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Apple Sugar

Simple Fall flavour that you can use in anything calling for powdered or icing sugar. Try it in a batch of your favourite shortbreads!

Recipe card by YummySmellscaEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
FruitCanadianLow ProteinVeganLow CholesterolHealthy
Apple Sugar

Total time

130 min

Servings

16

Calories

24.2

Category

Apple

Discover how to transform fresh orchard apples into a luscious, homemade Apple Sugar. This vegan, low-protein, and cholesterol-free sweetener is the perfect natural alternative for your baking needs. Whether you are looking for a healthy pantry staple or a unique homemade gift, this simple, from-scratch recipe captures the essence of Canadian harvest season in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Makes 16 servings

  • 1/2 apple
  • granulated sugar

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200F, spray a cooling rack with non-stick spray.

  2. Spread out the peels in one layer on the rack and place in the oven.

  3. Bake until dry and brittle, about 2 hours. Let cool.

  4. In a coffee or spice grinder, combine driend peels and sugar and process until fine and powdery. Store in an airtight container.

Cook's notes

  • Choose firm, sweet apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best natural sweetness.
  • Ensure your oven temperature remains low; slow dehydration is the key to achieving the perfect granulated texture without burning the fruit sugars.
  • Use a high-speed food processor or a spice grinder once the apples are fully dehydrated to reach your desired sugar consistency.
  • Line your baking sheets with high-quality parchment paper to prevent sticking during the drying process.

Easy swaps

  • If you prefer a spiced apple sugar, toss the apple slices in ground cinnamon or nutmeg before dehydrating.
  • For a tarter flavor profile, mix in a small amount of dried cranberries or lemon zest during the grinding stage.
  • If you lack a dehydrator, the oven method provided is the most effective way to achieve shelf-stable results.

Frequently asked

Is Apple Sugar healthier than refined white sugar?

While still a form of sugar, homemade Apple Sugar is a whole-food, plant-based sweetener that retains some of the fiber and nutrients from the original fruit, making it a cleaner, vegan-friendly alternative.

How long does it take to make Apple Sugar from scratch?

The active preparation time is minimal, but the dehydration process takes approximately 2 hours, making the total time about 130 minutes.

Can I use this in hot beverages?

Yes, it dissolves beautifully in teas and hot apple cider, adding a deeper, more complex fruit flavor than standard granulated sugar.

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