

Preparing the Applesauce

You can use store-bought or home-canned applesauce for this recipe. However, making it from scratch can enhance the flavor. Here's how to prepare your homemade applesauce:

1. Choose Your Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala and tart ones like Granny Smith. This balance adds depth to the flavor. For instance, using two Fuji apples and one Granny Smith can give you an ideal blend.

   
   

2. Peel and Core: Peel the apples and remove the cores. Cut them into small chunks (around 1-inch pieces).

   
   

3. Cook the Apples: In a pot, combine the apple chunks with a splash of water and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the apples soften, usually around 15-20 minutes.

   
   

4. Blend: Once soft, puree the apples with an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth. If you want a chunkier texture, blend less.

   
   

5. Cool: Allow the applesauce to cool for a few minutes before mixing in the cinnamon and any sweeteners.

   
   

Preparing the cinnamon/Sugar mix

In a jar, combine the ground cinnamon and sugar (if using), and shake with the lid on until it is fully blended. The warm scent of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the applesauce, making it irresistible.

Preparing the Dehydrating tray

To make your fruit leather, you will need a dehydrator tray lined with a plastic or silicone tray. Follow these steps:

1. Oil the Sheet: Cover the sheet entirely with coconut oil. This helps in easy removal later.

   

   
   

2. Spread the Mixture: Pour your cinnamon applesauce mixture onto the tray. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. A thicker layer may take longer to dry.

   

3. Sweeten: Sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture and store the leftover mix in the pantry for later. This is where you can adjust the sweetness for personal preference.

   
   

4. Place in Dehydrator: Place the trays in the dehydrator and set the temperature to 135 degrees.

   
   

Drying the Fruit Leather

Patience is key here! Let it dry for about 6-24 hours. The time will vary based on your unit and the thickness of the applesauce layer. You'll know the fruit leather is ready when it feels dry to the touch and can be peeled away without sticking.

Storing Your Fruit Leather

Once dried and cooled, it's time to cut and store your delicious fruit leather:

1. Cut into Strips: Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to slice the fruit leather into strips or squares, depending on your preference.

   

2. Wrap and Store: Wrap each piece in parchment paper or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

   
   

How to Enjoy Your Snack

With your homemade cinnamon applesauce fruit leather ready, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it:

• On-the-Go: Perfect for busy days, toss a few strips into your bag for a quick, energizing snack.

  
  

• Lunchbox Treats: Surprise your kids with these tasty strips in their lunchboxes. They are a wholesome alternative to sugary snacks.

  
  

• Post-Workout Snack: After a workout, these fruit leather strips provide a natural source of sugars and carbohydrates needed for recovery.

  

Fun Variations to Try

While the classic cinnamon flavor is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some ideas:

• Add Vanilla: A small splash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Just a quarter teaspoon can make a difference.

  
  

• Mix in Other Fruits: By combining applesauce with pureed strawberries, peaches, or even blueberries, you can create delightful fruit blends. For instance, 1 cup of applesauce and 1/2 cup of pureed strawberries will produce a fruity combination.

  
  

• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for added zest.

  
  

Wrapping Up

Making your own cinnamon applesauce fruit leather is not only simple, but it's also a rewarding experience that results in a delicious treat everyone in your household will cherish. With just four main ingredients and a little time, you can craft a healthy snack that’s great for any occasion.