Many of you may remember the classic store-bought strawberry fruit roll-up in your school lunchbox. Despite the added sugar and food coloring, this is not what I would consider a healthy snack. This Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather is an easy (and tastier!) way to get your fruit roll-up fix!
Our family is loving all the produce that is in season right now, especially berries. I always stock up on berries when I can find them from a fresh, local, organic source and freeze them to keep them all year long. Blueberries and raspberries are our favorites, but strawberries are especially delicious!
Last week, there was a quart of delicious strawberries hiding in the back of the refrigerator. When I found them they were slightly frozen and very ripe. They are no longer suitable for eating straight, but are still very good. The berries turned into a strawberry vinaigrette with my strawberry peel and (optional) hidden beets.
How to Make Fruit Leather
Peel is a naturally sweet snack made from fresh fruit pulped and dehydrated. They’re like homemade fruit roll-ups, but without everything artificial (plus, they taste better!).
These are a favorite with the kids in our house and the perfect summer treat. I like to package them for a quick snack that can be kept at room temperature for a few hours. You can make fruit leather with just fruit, but I like to sneak in beets. The hidden vegetables have a firmer texture and richer nutrients.
Beets also enhance the bright red color. Plus, beets have great detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can make this easy and natural snack in just a few hours in the oven or food dehydrator. The recipe is so simple that kids of any age can help make (and enjoy) their own fruit leather.
Homemade strawberry peel (with beets)
Simple and nutritious natural peel snack. They’re made with fresh strawberries, optional honey and extra nutrients from beets.
- 2 medium beets (Peel and steam until soft)
- 4 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (If using frozen fruit, it needs to be thawed)
- ½ cup Honey (optional or ½ cup pitted dates or maple syrup)
- 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice (or lime juice or orange juice)
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Preheat oven to 170 degrees Fahrenheit or use a dehydrator.
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Puree the cooled cooked beets, strawberries, sweetener, and citrus juice in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
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Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (low temperature safe).
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Spread fruit mixture evenly on lined baking sheet.
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Place the puree in the oven and cook until firm and no longer sticky to the touch, about 6 hours. But you don’t want it to cook too long and become crispy.
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Remove the homemade strawberry peel from the oven and allow to cool.
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Cut into strips and roll in parchment paper.
nutrient content
Homemade strawberry peel (with beets)
Serving size (1 serving)
Calories 49
Calories from fat1
% Daily Value*
fat 0.1g0%
Saturated fat 0.01g0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated fat 0.02g
sodium 9 mg0%
Potassium 96 mg3%
carbohydrate 13 grams4%
Fiber 1g4%
11 grams of sugar12%
protein 0.4g1%
Vitamin A 8 international units0%
Vitamin C 22 mg27%
calcium 8 mg1%
iron 0.3 mg2%
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- Stores in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to one week (fridge) or two months (freezer).
- If not using beets, use an additional ½ cup strawberries.
Troubleshooting Homemade Fruit Leather
This recipe is simple but does require a little patience. Your oven may need more or less time than mine due to differences in oven temperatures. Adding honey or maple syrup will enhance the sweetness, but the peel will take longer to dehydrate than without.
If using frozen-thawed berries, the liquid will be thinner. If using fresh berries, you may need to add a few teaspoons of water to make the mixture smooth enough to spread. The mixture should be pourable but not so thin that it runs off the surface. Baking pan.
Have you ever made your own fruit leather before? What is your favorite fruit to use? Leave a comment and let us know!
