Fruit leather is a delicious and healthy snack made from pureed fruit that’s dried into a chewy, sweet treat. Making it at home is simple and allows you to control the ingredients. Here’s how to make fruit leather from scratch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit (such as strawberries, apples, peaches, or mixed berries)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on fruit sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor and preserve color)
Instructions
1. If using fresh fruit, wash and chop it into smaller pieces. If using frozen fruit, thaw it before proceeding.
2. In a blender or food processor, add the prepared fruit, honey or maple syrup (if using), and lemon juice (if using). Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the fruit puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the fruit leather from sticking.
5. Pour the fruit puree onto the lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
6. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (usually around 140-170°F or 60-75°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the fruit puree dry for 4-6 hours, or until it is no longer sticky to the touch. You can also use a dehydrator set to 135°F (57°C) for similar results.
7. Check for doneness: The fruit leather should be pliable and slightly tacky but not wet. If it feels too sticky, continue drying it, checking every 30 minutes.
8. Cut and store: Once dried, remove the fruit leather from the baking sheet. Use scissors to cut it into strips or squares. You can roll them up in parchment paper for storage.
9. Store: Store the fruit leather in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
Enjoy your homemade fruit leather as a healthy snack or a sweet treat on the go!
Aprile's Kitchen 