Homemade Sunshine Simple Strawberry Fruit Leather
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Some Homemade Sunshine!
Fancy a treat that's both delicious and good for you? Honestly, who doesn't? Today, we're diving into the world of fruit leather .
Remember those Homemade fruit roll ups you loved as a kid? This is the grown-up, healthier version! This Strawberry fruit leather recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up.
And trust me, that's saying something.
Sweet Memories, Simple Recipe
Fruit leather has been around for ages. It's a way to preserve fruit. People do this all over the world.
It is also known as fruit roll ups . This recipe is super easy. You will need about 15 minutes prep.
Then 4- 12 hours cooking time. Depending on if you use an oven or dehydrator. It makes about 6-8 strips.
Why You'll Love This Easy fruit leather recipe
One of the best things? It's packed with natural goodness. Hello, vitamins! The best thing is the fact it's healthy! This recipe is an amazing opportunity for a guilt free snack.
It's also amazing for little ones. Think of it as a healthier alternative to processed sweets. Perfect for lunchboxes or after school treats.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those ripe strawberries that are just begging to be eaten. Now, Alright, let's whip up a batch of ingredients!
A Peek at What's Inside
For this amazing fruit leather , you'll need: fresh strawberries. You'll also need lemon juice, and optional honey or maple syrup.
You can add cinnamon for warmth if you want. The full ingredient list is below. Let's get to making this fantastic recipe.
And remember to try some fruit leather variations .
Alright, let's dive into the ingredients list!
Now that your taste buds are already tingling let's get into the ingredients list. You will only need 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled.
Two tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice. This adds colour and preserves naturally. One to two tablespoons (15-30ml) honey or maple syrup.
For some optional sweetness based on your taste. Then about 1/4 teaspoon (1g) cinnamon. Alright, let's get to it!
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's whip up a batch of Homemade Sunshine: Simple Strawberry Fruit Leather ! Honestly, this stuff is amazing. My nan used to make something similar. Now it is your turn!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled. Look for bright red berries. They should smell amazing!
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice. Fresh is best, Alright?.
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) honey or maple syrup (optional). Only if needed!
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) cinnamon (optional). I love a hint of warmth!
Quality strawberries are key for amazing strawberry fruit leather recipe . Look for deep red color and a sweet smell. Bruised or mushy berries won't cut it, you know?.
We want the strawberry puree for fruit leather to be top notch!
Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon adds a lovely warmth, but ginger or even a tiny pinch of nutmeg could work, alright?. Vanilla extract is a flavour enhancer. Don't overdo it!
If you don't have lemon juice, a tiny bit of lime juice will do in a pinch. The lemon juice helps with colour and conservation to make our natural fruit snacks last longer.
Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Offset spatula
- Oven or dehydrator
You only need a blender. A spatula to spread and a baking sheet! You can easily do oven baked fruit leather .
A dehydrator makes it faster, of course with the fruit leather dehydrator but not essential. Parchment paper works fine if you don't have a silicone mat.
Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Alright, let's whip up a batch of homemade fruit leather ! Remember those fruit roll ups from childhood? This is a healthier, tastier, and way cooler version.
Honestly, making your own natural fruit snacks is easier than you think.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, the mise en place is key. This is where your time saving organization tips come into play. Wash and hull 1 pound (450g) of fresh strawberries.
Gather 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice, 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) of honey (optional), and a pinch of cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon (1g), also optional).
Safety first, folks! Make sure your blender is clean.
step-by-step: From Strawberries to Strips
- Blend it all! Combine strawberries, lemon juice, honey (if using), and cinnamon (if using) in a blender. Blend until super smooth.
- Prep your pan! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Spread the love! Pour the strawberry purée onto the sheet. Spread it thinly – about 1/8 inch (3mm). The thinner, the better!
- Bake low and slow! Set your oven to its lowest setting ideally 170° F ( 75° C) . Prop the door open slightly.
- Patience, young Padawan! Bake for 4- 6 hours . Check every hour or two. It’s done when it’s no longer sticky and peels easily.
- Cool, then cut! Let it cool completely. Then, cut into strips with scissors or a pizza cutter.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature. It'll keep for about a week. Or, keep it in the fridge for longer.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Fruit Leather Game
Don't over dry it! You want it chewy, not brittle. The fruit leather should be tacky, not wet. One common mistake is cranking up the heat to speed things up resist the urge! Remember, patience is a virtue.
For fruit leather variations , try adding other fruits like blueberries or mango. Strawberry puree for fruit leather can also be bought, if you wanna make your life that much easier.
This easy fruit leather recipe is a great way to get the kids involved. Plus, it's way healthier than store-bought stuff.
Think of it as a guilt free way to satisfy that sweet tooth. It is also a great healthy snacks for kids to bring to school instead of candy.
This is DIY fruit leather at its finest.
Honestly, making your own Oven baked fruit leather is so rewarding. Give it a try, and you'll be hooked!
Recipe Notes for Sunshine Strawberry Fruit Leather
Alright, let’s dive into some extra bits about this fruit leather recipe! Making your own homemade fruit roll ups is pretty simple, but there are a few things I've learned along the way that might help you ace it.
Serving Up Some Style
Okay, so you've made your fruit leather , now what? Honestly, presentation does matter!
- Plating: Think about rolling each strip and tying it with baker's twine. That’s cute, right? Or, cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters.
- Sides: A glass of iced tea is fab, especially on a warm day. For something a bit more adult, sparkling water with a sprig of mint does the trick.
Storing Like a Pro
Got leftovers? (Doubt it, though!) This is how I keep my DIY fruit leather fresh as a daisy.
- Fridge: Store your natural fruit snacks in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about a week.
- Freezer: You can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in parchment paper and then foil. It’ll keep for a month or two. Let it thaw at room temp before enjoying.
- Reheating : No heating needed, they are yummy straight out of the container.
Remixing Your Recipe
Want to mix it up? Here are a couple of twists on our strawberry fruit leather recipe .
- Vegan Version: Use maple syrup instead of honey. It works like a charm!
- Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, apple sauce as a base with a bit of cinnamon instead of the strawberry puree for fruit leather is amazing.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Let's keep it real. This is a treat, but a better one than shop bought sweets!
- Each strip has around 30-40 calories . Not bad at all!
- It's packed with Vitamin C from the strawberries. That’s a win! This is what sets this recipe above the store-bought snacks.
Honestly, this easy fruit leather recipe is so rewarding. Whether you bake it in the oven baked fruit leather or using a dehydrator, it’s a great way to use up strawberries.
Have a go, and don't be afraid to experiment. It’s your kitchen; have some fun! If you like fruit leather dehydrator , you can try a variety of other fruit leather variations .
Frequently Asked Questions
My fruit leather is sticky! What did I do wrong?
A sticky fruit leather usually means it wasn't dried long enough. Like a perfectly cooked Victoria Sponge, it needs that 'just right' moment! Pop it back in the oven or dehydrator for another hour or two, checking frequently.
Make sure your oven temperature is low enough you don't want to cook it, just dry it out!
Can I use frozen fruit to make strawberry fruit leather?
Absolutely! Frozen fruit is a great option, especially when fresh strawberries are out of season. Just thaw the strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before blending. You might need to adjust the drying time slightly as frozen fruit can sometimes have a higher water content.
How long does homemade fruit leather last, and how should I store it?
Homemade fruit leather typically lasts for about a week at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Think of it like keeping biscuits fresh air is the enemy!
Can I make fruit leather with other fruits besides strawberries?
Yes, you absolutely can! Get creative and try different fruits like mango, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. Adjust the sweetener (honey or maple syrup) depending on the natural sweetness of the fruit you're using. It's like being a kid in a sweetshop the possibilities are endless!
Is fruit leather actually healthy? I mean, it tastes like a treat!
Homemade fruit leather can be a healthy snack option, especially compared to store-bought versions loaded with added sugars and preservatives. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fruit itself. However, it's still concentrated fruit, so it contains natural sugars.
Think of it like a small slice of cake; enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Homemade Sunshine Simple Strawberry Fruit Leathe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 30-40 |
|---|---|
| Fat | <1g |
| Fiber | <1g |
