Making your own dried apple slices is as easy as it gets (and way more budget-friendly than store-bought options!). With just two simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch anytime a snack craving strikes. And as a bonus, your kitchen will smell amazing while they’re drying!
There’s something so satisfying about turning fresh fruit into a perfectly chewy, naturally sweet treat—these baked apple slices do just that! Check out my banana popsicles for another easy, healthy snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
I always come back to this dried apple slices recipe because it takes something as simple as an apple and turns it into a healthy, delicious snack that feels like a treat!
It’s a go-to in my house for three reasons: no fancy dehydrator required, only two ingredients, and a process so simple you’ll want to make it again and again. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also wholesome and naturally sweet, with just the right hint of warming cinnamon notes.
Plus, my kids can’t get enough of these slices! They’re perfect for afternoon snacks, school lunches, or even after dinner. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack or just love the idea of making your own treats at home, this recipe is for you!
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make these baked apple slices.
- Apples: Provide natural sweetness with a hint of tanginess. Firm varieties like Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best for consistent texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon Powder: Adds a warm spice that perfectly complements the apples. For a more delicate flavor, opt for Ceylon cinnamon over cassia.
Substitutions
- Apples: You can use pears for a similar texture and sweetness, though expect a slightly different flavor profile. Simply swap them at a 1:1 ratio.
- Cinnamon Powder: If you don’t have any cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice will also work. Add them both at a 1:1 ratio.
How to Make
The process of making these baked apple slices is virtually all hands-off! Just follow my tips and tricks for the best results.
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and place a large cooking rack over a baking sheet. Wash the apples thoroughly and, if preferred, core them with an apple corer before slicing them into ⅛-inch slices (use a mandolin for uniform pieces).
Baking
Step 1
Arrange the slices flat on the cooling rack, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 2
Place the rack in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Then, flip the apple slices and bake for another 2 ½ hours until they are completely dried out. Once done, sprinkle cinnamon powder over the slices before storing.
Expert Tip
Getting perfectly dried apple slices is all about using low, consistent heat. Increasing the temperature to speed things up might be tempting, but trust me—this will leave you with burnt edges and an uncooked center!
Stick to the gentle 200 degrees Fahrenheit heat to slowly remove the moisture while letting the natural sugars caramelize perfectly. Also, don’t skip placing the apples on a cooling rack over a baking sheet (this allows the air to circulate evenly, helping them dry out without turning soggy).
Variations
- Spice Blends: Experiment with your favorite spice blends to change up the flavor—apple pie spice and pumpkin spice are both delicious!
- Salted Caramel: Dust the slices with coconut sugar and a tiny pinch of sea salt for a flavor reminiscent of caramel apples.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder along with cinnamon for a sweet heat that’s surprisingly addictive.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the apple slices are dried and cooled, drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Tangy: For a tangy twist, drizzle lemon juice lightly over the apple slices before baking.
Drying Tips
- Use a Mandolin: Even slices will dry at the same rate, giving you more consistent results. A mandolin simply speeds up the slicing process and improves accuracy.
- Seeding the Apples: You don’t have to core the apples before slicing. I simply pop the seeds out with a small paring knife after the apples are sliced. It’s up to you!
- Preheat the Oven: Start with a preheated oven to ensure the drying process starts as soon as the slices hit the heat. This also helps them dry out more evenly.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Check the slices periodically to avoid over-drying, which can lead to brittleness. You’re looking for the perfect balance between chewy and crisp!
If you love easy oven dried fruits, you’ll want to try my Dried Lemon Slices too. They’re crisp, tangy, and make the prettiest garnish for drinks and desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can core the apples before slicing or slice them first and then remove the seeds with a paring knife. It all depends on your comfort level with a knife and the tools you have available.
Yes! You can use any apple, but firmer apples like Gala or Fuji are best for drying. Softer apples might turn out too mushy, but you can choose apples based on your texture and taste preference.
Aim for ⅛-inch slices for the ideal balance between chewy and crisp. Thicker slices will take much longer to dry, but if you prefer chewier dried apple slices, simply adjust the thickness to your liking.
You can use a sharp knife, but be sure to slice as uniformly as possible. Consistency in the slice thickness is essential for even drying. If possible, I recommend investing in a mandolin to make the process quicker and easier.
Storing
Let your dried apple slices cool completely before storing them to maintain their crisp texture. Transfer them to an airtight container or baggie and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place (like a cupboard or pantry). While refrigeration is unnecessary, they’ll last up to a month if you prefer to store them in the fridge.
More Sweet Vegan Snacks
Dried Apple Slices
DESCRIPTION
INGREDIENTS
- 1-2 whole apples quantity depends on the size of the apples
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder to garnish
METHOD
- Preheat oven to 200℉, and place a large cooking rack over a large baking sheet.
- Carefully slice apple into ⅛" thin slices using a mandolin. You can remove the apple core using an apple corer before slicing. Or pop the seeds out once the apples are sliced using a small paring knife. Note: I simply pop the seeds out with a small paring knife after the apples are sliced.
- Lay the apples slices flat on the cooling racks without overlapping them.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour. Then flip slices over, and bake for another 2 ½ hours.
- Sprinkle over cinnamon powder once the apples are completely dried out. Store in an air-tight container, and use as desire.
NOTES
- Use a Mandolin: Even slices will dry at the same rate, giving you more consistent results. A mandolin simply speeds up the slicing process and improves accuracy.
- Seeding the Apples: You don’t have to core the apples before slicing. I simply pop the seeds out with a small paring knife after the apples are sliced. It’s up to you!
- Preheat the Oven: Start with a preheated oven to ensure the drying process starts as soon as the slices hit the heat. This also helps them dry out more evenly.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Check the slices periodically to avoid over-drying, which can lead to brittleness. You’re looking for the perfect balance between chewy and crisp!
Puja Verma says
Such a fun and healthy snack to make in my home oven!