Many of you probably recall the classic strawberry fruit roll-ups that were often found in school lunchboxes. However, with all the added sugar and food dye, these aren’t exactly what I’d call a healthy snack. This homemade strawberry fruit leather offers an easy and tastier way to satisfy your fruit roll-up cravings!
Our family is delighted with the seasonal produce available currently, especially berries. I make it a point to stock up on berries from fresh, local, and organic sources, freezing and preserving them for use throughout the year. While blueberries and raspberries are among our favorites, strawberries are particularly delicious!
Just last week, I stumbled upon a quart of delightful strawberries that had been tucked away at the back of our fridge. By then, they were slightly frozen and extremely ripe. Although not ideal for plain eating anymore, they were still quite usable. These strawberries were transformed into a strawberry vinaigrette dressing and my strawberry fruit leather with optional hidden beets.
How to Make Fruit Leather
Fruit leather is a naturally sweet treat made by pureeing and dehydrating fresh fruit. They’re akin to homemade Fruit Roll-Ups, but without any artificial ingredients, and they taste even better!
These treats are a favorite with kids at our house, making for a perfect snack in summer. I love packing them for a quick snack that stays fine at room temperature for a few hours. You can create fruit leather using only fruit, but I enjoy adding beets for hidden veggies. They provide a firmer texture and extra nutrients.
Beets also enhance the bright red color and are excellent for detoxification and reducing inflammation.
This easy and natural snack can be prepared in an oven or food dehydrator in just a few hours. The recipe is straightforward enough for children of any age to help make—and enjoy—their own fruit leather.
Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather (with Beets)
Simple and nutrient-dense natural fruit leather snacks. They’re made with fresh strawberries, optional honey, and sneaky extra nutrients from beets.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 medium beets (peeled and steamed until soft)
- 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (defrost if using frozen fruit)
- ½ cup honey (optional—or use ½ cup pitted dates or maple syrup)
- 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice (or lime or orange juice)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees F or use a dehydrator.
- Puree the cooled cooked beets, strawberries, sweetener, and citrus juice in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
- Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking mats (safe at low temperatures).
- Spread the fruit mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheets.
- Place the fruit puree in the oven and cook until firm and no longer sticky to the touch, about 6 hours. Avoid cooking too long to prevent crispiness.
- Remove the homemade strawberry fruit leather from the oven and let it cool.
- Cut into strips and roll up with parchment paper.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather (with Beets)
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 49
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.1g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.01g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g
Sodium 9mg 0%
Potassium 96mg 3%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 11g 12%
Protein 0.4g 1%
Vitamin A 8IU 0%
Vitamin C 22mg 27%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 0.3mg 2%
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
NOTES
- Can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container for up to a week (refrigerator) or two months (freezer).
- Use ½ cup extra strawberries if you don’t use beets.
Troubleshooting Homemade Fruit Leather
This recipe is quite simple, but it requires some patience. Since oven temperatures may vary, your leather might need more or less time than specified. Adding honey or maple syrup boosts sweetness, but it can extend drying time.
If you’re using frozen berries that have been defrosted, the mixture might be thinner. When working with fresh berries, you might need to add a few teaspoons of water to achieve a smooth consistency. The mixture should be pourable but not so thin that it drips off the baking sheet.
Have you tried making your own fruit leather? What are your favorite fruits to use? Leave a comment and let us know!
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