Turn simple dried apricots into a bright, chewy snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes, hikes, or an afternoon pick-me-up. This Homemade Apricot Fruit Leather is naturally fruity and easy to make with just a few ingredients and low oven time. For another simple fruit treat, try the best homemade rhubarb crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apricot Fruit Leather
- Naturally sweet, fruity flavor kids and adults love.
- Minimal ingredients and hands-off oven drying.
- Great for meal prep and easy to pack in lunches.
- Long shelf life when stored airtight, perfect for snacks.
- Versatile — pairs well with savory or sweet dishes like a homemade BK Royal Sauce for a playful combo.
Ingredients Needed
- Fruit
- 2 cups dried apricots
- Liquids
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional
- Sweetener (honey or sugar) to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 170°F (75°C) or the lowest setting.
2. Blend the apricots
In a blender, combine the dried apricots, water, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Adjust sweetness
Taste the mixture and add sweetener if desired, blending again to combine.
4. Prepare the baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the fruit mixture onto the sheet and spread it out evenly.
5. Dry the fruit leather
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it dry for about 6–8 hours, or until the fruit leather is no longer sticky to the touch.
6. Cool before handling
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
7. Cut and store
Cut into strips and roll them up, storing them in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions Homemade Apricot Fruit Leather
- Pack rolled strips in lunchboxes alongside cheese and crackers.
- Cut into fun shapes and use as a garnish for yogurt or oatmeal.
- Serve with nut butter as a quick energy-boosting snack.
- Pair a strip with a hearty sandwich like a classic homemade meatloaf for a sweet contrast.
- Chop and sprinkle over ice cream for a fruity chew.
Tips for Success Homemade Apricot Fruit Leather
- Use uniform thickness so the fruit leather dries evenly.
- Check at 6 hours, but allow up to 8 hours depending on your oven humidity.
- If sticky after cooling, dry a bit longer in the oven at the same low temp.
- Store in an airtight container or wrap in parchment to keep it chewy.
- Freeze for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Mix in a handful of dried peaches or mango for a mixed-fruit leather.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for warm spice notes.
- Stir in a spoonful of pureed berries for color and tang.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups dried apricots
Liquids
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional
- to taste sweetener (honey or sugar)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 170°F (75°C) or the lowest setting.
- In a blender, combine the dried apricots, water, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Taste the mixture and add sweetener if desired, blending again to combine.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the fruit mixture onto the sheet and spread it out evenly.
Drying
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it dry for about 6–8 hours, or until the fruit leather is no longer sticky to the touch.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Storage
- Cut into strips and roll them up, storing them in an airtight container.
