About the Recipe
Homemade oven-dried pears are a simple and delicious way to preserve fresh pears while enhancing their natural sweetness. By slowly drying thin slices in the oven, you create a chewy, flavorful snack that’s free from preservatives and perfect for enjoying on its own or adding to recipes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy treat, a pantry staple, or a way to use up ripe pears, oven-dried pears are an easy and rewarding option to make at home.
Ingredients
3–4 firm, ripe pears
optional cinnamon sugar
Preparation
Heat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a mandoline or sharp knife, cut pears into uniform ⅛-inch slices. Thinner slices ensure a crispier result.
Briefly soak slices in a bowl of cold water mixed with lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon per quart of water) for 5–10 minutes. Pat completely dry with a towel before baking.
Arrange slices in a single layer on the prepared sheets, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon or a cinnamon-sugar mixture if desired.
Place in the oven for 1 hour, then flip each slice. Bake for another 1 to 2 hours, checking frequently until they are dry and slightly shriveled around the edges.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely; they will continue to crisp up as they reach room temperature.
Traditional Slow-Dried Method (Leathery Texture)
For a more pliable, "dried fruit" consistency similar to store-bought varieties, use the lowest possible temperature.
Set oven to its lowest setting, typically 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Follow the same slicing and prep steps above. Arrange slices on wire cooling racks set inside baking sheets to allow air to circulate around the entire fruit.
Bake for 6 to 10 hours.
Notes