How to Make Cranberry Fruit Leather

This cranberry fruit leather is made with cranberry sauce and apple sauce – a perfect way to enjoy leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving! In fact, I bet you’ll want to make it all year long. That beautiful colour is matched by the amazing sweet and slightly tangy flavour of your favourite cranberry sauce.

finished cranberry fruit rolls
Cranberry Sauce fruit leather is tasty and beautiful.

Also Read: Apple and Cranberry French Toast Bake, Shakshuka, Puffed Oven Pancakes

This recipe combines a jar of apple sauce with your favourite cranberry sauce, whether it’s homemade or store bought. My homemade cranberry sauce includes a little orange juice concentrate, ginger, cinnamon and sugar so it already has amazing flavour. Of course you can use store bought cranberry and apple sauce too. Taste and see if you’re happy with the combination and consider adding extras like orange zest, grated ginger, cinnamon, pie spice, vanilla extract or whatever else you might like.

Not only will you love this tasty treat, but you’ll benefit from all the nutrients in cranberries too. Check out what Canadian Registered Dietitian Leslie Beck says about cranberries.

ready to mix cranberry sauce and apple sauce
Mix leftover cranberry sauce with a jar of apple sauce.

To get a finer texture, use a food processor, blender or immersion stick blender to puree your mix. It’ll make your final fruit leather less pulpy – something my kids prefer.

cranberry fruit leather before drying
Spread into a thin, even layer on lined dehydrator tray. Some of the tiny cranberry seeds are still visible, but they’re barely noticeable just like strawberry seeds would be.

Can You Make this Fruit Leather in the Oven?

Yes! I’m fortunate to have a dehydrator at home, so I like using it when making fruit leather, but you CAN make this fruit leather in the oven. Just be aware, it does take some time.

Here are the steps for making this fruit leather in the oven.

  1. Preheat the oven to 170°F (80°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the puree as outlined in the recipe below.
  3. Spread the puree on the parchment paper about 1/8 inch (1-2 mm) thin. An offset spatula really helps with this.
  4. Bake for 6 to 8 hours, or until no longer sticky to the touch, does not leave any indentations when pressed with fingers and separates easily from parchment paper.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  6. Either remove from parchment paper or roll with the parchment paper (prevents the roll from sticking to itself).
  7. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut into rolls. Enjoy.

Pro Tip: NEVER use wax paper when dehydrating – in the oven or in the dehydrator. It will stick horribly! Use parchment paper.

fruit leather lifts off cleanly when perfectly dry
When dried completely, fruit leather will separate cleanly from liner. See below for details on how to know if fruit leather is dry.

Recipe for Cranberry Sauce Fruit Leather

cranberry fruit leather
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4.67 from 6 votes

Cranberry Sauce Fruit Leather

Use your favourite cranberry sauce to make this beautiful and tasty cranberry sauce fruit leather. Puree and mix in some applesauce for a smooth fruit roll up that's not too tart. For added sweetness add 1-2 tablespoons honey as desired. The recipe can easily be reduced or doubled depending on how much sauce you have.
Prep : 15 minutes
Cook : 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 rolls

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine cranberry sauce and applesauce in deep bowl and puree using an immersion blender or use a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
  • Add honey, if using. Taste test and add more honey if desired.
  • Spread onto lined dehydrator tray about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Line tray with paraflexx sheet or parchment, not wax paper.
  • Place in dehydrator and dry at 135°F (57°C) for 8-10 hours.
  • Press leather with flat fingers, if there’s an indentation or any dark, wet spots, it’s not ready. If it comes off easily, it is done. Watch how to tell if Fruit Leather is Dry on YouTube.
  • Let cool completely then roll and cut into strips. Store in sealed container for up to 1 month or in the freezer for longer.
  • Makes 3-4 cups puree, enough for two 8×6 inch sheets of leather or 16 rolls.

Oven Drying

  • For oven dehydrating, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Turn to 170° F (70°C). Dry for 6-8 hours. (see post for more details)

Notes

Homemade or store bought cranberry sauce work equally well. Just taste and adjust seasoning to your liking, consider adding cinnamon, pie spice, vanilla extract, orange zest, etc.
You can also use store bought apple sauce or other fruit purees.
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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Iron: 1mg
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple sauce, cranberry sauce, dehydrdating, fruit leather, fruit roll ups
cranberry fruit rolls on display
The whole family will love these homemade fruit roll ups.

How to Check Your Fruit Leather

If you need a little more guidance on checking your fruit leather or if your fruit leather is too dry – it’s breaking into pieces, check out these articles.

How to Check for Dryness of Fruit Leather

What if My Fruit Leather is Too Dry

Temperature Guide for Dehydrated Food

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Other Fruit Leather Recipes

If you need a little more guidance on checking your fruit leather or if your fruit leather is too dry – it’s breaking into pieces, check out these articles.

Pumpkin and Apple Pie Flavored Fruit Leather

Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Leather

rhubarb fruit leather rolls
Rhubarb strawberry fruit leather is another favourite.

Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economistwho loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchenSign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and pdf guides.

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