Artificial Food Coloring Free Apple-Ginger Fruit Leather
Fruit leather from the store almost always comes loaded with Red 40, artificial flavors, and dyes that turn the snack aisle into a minefield for anyone avoiding synthetic additives. This homemade version skips all of that entirely — the only ingredients are real apples, fresh ginger, honey, Ceylon cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The result is a chewy, tangy-sweet snack with a gorgeous warm amber color that comes purely from the fruit itself, no artificial help needed. Fresh ginger gives it a gentle heat that makes each strip feel a little more grown-up than the pouched stuff you grew up with. The low-and-slow oven method draws out moisture gradually, concentrating the apple flavor and giving you that satisfying, peel-away texture without any shortcuts. Once it cools, you cut it into strips and you're done — a genuinely clean snack that's just as fun to eat as the brightly dyed versions, and honestly a lot more delicious.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 lbs apples (about 4 medium), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 170°F (77°C). If your oven's lowest setting is 200°F (93°C), set it there and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape. Line an 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Combine the chopped apples, grated ginger, honey, Ceylon cinnamon, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes, scraping down the sides once — the purée should be uniform with no visible apple chunks.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!