There’s something truly magical about making your own snacks from scratch, especially when those snacks are irresistibly delicious and bursting with natural flavor. This Easy Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups Recipe is exactly that magic captured in fruit leather form—made with just fresh strawberries, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice. No artificial colors, no preservatives—only simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into a chewy, fruity treat perfect for snacking anytime. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought fruit roll ups!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients it requires, yet each one is vital to achieve the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a naturally sweet and slightly tangy fruit leather that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and that bright red hue everyone loves.
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional): Adds a gentle touch of additional sweetness, balancing the tartness of the strawberries perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Enhances flavor and helps preserve the vibrant color of the fruit roll ups.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven or Dehydrator
Start by setting your oven to a low temperature—around 175°F (80°C)—or if you have a food dehydrator, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The low heat allows the fruit mixture to dry slowly without burning, ensuring a pliable, chewy finish.
Step 2: Blend the Fruit Mixture
Place the strawberries, honey or maple syrup (if using), and lemon juice into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, free of any chunks. This smoothness is key to achieving that classic roll-up texture that’s easy to slice and roll.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then pour your smooth strawberry mixture onto it. Use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer—about 1/8 inch thick is perfect. This thinness helps the mixture dry evenly and quickly without becoming too brittle.
Step 4: Bake Until Dry but Pliable
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven or dehydrator. Let it bake or dehydrate for approximately 3 to 4 hours. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a texture that’s dry to the touch but still flexible and slightly sticky. This is exactly how you know it’s ready to become those irresistible strawberry fruit roll ups.
Step 5: Cool, Cut, and Roll
Once dried, remove the fruit leather from the oven and let it cool completely on the parchment. This cooling step helps it set nicely. Then, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the leather into strips. Roll them up gently in parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy storage and on-the-go snacking.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
While these fruit roll ups are fantastic on their own, you can get creative with garnishes! Consider lightly brushing a touch of melted dark chocolate over the surface before rolling them, or sprinkle crushed nuts or shredded coconut on the fruit mixture before drying for added texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
These roll ups make a wonderful, healthy pairing with a crunchy side like carrot sticks or celery, perfect for kids’ lunchboxes or a quick energy boost. They’re also a great match alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a small serving of yogurt for some added creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests or delight little ones, try cutting the fruit leather into fun shapes with cookie cutters before rolling. You could also layer different fruit purees to create striped or swirled roll ups, giving a colorful twist to this easy strawberry favorite. Wrapping the roll ups individually makes them great gifts or picnic treats too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade fruit roll ups in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. Keep them away from humidity and heat to retain their chewy texture. Properly stored, they stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them a perfect batch-cooking snack.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Easy Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups Recipe on hand longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each roll up tightly in parchment or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly at room temperature without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Since these roll ups best enjoy their natural chewy texture, reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if they become too firm over time, letting them sit at room temperature for a little while brings back their softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them sticky or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! The Easy Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups Recipe is versatile. You can use mango, peach, mixed berries, or any fruit you like. Just make sure to blend them until smooth and adjust sweetness as needed.
Do I need to use honey or maple syrup?
Honey or maple syrup is optional. If your strawberries are very sweet, you might skip it altogether. The sweetener simply enhances the flavor and helps the roll ups set nicely.
What’s the best way to know when the fruit leather is done?
Look for a texture that feels dry to the touch but still bends without cracking. If it’s sticky or wet, it needs more drying time; if it cracks or breaks, it’s overdone.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?
Yes, a food dehydrator is perfect for this recipe and often yields the best texture. Just follow your dehydrator’s instructions for fruit leather and dry at the same low temperature until ready.
How long does it take to make these fruit roll ups?
The preparation is quick, about 5 minutes for blending and spreading, but drying takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your oven or dehydrator and how thickly you spread the puree.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups Recipe is one of those charming homemade treats that bring joy with every bite. It’s straightforward, natural, and so rewarding to make. Whether you’re packing school lunches, looking for a healthy snack, or just want to enjoy fresh fruit in a fun way, these roll ups are sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet taste of homemade goodness!
Print
Easy Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hr 5 min
- Yield: 8 roll ups
- Diet: Vegan,Gluten Free
Description
Deliciously sweet and naturally flavored homemade strawberry fruit roll ups made from fresh strawberries and a touch of honey or maple syrup. This healthy snack is free from artificial colors and preservatives and perfect for a nutritious treat or lunchbox addition.
Ingredients
Fruit Leather Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Dehydrator: Set your oven to 175°F (80°C) or prepare your food dehydrator for drying the fruit mixture.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the strawberries, honey or maple syrup (if using), and lemon juice. Blend until you get a smooth, uniform puree.
- Spread Puree: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pour the strawberry mixture onto the sheet and spread evenly into a thin layer approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Bake or Dehydrate: Place the tray in the oven or dehydrator. Bake or dry for 3 to 4 hours until the surface is dry to the touch yet still pliable and flexible.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from heat and let the fruit leather cool completely. Once cooled, peel it off the parchment paper and cut into strips.
- Roll Up: Roll the strips tightly to form roll ups and store them in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberries with mango, peach, or mixed berries for flavor variations.
- Store the fruit roll ups in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
- This recipe uses a no-flip method, meaning you do not need to flip the fruit leather during drying, making it easier to prepare.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 3 hr
- Category: Snack, Kids Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
