Easy Peach Leather

This homemade peach leather is a simple, sweet snack made with just a few ingredients. It’s a delicious way to preserve fresh fruit and use up any extra scraps from canning.

Peach leather is one of my kids’ favorite snacks. It is tart, refreshingly sweet, and delightfully chewy. The flavor of ripe peaches is concentrated and bright, like taking a bite of pure sunshine.

Fruit leather is a perfect way to preserve fruit during peach season (you should also try this sourdough peach crisp) and makes a great snack for both kids and adults, along with this berry peach smoothie. If you are looking for easy ways to use fresh peaches from the garden or a U-pick farm, peach leather should be at the top of your list.

I’m not one to waste anything, so I decided to whip up this recipe after I had canned a bunch of peaches. Then, I turned the leftover bits into juice by covering them with water and simmering for a few minutes, before straining.

Then I used that juice to make peach lemonade, for canning some peach jelly, then a batch of peach syrup. After straining, I used the peach pulp to create this recipe.

Whoa, that is a lot, but also a great way to not waste a thing and stretch the dollar. I basically created four products with something that would typically go into the trash, compost, or to the chickens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy: It is an easy and flexible way to preserve peaches. You only need a few basic tools and ingredients.

Delicious: The result is a chewy, fun snack that kids and adults enjoy.

Reduce food waste: It is a great way to use overripe peaches or those extra bits from canning and preserving peaches.

Preserve the harvest: Peach leather stores well and is perfect for on-the-go snacks.

Ingredients

Fresh peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe peaches work well, too. You can peel them for a smoother texture, but it is optional (see how below). You can also use leftover peach pulp from other preserving recipes.

Lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps prevent browning during drying.

Optional ingredients:
– Honey, maple syrup, or sugar to sweeten.
– Cinnamon or vanilla to add depth and warmth.

Tools You May Need

Blender or food processor

Saucepan (if cooking the fruit down before drying)

Silicone baking mats or parchment paper

Baking sheets or dehydrator trays

Oven or dehydrator

How to Make Peach Leather

Step 5: In a dehydrator, dry at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for about six to eight hours. In the oven, bake at the lowest setting, usually around 170 degrees, for five to six hours or until dried. The leather is done when it feels dry to the touch and peels away easily from the mat or paper. Let the leather cool completely. Use scissors or a knife to cut it into strips. Roll them in parchment paper and store in an airtight container.

The Easiest Way to Remove Peach Skins

If you prefer a smoother, more consistent peach leather, you can easily remove the skins.

• Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil.
• Wash peaches, then cut an “x” in the skin at the bottom of the peaches using a knife.
• Carefully add peaches to the boiling water, boiling for 30-90 seconds. The peels will start to pull away around the “x” section.
• Remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and place in an ice water bath. Let them sit for a few minutes until cool enough to handle, then peel the skin.

Tips for Success

• Spread the puree evenly to help it dry consistently and avoid sticky or brittle spots.
• Use silicone mats or parchment paper for easier clean-up.
• Taste your puree before drying. If the peaches are too tart, stir in a small amount of honey or sugar.
• Store finished leather at room temperature in a sealed container for up to one month. For longer storage, you can freeze it.

Variations

• Combine peaches with strawberries or applesauce for a fruity mix.
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.
• Use a splash of vanilla for extra depth of flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding honey, sugar, or maple syrup.

Choosing the Best Peaches

To make the best peach leather, start with flavorful fruit. Look for peaches that are super ripe and fragrant but still firm enough to slice.

Freestone varieties are a better choice because the pit separates easily from the flesh. I used clingstone when I created this recipe since that was the variety available at the time. They just required a little more work.

Avoid underripe peaches, which tend to be bland and watery. Overripe peaches are perfect for this recipe because their soft texture blends easily.

Find More Preserving Recipes:

• How To Dry Plums
• Freeze Blueberries The Easy Way
• Easy Refrigerator Pickles
• How To Dry Blueberries
• 30 Ways To Preserve Strawberries

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back, comment on the post, and give it 5 stars! Please and thank you. Tag me on Instagram @ablossominglife.