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.
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.
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.
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.
- Preheat the oven to 170°F (80°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the puree as outlined in the recipe below.
- Spread the puree on the parchment paper about 1/8 inch (1-2 mm) thin. An offset spatula really helps with this.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Either remove from parchment paper or roll with the parchment paper (prevents the roll from sticking to itself).
- 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.
Recipe for Cranberry Sauce Fruit Leather
Cranberry Sauce Fruit Leather
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 2 cups apple sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey (optional)
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
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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
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
Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economist, who loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchen. Sign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and pdf guides.