Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 peaches, pitted and cut (approximately 4 cups cut peaches)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Wash, Pit & Cut Peaches: Wash the peaches thoroughly under cold water. Remove the pits and cut the peaches into small pieces. Peeling the peaches is optional; peeling will give a smoother texture but depends on personal preference.
- Combine Peaches & Maple Syrup in Blender: Place the peach pieces into a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the maple syrup. If using, add a splash of fresh lemon juice to help preserve color and add brightness.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth and uniform in texture. For extra smoothness, you may pass the peach puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any chunks or unblended bits.
- Preheat & Line Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C) and line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat (such as a Silpat).
- Spread Peach Puree on Baking Sheet: Pour the pureed peach mixture onto the lined baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it evenly to about 3–4 mm thickness. Avoid spreading too thick to ensure even drying.
- Dry Peach Mixture in Oven: Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and dry the puree for about 7 to 8 hours. The finished fruit leather should be firm, slightly sticky but not wet, and flexible with a leathery texture.
- Cool Fruit Leather: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the fruit leather to cool for a few minutes. It should peel off easily from the silicone mat once slightly cooled.
- Cut into Strips and Roll Up: Cut the cooled fruit leather into strips about 1 to 2 inches wide. Roll each strip up, either alone or with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store Properly: Store the rolled peach fruit leather in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent moisture from softening the fruit leather over time.
Notes
- Peeling the peaches is optional, but peeled peaches will yield a smoother fruit leather.
- Adding lemon juice helps to preserve the color and adds a slight brightness to the flavor.
- Drying times may vary depending on oven calibration and peach water content; check texture after 7 hours.
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking during drying.
- Store fruit leather away from moisture to maintain texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan