Oven Dried Apples

Name: Oven Dried Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Ingredients: 3 large apples; 1 TBSP pumpkin spice

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s nothing like the taste of fall! Enjoy the atmosphere of the fall season with these simple, healthy Oven Dried Apples

My dad’s dream was to live on a small farm and enjoy the literal fruits of his labor. Thankfully, in the past decade, he’s been able to fulfill that dream. The drive brings to mind a classic Kentucky farm, with large oak and maple trees lining the way to the house. Up from the lake is a patch of land where he planted apple, pear, and peach trees. The critters seem to feast on the peaches and pears, but we’ve been able to gather the apples before they sink their teeth in them, too.

We’ve used them to make Apple Chutney and, of course, Apple Pie, but my favorite way to use them is in this simple recipe for Oven Dried Apples. The crisp slices make a perfect, guilt-free snack. I love that I can grab a handful when I’m passing through the kitchen to munch on while working from home, or I can sit down with a bowl and enjoy while watching some TV. They’re also great additions for granola and trail mix.

My dad likes all the apple iterations, but I think this is his favorite, too. He likes to have a jar of Dried Apples on his counter—a reminder of dreams come true and a tribute to a life of hard work and dedication to family. And for those mornings when a hearty start is essential, we recommend pairing those delightful Oven Dried Apples with a dish of healthy baked oatmeal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Forget store-bought after-school snacks. These delicious treats will have your kids begging for more. Plus, your whole house will smell warm and cozy as if you just baked a fresh apple pie!

Ingredients

3 large apples
1 TBSP pumpkin spice

How to Make // The Steps

Step 1: Start by preheating the oven to 225°F.

Step 2: Use a mandoline on its thinnest setting and carefully slice the apples through the core to get even slices.

Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Step 4: Arrange the sliced apples onto the baking tray with no overlaps and sprinkle on the spice.

Step 5: Place into the heated oven to bake for 1½ to 2 hours, turning a couple of times throughout the time. Take them out and let them cool and set for 15 minutes. Then, place them into a sealable jar.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Dried Apples

Picking the right apples makes all the difference! I like to choose sweet apples with a crisp texture like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn.
Keep an eye on the apples, especially toward the end of baking. The edges should be crispy, not burnt, and the middle should remain slightly soft. If you’re in the mood for another apple treat, why not try our delicious apple cupcakes?
The lovely scent might have you salivating, but you’ll have to wait a bit. Let the apples cool completely after baking so they’ll dry out and become crispy. While waiting, take a moment to explore our apple pie with cheddar thyme crust for a unique twist on a classic dessert.

FAQs

Can I use spices other than pumpkin?

These days, it’s almost un-American to diss pumpkin spice—but you can absolutely use any spice that you want. Cinnamon or apple pie spice are my favorite choices.

Why are my apples still soft?

The apples might need a bit more time in the oven. The final crunch factor depends on the width of the slices and their placement on the baking sheet.

What kind of apple should I use for this recipe?

I’m partial to those sweet Honeycrisp and Fuji types that don’t get mushy during drying, plus they’re naturally sweet. But you can use whatever type of apple you’d like!

What else can I do with this recipe?

Feel free to play around with your spices such as nutmeg or cloves. You can drizzle some honey on the apples before baking—or even some lemon zest.

I don’t have a mandolin. Can I use a knife?

You can. But I strongly recommend using a mandolin to guarantee thin, even slices.

Serving Suggestions //

These Oven Dried Apples are a healthy addition to your daily meal plan. I love the versatility: I can enjoy them as a snack, toss them into my morning oatmeal or cereal, add a sweet crunch to a salad, or use them as an unexpected twist on a charcuterie board.

Make Ahead and How to Store //

This is a perfect weekend make-ahead treat—plus, you’ll get your whole house smelling warm and inviting. Once they’ve cooled down, store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week. If you’re looking for other make-ahead treats, you might enjoy apple cobbler or pumpkin butter cake. There’s no need to reheat, but if you like them warm, you can toss them into the oven on low heat for a few minutes.