Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Create Better Health
Fruit leather is a naturally sweet and nutritious snack enjoyed by people of all ages. While fruit leather is traditionally made using a dehydrator, this simple and healthy snack can also be prepared using your oven!
In this blog, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to make delicious fruit leather without the need for any specialized equipment. So, let’s get started!
In this post you’ll find:
- Simple Steps to Make Fruit Leather Without a Dehydrator
- Strawberry Fruit Leather Recipe
- Recommended Daily Fruit Intake
- Tips for Getting Your Servings of Fruits
- Other Delicious Strawberry Recipes
Simple Steps to Make Fruit Leather Without a Dehydrator
Making fruit leather without a dehydrator is simple! Follow these nine steps, and you’ll have a delicious fruit leather snack in no time.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Fresh, ripe fruits of your choice (e.g., strawberries, apples, mangoes, peaches)
- Sweetener (optional) – honey, maple syrup, or sugar
- Lemon juice (optional) – to enhance the flavor and preserve color
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Start by washing the fruits thoroughly under cool running water. Peel and core the fruits, removing any seeds or pits. Cut the fruits into small pieces for faster cooking and blending. If you’re using fruits like berries, no chopping is necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Fruits
Place the chopped fruits in a saucepan over low to medium heat. You can add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Cook the fruits until they become soft and release their juices. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Blend the Fruits
Once the fruits are cooked, allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a blender or food processor. Blend the fruits until you achieve a smooth, pureed consistency. If you prefer chunkier fruit leather, pulse the blender a few times.
Step 4: Sweeten and Add Lemon Juice
Taste the fruit puree and add a sweetener of your choice if needed. This step is optional, as some fruits are naturally sweet enough. If you desire a tangy flavor and want to preserve the fruit’s color, add a splash of lemon juice and mix well.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Ensure the paper or mat covers the entire sheet, leaving no gaps for the fruit puree to seep through.
Step 6: Spread the Fruit Puree
Pour the fruit puree onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread the puree evenly, aiming for a consistent thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Try to keep the layer as even as possible for uniform drying.
Step 7: Oven Drying
Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible, ideally around 170°F. Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape during drying. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Step 8: Check for Doneness
The drying time can vary depending on the fruit’s moisture content, oven temperature, and thickness of the puree layer. Generally, it takes around 4-6 hours to dry the fruit leather. Check the leather regularly for doneness by touching it lightly; it should feel tacky but not wet.
Step 9: Cut and Roll
Once the fruit leather is properly dried, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Gently peel the fruit leather off the parchment paper or baking mat. Cut it into desired shapes or strips using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Roll each piece and store in an airtight container.
Making delicious fruit leather without a dehydrator is simple and rewarding. With just a few fresh fruits and your oven, you can create a healthy and flavorful snack that everyone will love. Experiment with different fruit combinations and share your homemade fruit leather with friends and family to enjoy the natural goodness of this delightful treat.
Strawberry Fruit Leather Recipe
This strawberry fruit leather recipe is one of our favorite ways to make fruit leather without a dehydrator!
Recommended Daily Fruit Intake
According to MyPlate, any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the Fruit Group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed. There are so many ways to get our daily recommended servings of fruit! Obviously, one of our favorite ways is through fruit leather!
Recommended serving sizes range from 1-1 ½ cups for kids ages 2-13, and 2 cups for your older kids and adults. In general, 1 cup of fruit or 100% fruit juice, or ½ cup of dried fruit can be considered as 1 cup from the Fruit Group.
Here are a few tips to help get your daily recommendations:
- Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table, counter, or in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate cut-up fruit to store for later
- Buy fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or 100% juice) as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.
Pin this Strawberry Fruit Leather recipe to Pinterest!
Check out some of our delicious strawberry recipes!
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