With just two ingredients, Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Roll Ups are simple to make and always a favorite with my boys. For years I’ve been passionate about feeding my sons wholesome food, so preparing healthy snacks and lunches is a priority. Now that they’re both in high school, getting nutritious, minimally processed foods into their lunches matters more than ever.
These organic Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Roll Ups fit the bill perfectly. They’re an easy, delicious snack that the whole family enjoys. My boys loved them so much I could barely keep up with their appetite for this low-glycemic treat made from pure fruit. This recipe is adapted from one I found on Safeway.com.
In my version I omitted the honey and lemon juice and adjusted the method a bit. I like this recipe because it’s oven-friendly—no dehydrator required. A dehydrator can be expensive and take up cabinet space, so baking in the oven is a convenient alternative. Baking fruit roll ups in the oven can be a little fussy at times, but I developed a reliable approach that yields consistent results.
Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 1 pound organic strawberries, hulls removed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
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Place strawberries and lemon zest in a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth.
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Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Pour three lengthwise strips of puree onto each baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
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Bake at 175°F (about 80°C) for 2½–3 hours. Strips on the bottom rack may finish closer to 2½ hours and strips on the top rack closer to 3 hours.
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Trim the edges of each strip for a neat appearance, then roll the fruit leather around a thick pen or tube. Secure with tape or a small band.
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Peel off the parchment when ready to eat.
Equipment
After testing many fruit leather methods, I found a common problem: the center of the tray can stay wet while the outer edges dry perfectly. To fix this, I divide the puree into strips and bake on two parchment-lined sheets rather than spreading one large puddle on a single tray. By increasing surface area and reducing center thickness, the puree cooks more evenly.
Note that ovens vary greatly. Even two ovens in the same kitchen can require slightly different baking times. If your fruit leather isn’t fully set after the stated baking time, continue baking until it’s dry and consistent from edge to center.
If the fruit leather becomes overcooked and turns crisp like fruit paper, mist it lightly with water from a spray bottle to soften it slightly.
The best part about this snack is how easy it is: blend two ingredients, spread the puree, and bake. It’s a straightforward way to make a homemade, wholesome treat for kids and adults alike.
Disclosure: I was contacted by Safeway to feature their organic product line, O Organics, and ideas for healthy school lunches. I only work with brands whose products I use in my home, and I appreciate having access to reasonably priced organic options in my area.