How to make fruit leather: recipe and tips

What is fruit leather?

Fruit leather is a chewy, dried fruit snack crafted by puréeing your favorite fruit and drying in the oven or using a dehydrator until it’s ready. While it can be made with most fruits and even mixtures of fruits, popular iterations include bananas, mangoes, apricots and tamarind fruit leathers. Discover how countertop ovens from KitchenAid brand can help you dehydrate your purée for a delicious sheet or roll of fruit leather.

Homemade fruit leather recipe

Whether you have an abundance of apricots or a bushel of overripe bananas, you can create your own version of fruit leather before they spoil. Creating something new with overripe fruits and preserving your excess ingredients can go a long way in sustainable cooking and getting the most out of your farmer’s market haul. Experiment with the following recipe and learn how to add your own twist to fruit leather with berries, stone fruits, tropical fruits and more.

Yields

1 to 2 sheets. Adjust recipe for desired serving size.

Ingredients

• Your favorite fruit, such as plums, berries, mangoes, apples, tamarind or peaches.

• Sweeteners (optional), such as sugar, honey or agave.

Tools

• A KitchenAid^® blender or food processor.

• A KitchenAid^® countertop oven for dehydrating.

• Baking sheet

• Spatula

• Parchment paper

Prep Time

10 to 20 minutes

Cook Time

About 9 hours

Total Time

9 hours and 20 minutes

Step 1: Prep

Wash your fruit, remove the pits, de-stem and peel, depending on your desired ingredients. KitchenAid^® stand mixers and the 7 Blade Spiralizer with Peel, Core and Slice¹ can help you make quick and easy work for peeling, coring and prepping your fruit.

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Step 2: Boil

Boil and mash your fruit in a large saucepan.

Experiment by adding finely ground spices or sweeteners for a flavorful infusion to your mixture, like honey, agave nectar, cinnamon or cardamom.

Step 3: Blend

Purée and blend your mixture until smooth.

Blenders from KitchenAid^® brand can help you get the right taste and texture for your fruit leather recipe.

Step 4: Dehydrate

Pour your purée onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it spread to the edges. Carefully smooth the mixture with a spatula. Then, dry it out in the oven, or use a food dehydrator. For a thicker fruit leather, use a smaller baking sheet or the size that comes with your countertop oven.

This process can take up to nine hours in the oven. Your fruit leather is ready once it is dry and no longer sticky.

Step 5: Enjoy

Cut your fruit leather into servings, or roll it up for a tasty on-the-go snack.

Store your fruit leather in an airtight container on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to one month.

What fruits can be made into leather?

Most fruits can be made into fruit leather, as long as you can achieve a smooth purée from it. Whether you have berries, stone fruits, or tropical fruits, popular options for fruit leather include pears, papayas, apricots, grapes and blueberries. See where your inspiration takes you and try experimenting with a combination of fruits, such as peaches and raspberries.

Can I make fruit leather out of jelly?

Fruit leather can be made from jelly and jam with the same process of puréeing and dehydrating your ingredients. However, for more experimentation and unique recipes, consider making your fruit leather from scratch with overripe fruits and your favorite combinations. Making fruit leather from scratch also allows you to control the exact ingredients that go into your fruit snack.

How do I know when fruit leather is done?

Your fruit leather is ready when the purée is firm, smooth and no longer sticky to the touch. Instead, it will have a soft, elastic texture to it.

Why does my fruit leather crack?

If your fruit leather is brittle and cracking easily, that could be a sign that it’s too dry. If you are having trouble peeling the fruit leather from the pan, try moistening it to help prevent it from cracking. Check the progress of the dehydration every 30 minutes or so after the first five hours to make sure you don’t overdo it.

How long does fruit leather last?

Homemade fruit leather can stay fresh for two to four weeks at room temperature, just be sure to store it in a dark, dry environment. If storing in the fridge, use an airtight container to help preserve the texture and flavor for up to one month. If you need longer storage, fruit leather can last up to one year in the freezer.

How do I preserve homemade fruit leather?

Whether you're storing it on the countertop or in the refrigerator, make sure your fruit leather is sealed in an airtight container to help preserve its freshness. With a tasty snack for at home or on the go, having your fruit leather readily available can be an ideal complement to meal prepping.