My favorite thing about these apple candies (other than eating them) is the way they make your house smell. The incredible scent of vanilla will be everywhere in your home. This recipe only requires two ingredients to make an addictive “candy”. The secret to these Raw Apple Candy Bites is the vanilla. Yes, you really are going to use that much of it! It transforms these otherwise simple candies into something magical. I actually can’t keep these for more than a day or two in my house. The three pounds I made for this post lasted exactly one day. Seriously! They have the chew and texture of candies with none of the artificial stuff.
These are nutrient dense snacks that are healthy and taste good. Your kids will love them and so will you.
Peeling
These require peeling your apples. I highly recommend using an apple peeler. You can use a vegetable peeler as well. However, even with a big batch of apples, this will only make a small amount of candy. Three pounds yields about 16oz. So you will do a lot of peeling. An apple peeler makes a world of difference. Plus, it gives you an excuse to make apple pie.
Chopping
It’s very important to make sure that you chop these as uniform as possible. The closer in size the pieces are the better. Keeping them about the same size will help them to dehydrate at the same speed. If you make a lot of different sizes you will have to take some out early and leave some in longer.
Dehydrators
This recipe requires a dehydrator. I really prefer a dehydrator with a thermostat on it. My favorite are the Excalibur Dehydrators. A lot of dehydrators get way too hot for this recipe. But if that’s all you have, go for it. The apples won’t be quite as chewy. But they will still taste great. I haven’t put these in the oven so I don’t currently have an option for that. If someone wants to do it and post it in the comments section for the rest of us, feel free.
Vanilla
Use the best quality vanilla you can afford or find. This recipe is really all about the vanilla. Do not use vanillin or artificial vanilla which is made from things like old wood. Remember the simpler the recipe the better your ingredients should be.
Apples
I have tried this recipe with every kind of apple and it tastes good with all of them. Use your favorite variety and you can’t go wrong. Granny Smiths will have a more sour candy flavor, while red apples will provide more sugar content for a sweeter candy.
Final Thoughts
These Raw Apple Candy Bites are great eaten as is. I secretly eat them like popcorn during my favorite movie. However, they are also wonderful additions to trail mixes, in lunch boxes for snacks and in muffins.
This recipe is a great way to introduce kids to a non candy alternative. For other kid friendly recipes, be sure to check out my Strawberry Delight Lassi.
I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe. Let me know what you think.
Raw Apple Candy Bites (2 Ingredients)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Lbs Apples Washed and peeled.
- 2 Tbsp Vanilla Do not use imitation or vanillin.
Instructions
- Wash and peel your apples. You can use an apple peeler or vegetable peeler.
- Cut apples into uniform squares. Try to make as even as possible
- Add apples to a bowl.
- Mix in vanilla and stir to combine.
- Put on dehydrator trays.
- Dehydrate for anywhere from 6-15 hours. These will be done when they are dry on the outside and chewy on the inside.