Jams & Preserves

Pineapple Leather

Name: Pineapple Leather
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: Yields 1-2 sheet trays
Ingredients: 2 lb (900 g) fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks; 2 cups (440 g) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground allspice; 1 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp turmeric

Be the first to rate this recipe

↓ Jump to recipe

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min simmer, plus 1 hr 30 min dehydrating

Total

1 hr 45 min

Serves

Yields 1-2 sheet trays

Tangy, sweet, and concentrated, pineapple leather brings tropical sharpness to a dessert plate in a form you can tear and stack. The turmeric gives it a golden color; apple cider vinegar keeps it from going flat.

Ingredients

2 lb (900 g) fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
2 cups (440 g) brown sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp turmeric

Instructions

1
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium.
2
Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pineapple is very soft and the mixture has thickened, about 30 minutes.
3
Transfer to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
4
Lightly oil a silpat-lined sheet tray. Pour the puree on and spread it thin and even.
5
Dehydrate in a 200 F (93 C) oven for about 1 hour 30 minutes, rotating the tray every 30 minutes.
6
The leather is done when it is pliable, dry, and peels cleanly from the silpat.

Cook's Note

Spread the puree as thin and even as possible, thick edges won't dry at the same rate as the center and you'll end up with soft spots in an otherwise dry sheet.

How to Use This

Tear or cut into strips or shapes for plating. Use as a garnish, a wrap element, or a visual accent on dessert plates.

Why This Foundation Works

Apple cider vinegar balances the intense sweetness of both fresh pineapple and brown sugar, keeping the leather tasting bright rather than cloying. Turmeric adds color and a subtle earthy warmth without announcing itself as a flavor.

Make It Yours

Add minced fresh jalapeno to the simmer for a sweet-heat leather.
Add a small knob of fresh grated ginger for a spicier, more complex version.
Omit the vinegar for a sweeter, one-note sheet.

Leftover Strategy

Store between sheets of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Common Questions

Why is there vinegar in pineapple leather?

Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness of the fresh pineapple and brown sugar, keeping the leather bright instead of cloying. Leave it out for a sweeter, simpler sheet.

How thin should I spread fruit leather?

As thin and even as you can. Thick edges dry slower than the center and leave soft spots. Rotate the tray as it dries for an even set.

How long does pineapple leather keep?

Up to 2 weeks stored between sheets of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature.