Turning Apple Cores into Homemade Dehydrated Apple Crackers
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I eat apples all the time, and I’ve gotten into the habit of saving the cores instead of tossing them. It started as a simple “waste less” idea, and it turned into one of my favorite homemade snacks.
Here’s how I turn leftover apple cores into chewy, naturally sweet dehydrated apple crackers.
Why I Save My Apple Cores
Whenever I eat apples, I set the cores aside and store them in the freezer. Once I’ve collected enough — usually a couple of sandwich bags full — I turn them into something completely different.
It’s an easy way to get more value out of a bag of apples and reduce food waste at the same time.
Quick note: Apple seeds do contain compounds that can release small amounts of cyanide when crushed. A few seeds blended into a big batch like this isn’t typically a concern for most people, but if you prefer to be cautious, you can remove the seeds before processing.
Step 1: Prep the Cores
When I’m ready to make a batch:
- I take the apple cores out of the freezer and let them thaw.
- I cut off the stems—they will stick out of the crackers and are not fun to bite into.
- Then everything goes into the food processor.
After thawing, the apples are already pretty soft, so they blend down into a thick, pulpy mixture very easily.
Step 2: Spread the Mixture
Next, I line a tray with parchment paper and scoop the apple mixture onto it. I form them into cookies or crackers-same thing.
At this point, you can keep it as is or add a little extra flavor. Cinnamon works great here if you want a spiced version.
Step 3: Dehydrate Low and Slow
I put the tray into a dehydrator at 125°F for about 12 hours.
The low temperature helps gently remove moisture without cooking the apples the way an oven would. Dehydrating at this temperature helps keep the vitamins and antioxidants in the apples. Higher temperatures above 135°F can destroy them.
What the Finished Crackers Are Like
When I peel it off the parchment paper, it reminds me of a fruit roll-up — a little sticky, a little chewy. But the texture also has a slight granola-like feel.
The taste is pure apple. No added sugar, no extra ingredients — just concentrated apple flavor. Honestly, these didn’t even last a full day in my house.
What You’ll Need
To make these yourself, you’ll need:
- Apple cores (saved and frozen)
- A food processor (this is the one I use/suggest)
- A dehydrator (this is the one I use)
- Parchment paper
Optional:
- Cinnamon or other spices for extra flavor
A Simple Way to Waste Less
This is one of those small kitchen habits that feels good. Instead of throwing away apple cores, you turn them into a naturally sweet snack with almost no extra effort.
If you already eat a lot of apples, start saving those cores. Once you’ve got enough, you’ve basically got the base for homemade apple crackers waiting in your freezer.
Pretty cool what would’ve been trash can turn into, right?
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