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Easy Homemade Apple Cinnamon Fruit Roll-Ups Recipe

homemade apple cinnamon fruit roll-ups - featured image

These homemade apple cinnamon fruit roll-ups are chewy, naturally sweetened, and made with real fruit. A healthy snack that kids love and parents can feel good about.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and 1 Granny Smith)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, only if apples are tart)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C) or the lowest setting. If your oven doesn’t go that low, set it to 200°F (93°C) and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon handle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Wash and core the apples, leaving the skins on. Cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks (about 4 cups).
  3. Place the chopped apples in a medium saucepan with the water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and starting to break down.
  4. Transfer the cooked apples (including any liquid) to a blender. Add the cinnamon. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth. Taste and add maple syrup or honey if desired, then blend again.
  5. Pour the apple puree onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick, roughly 10 by 12 inches.
  6. Bake for 4 to 6 hours, checking after 3 hours. The fruit leather is done when it’s no longer sticky to the touch in the center but still pliable. It should peel away from the parchment easily without tearing.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for about 15 minutes.
  8. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut the fruit leather into strips, about 1.5 inches wide. Roll each strip up in parchment paper or wax paper. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Don’t rush the drying process by turning up the heat; low and slow is key for chewy texture. Use the spoon test: if the center feels tacky but doesn’t stick to your finger, it’s done. Rotate the pan halfway through for even drying. For extra smoothness, run cooked apples through a food mill before blending.

Nutrition

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