Crisp, lightly spiced, and naturally sweet—try these Oven-Dried Apples for a wholesome treat that delivers the flavors of fall in every bite!
Growing up on a small country farm, my siblings and I anxiously anticipated the harvest festival each fall. Our local apple farmers came together every year for a showstopping celebration featuring an overflow of their annual crop. Booth displays would nearly burst under the weight of freshly harvested Virginia apples. Vendors sold apples in every form imaginable—from spiced apple cider to caramel apples and steaming apple pie. Now that I live on the West Coast, I find myself filled with nostalgic memories as the autumn season rolls around. Incorporating fresh apples into my recipe rotation is one thing I have found helps me keep the spirit of harvest season alive!
This recipe for oven-dried apples is one of my favorite ways to enjoy spiced apple goodness all year round. Each apple slice is dusted with pumpkin spice seasoning, a satisfying mixture of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Baking the apple slices slowly at a low temperature ensures that their natural moisture evaporates gradually. This helps concentrate the flavor while creating the perfect crisp-chewy texture.
You could try my oven-dried apples recipe for a treat that’s easy to pack and munch on during an outdoor adventure. These apples also make an excellent salad topper, or you could even feature them on your next charcuterie board. No matter how you choose to serve this versatile recipe, it is one that always satisfies!
Choosing the perfect apple
When it comes to oven-dried apples, it turns out that not all apples are created equal. Some apples work well with this recipe, while others are best avoided. My two favorite apples to use for this recipe are Fuji and Honeycrisp apples. Fuji apples are naturally sweet and firm, and they caramelize slightly in the oven as they dry—making for the perfect balance of chewy and crisp. Honeycrisp apples are another excellent choice, as their bright and juicy sweetness translates into a delectably crunchy snack after baking. Pink Lady and Gala apples also work well with this recipe, so feel free to experiment with those apple varieties as well! In terms of what apples to avoid, I recommend steering clear of Red Delicious, McIntosh, and Granny Smith apples when preparing this dish. Red Delicious apples have a soft texture that doesn’t hold up well in long, low heat. McIntosh apples break down easily and can become mushy instead of crisp. Last but not least, Granny Smith apples have a firmer texture and lower sugar content, which can make them overly tough and dry when used in this recipe. But don’t take my word for it—take some time to explore with different options until you find the perfect apple for you!
How do I store leftovers?
After they have cooled, you can store your oven-dried apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re looking for longer storage, you can also refrigerate your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. If that’s still not long enough for you, never fret! You can freeze your leftover apple slices in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Simply allow frozen leftovers to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving suggestions
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is as a tasty salad topper! You could add your oven-dried apple slices to this Kale Salad or this Winter Salad. You could even use them to replace the fresh apple slices in this Apple-Walnut Salad. I also find that these oven-dried apples make a nourishing and tasty addition to my morning oatmeal! You could sprinkle your apple slices over a steaming bowl of Instant-Pot Oatmeal or this Healthy Baked Oatmeal. Finally, these oven-dried apple slices are always a hit at gatherings with friends or family. You can serve them alongside a nuts and cheese tray or use them as garnishes for apple cider or fall cocktails.
Oven-Dried Apples
Ingredients
- 3 large apples
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice seasoning
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 225°F.
- Use a mandoline on its thinnest setting and carefully slice the apples through the core to get even slices.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the sliced apples onto the baking tray with no overlaps and sprinkle on the spices.
- Place into the heated oven to bake for 1½ to 2 hours, turning a couple of times throughout. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool and set for 15 minutes before enjoying.
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