Homemade Strawberry Leather
Enjoy the delightful taste of summer with our Homemade Strawberry Leather! This easy and healthy recipe transforms fresh strawberries into a chewy, sweet snack ideal for kids and adults alike. The addition of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor while raw honey adds just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for lunch boxes, outdoor adventures, or as a guilt-free treat, this strawberry leather can be made with just three simple ingredients. Get ready to savor the pure taste of strawberries, with no additives or preservatives—just wholesome, natural goodness!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Strawberries
12 ounces (hulled and chopped)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Raw Honey
3 tablespoons (real, to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 170°F (75°C).
2
In a food processor, combine the hulled strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and raw honey. Puree until smooth and well blended.
3
Line a cookie sheet with plastic wrap or use silicone baking mats for best results. Ensure there are no gaps and that the wrap is smooth.
4
Pour the strawberry mixture onto the lined cookie sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin layer, about 1/8 inch thick.
5
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 10 hours, monitoring the texture. The fruit leather is ready when it is no longer sticky to the touch but still slightly tacky.
6
Once finished, allow the strawberry leather to cool completely. Carefully peel it off the plastic wrap, and cut it into strips or desired shapes. Store in an airtight container or wrap in parchment paper for a portable snack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Strawberry Leather?
Homemade Strawberry Leather is a chewy, sweet snack made by pureeing fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and honey, then dehydrating the mixture in an oven until it reaches a fruit-roll-up consistency.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
You only need three simple ingredients: strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and raw honey.
What oven temperature is used for making strawberry leather?
The oven should be preheated to 170°F (75°C) to slowly dehydrate the fruit puree without burning it.
How long does it take to bake strawberry leather?
The baking process takes between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the moisture content of the berries and the thickness of the layer.
How do I know when the strawberry leather is done?
It is ready when the surface is no longer sticky to the touch but remains slightly tacky and can be easily peeled.
Is this strawberry leather recipe vegan?
The recipe uses honey, which some vegans avoid. To make it strictly vegan, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing to ensure the drying time isn't significantly increased.
What equipment do I need to make fruit leather?
You will need a food processor or blender, a cookie sheet, and either plastic wrap or a silicone baking mat.
How thick should I spread the strawberry puree?
Spread the mixture evenly into a thin layer, approximately 1/8 inch thick, for the best results.
Is this snack healthy for kids?
Yes, it is a wholesome, natural snack with no additives or preservatives, making it a great alternative to store-bought fruit snacks.
How should I store the finished fruit leather?
Store it in an airtight container or wrap individual strips in parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Do I need to peel the strawberries?
No, you only need to hull and chop them. The food processor will blend the skins into a smooth puree.
Why is lemon juice added to the recipe?
Lemon juice helps brighten the strawberry flavor and acts as a natural preservative to maintain the vibrant color.
Can I use a silicone mat instead of plastic wrap?
Yes, silicone baking mats are highly recommended as they are reusable and provide a very smooth surface for peeling the leather.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe typically yields about 8 servings.
Can I make this without honey?
Yes, if your strawberries are very sweet, you can omit the honey or reduce the amount to taste.
Is it okay to use plastic wrap in the oven?
Most plastic wraps are oven-safe at low temperatures like 170°F, but check the manufacturer's label or use a silicone mat for a safer alternative.
Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
Yes, a dehydrator works perfectly. Follow the manufacturer's settings for fruit leather, typically around 135°F for 6-12 hours.
How do I cut the fruit leather into strips?
Once cooled and peeled, use clean kitchen shears or a pizza cutter to slice the leather into strips.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used (strawberries, lemon juice, and honey) are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other fruits like raspberries?
Absolutely! You can mix other berries or fruits like applesauce into the puree for different flavor combinations.
What should I do if the edges dry out faster than the center?
Try to spread the puree slightly thicker at the edges and thinner in the middle to help the sheet dry more evenly.
Is it necessary to use raw honey?
Raw honey is recommended for its natural nutrients, but any liquid sweetener like regular honey or maple syrup will work.
Does this recipe contain preservatives?
No, this is a completely natural snack with no artificial additives, colors, or chemical preservatives.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients, provided you have enough cookie sheets and oven space to dry them all at once.
How long will the fruit leather stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it typically stays fresh for up to 2 weeks, or longer in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for a paleo diet?
Yes, strawberries, lemon, and raw honey are all paleo-friendly ingredients.
What if the leather is too brittle?
If it becomes brittle, it has been over-baked. You can still eat it as fruit chips, or lightly mist it with water to re-soften it slightly.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Why did my fruit leather stick to the pan?
This usually happens if you don't use plastic wrap or a silicone mat. Never pour the puree directly onto a metal cookie sheet.