Pumpkin Fruit Leather
Pumpkin fruit leather is such a wonderful snack for the fall season! It’s sweet, portable, and easy to share with others.
This homemade fruit leather is full of autumn flavors. It’s “pumpkin spice and everything nice”! Because who doesn’t love pumpkin treats this time of year? This popular snack will have you in the spirit of fall in no time!
And you have kids, this is a great treat to stash in their lunchbox. While their friends are noshing on the same ol’ fruit roll-ups, your kids will be enjoying the flavors of Fall.
Making your own fruit leather is a delicious way to enjoy this winter squash and all the nutrients it offers. Add in some pumpkin pie spices and you’ve got a great way to enjoy a healthy snack!
Pumpkin Apple Fruit Leather
This fruit leather could also be called pumpkin apple fruit leather. It’s a delicious blend of pumpkin and apple. A perfect blend of Fall!
How To Dehydrate Fruit Leather In An Oven
You can make this in the oven. Preheat your oven to 175 F. Make your pumpkin leather mix according to the recipe, in a large bowl. But instead of spreading over the dehydrator tray (on a dehydrator sheet), pour mix onto a baking sheet (with edges) covered in parchment paper. A silicone mat will work too.
Avoid wax paper.
Place the prepared baking pan in the oven and bake for about 4-5 hours, or until the center is fully set.
When done dehydrating, cool to room temperature, peel from the cookie sheet, cut, roll, and store in an airtight container.
Good storage containers are glass jars, freezer-safe containers (glass or plastic), or zipper-top bags.
Homemade Pumpkin Puree
If you prefer to make your own pumpkin puree, it’s super easy! Here’s how to make it.
What To Do If You Over Dry Your Fruit Leather
If you over dry your pumpkin fruit leather, it will become very stiff and difficult to cut. I made that mistake myself at first by dehydrating for 24 hours! While the fruit leather was still good, it was incredibly tough and hard to chew.
Pumpkin Leather Ingredients
30 oz. pumpkin puree – Two 15 oz. cans. Make sure this is pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
2 cups unsweetened applesauce – This can be homemade or store-bought.
1 cup granular sweetener – I used xylitol because that’s what works best for my blood sugar. But for unprocessed sugar, use Sucanat, coconut sugar, or monk fruit. If you want to use a liquid sweetener, I highly recommend honey over maple syrup, but maple syrup will work too. It just won’t be as sweet.
2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice – If you buy it, make sure there is no added sugar. Or take a minute or two to make it quickly at home. Here’s an easy pumpkin pie spice recipe.
2 tsp. lemon juice – Bottled or fresh squeezed.
How To Make Pumpkin Fruit Leather
Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Mix well until everything is smooth and well blended. Transfer to a pot and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the mixture has reduced by about half.
Spread pumpkin mixture over a fruit leather tray made for your dehydrator. Place trays in the dehydrator, and set to the fruit leather temperature meant for your dehydrator. On mine, it’s 135 F. For others, it can be slightly higher. Dehydrate for 4-12 hours, or until the center is dried out.
When it’s done dehydrating, cool the fruit leather and peel off the tray. Set on a cutting board.
Cut the fruit leather with a pizza wheel or kitchen scissors.
Roll up with parchment and secure with a food-safe tie.
Store in an airtight container.
How To Store Fruit Leather
Keep these in an airtight container, regardless of whether you use parchment for rolling them or not. Moisture is the worst enemy of homemade fruit roll-ups. These need to stay cool and dry. These will keep in the fridge for up to about 4 days.
Can You Freeze Fruit Leather?
Absolutely! In fact, the freezer is the best place to store these. Freeze up to 6 months.
Need Recipe Supplies?
Excalibur 5-Tray Electric Food Temperature Settings and 26-hour Timer Automatic Shut Off for Faster and Efficient Drying Includes Guide to Dehydration, Black
Set of 3-14″ x 14″ Silicone Sheets for Excalibur Dehydrator Bright Kitchen Re-Usable Non-Stick Mat (3 Edge Sheets)
GOTHAM STEEL 5-Quart Stock Pot with Ultra Nonstick Ceramic and Titanium Coating, Includes Tempered Glass Lid – Dishwasher Safe
More Healthy Snack Recipes
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Pumpkin Fruit Leather Recipe
Pumpkin Fruit Leather
CLICK TO WATCH THIS RECIPE IN ACTION!
Equipment
- Dehydrator
Ingredients
- 30 oz. pumpkin puree (two 15 oz. cans)
- 2 cups unsweetened apple sauce
- ½ cup granular sweetener
- 2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Place all ingredient in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix well until everything is smooth and well blended. Transfer to a pot and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the mixture has reduced by about half.
- Spread pumpkin mixture over a fruit leather tray made for your dehydrator. Place trays in the dehydrator, and set to the fruit leather temperature meant for your dehydrator. On mine, it's 135 F. For others, it can be slightly higher. Dehydrate for 4-12 hours, or until the center is dried out.
- Cool the fruit leather and peel off the tray. Set on a cutting board.
- Cut the fruit leather with a pizza wheel or kitchen scissors.
- Roll up with parchment and secure with a food-safe tie.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
I think apricot leather is still my favorite from my childhood but this is a darn close 2nd place and I am glad because we have pumpkins coming out of our ears! Great recipe…thank you! 🙂
Griff – Fantastic! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😀