This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking them, we will be compensated, but there is no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed are our own. Thank you for your support.
A few days ago I shared a recipe with you that used dried apples, not reconstituted. It was a fabulous recipe for Dried Apple Oatmeal Cookies.I mentioned in that post that sometimes you reconstitute apples to use them when baking and sometimes you don't have to. A few people have asked me about how to reconstitute them, so I thought I would share the simple process with you, plus give you a recipe for Apple Crisp using dried apples as well. (I think I also mentioned that in the cookie post.)
Dried apples are delicious to eat as they are, like apple chips. You can also dust them with cinnamon and a bit of sugar for a sweeter treat. Or, dip them in caramel or other fruit dips. But, having dried apples on hand for baking is terrific because you can make breads, cookies, pies and crisps with them. When they are rehydrated, they are tasty and seem like fresh apples again!
Where to get Dried Apples:
Dried apples are relatively easy to find. You can:
Amazon: So many choices! Here is one:
Those same apples are also available to order from Walmart for a lower price!
Here is 1 pound available to order from Nuts.com. I don't know what the shipping costs are, so you will have to factor that into your costs.
- Of course, you can find dehydrated fruit in grocery stores, but not usually in as large of bulk quantities.
What do I need to Rehydrate Dried Apples?
- medium sauce pan
- spoon for stirring
- water or juice
That's it! 3 simple things is all it takes to rehydrate your apples.
Now, here is what you do!
- Put your dried apples into a medium sauce pan.
- Barely cover the apples with water and bring the water to a boil.
- Turn the heat down to a simmer and allow the apples to simmer for a few minutes. I simmer mine until there is just a little bit of liquid left in the pan and the apples have plumped up and become tender.
- Turn off the heat and use the apples in your recipe.
You can also rehydrate with apple juice or other juice. But water works just fine and tastes great. I also use this method to rehydrate raisins or dried cranberries.
If you are going to use these apples to make a pie, you should thicken them a bit with flour or corn starch.
For the Apple Crisp, It was an easy revision of my original recipe using fresh apples. The nice thing about using dried apples is that they are already peeled and cored! The rehydrating step is super simple, easier that peeling and coring I think! I didn't bother to thicken the apples for the apple crisp, I just put them straight into the casserole dish out of the pan, leftover juices and all. If by chance you put in too much water and there is a lot of water left in your pan, you may want to drain it off a bit. There should only be about half a cup or less after the apples are finished simmering.
Be sure to click on the recipe to get your printable pdf!
Just out of the oven! That crunchy topping is so good!
Looking delicious!
Even better with a scoop of ice cream!
FAQs
It's best to wait for the apple slices to fully cool before testing them – because the answer is all in the texture. Fully dehydrated apples will snap, not bend, and have a crispy, crunchy texture when eaten.
How do you rehydrate dried apples for baking? ›
In a large bowl, pour boiling water over the dried apples and let soak for a few hours or until they rehydrate. Once rehydrated, add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Are dehydrated apples good for you? ›
The potassium content in dried apples promotes heart health by assisting in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, the antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polyphenols, present in dried apples contribute to a stronger immune system and protection against oxidative stress.
Do dehydrated apples go bad? ›
Using a vacuum sealer can extend the life of your dehydrated apples as well. Store your dried apples in a cool, dark place such as your pantry or cupboard, for the longest shelf life. With proper storage, dehydrated apples should last at least a year- if you don't eat them first!
Why is my dehydrated fruit not crispy? ›
If your dehydrated food feels soft, spongy, or sticky it's probably not dehydrated enough. Put the product back in for additional time. Hard and crunchy or breakable pieces are done.
Do you need lemon juice to dehydrate apples? ›
To air dry apples, you'll want to remove the stem and core them. Then, mix them in a lemon juice-water mixture to prevent them from turning really brown during the drying process. Then, cut them into rings (about 1 inch thick all around) and thread them on a string or rod to dry.
Should I rehydrate dried fruit for baking? ›
If you plan to cook or bake with dried fruit, soaking it first will keep it plump and moist. It also prevents the fruit from absorbing excess liquid from the recipe. It's a small step, but one that can make a real difference in the final quality of the dish.
Do you have to soak apples before dehydrating? ›
Treat apples before drying to prevent excessive browning. The treatments also help to preserve the flavor and vitamins of the fruit. The simplest pre-treatment is to soak freshly cut slices for 10 minutes in a solution of one part bottled lemon juice to one part water.
Can you eat too many dehydrated apples? ›
Dried fruit can boost your fiber and nutrient intake and supply your body with large amounts of antioxidants. However, they are also high in sugar and calories, and can cause problems when eaten in excess. For this reason, dried fruit should only be eaten in small amounts, preferably along with other nutritious foods.
Should I refrigerate dehydrated apples? ›
Heat foods in the oven at 160°F for 30 minutes or place in the freezer at 0°F or below for 48 hours. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. The shelf life of dried fruits increases when stored in the freezer or refrigerator.
Nutrients in dried apples strengthen the structure of teeth. Strengthens tooth enamel and prevents the teeth from massing. Chewing dried apples makes the jaw muscles stronger. Dried apples are a simple and natural mouthwash without any additives due to their anti-inflammatory effects.
What to do after dehydrating fruit? ›
Conditioning Dehydrated Fruit
After dehydrating fruit, place it loosely in a glass or plastic container with a lid. Conditioning allows any moisture that may have been present in thicker pieces of fruit to migrate into drier pieces of fruit. Shake the container once a day for a week.
How do you store apples after dehydrating? ›
Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. The shelf life of dried fruits increases when stored in the freezer or refrigerator.
Should dehydrated apples be peeled? ›
Apples can be dried with the peeling or without. Think about how you will use the dried apples. Dehydrated apples for snacking can keep the peelings for extra color, fiber, and texture. You may want to peel the apples if you are going to rehydrate the dried apples for baking or making into dried applesauce.
Should you freeze dehydrated apples? ›
Be sure to let the apples cool completely before you store them away. You can keep dried apples for several months, or freeze them for even longer! It's great to add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your dehydrated slices.
