I love making this homemade fruit leather because it turns simple fruit into a fun, chewy snack that my whole family enjoys. I like knowing exactly what goes into it, and I appreciate how easy it is to customize the flavors based on what I already have in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I keep this recipe in my regular rotation because it’s affordable, flexible, and easy to make. I enjoy letting kids help choose the fruit and watch it transform into a snack they recognize and love. I also like that it helps cut down on packaged snacks while still feeling like a treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups chopped fruit
3 tablespoons white sugar
juice of ½ lemon
Directions
I begin by preheating the oven to 200°F. I add the chopped fruit, sugar, and lemon juice to a blender and blend until the mixture is completely smooth. After that, I pour the puree into a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
I lower the heat to medium-low and stir frequently, allowing the mixture to thicken for about 35 to 45 minutes. Once thickened, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the fruit mixture onto it. I spread it into an even, thin layer using a spatula.
I place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3 to 3½ hours, until the surface is no longer sticky to the touch. I remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. If the underside still feels moist, I flip it and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes. Once fully dried, I cut the fruit leather into strips with kitchen shears and roll them up with the parchment.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 12 servings from one batch. Prep time takes around 45 minutes, and baking time is about 3 hours. Altogether, I plan for roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I enjoy mixing different fruits like strawberry and mango, apple and banana, or blueberry and peach. Sometimes I reduce the sugar if the fruit is especially ripe. I also like swapping the lemon juice with orange juice for a softer citrus flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store the rolled fruit leather in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. When I want to keep it longer, I freeze the rolls and thaw them in the fridge before eating. There’s no reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I make fruit leather without sugar?
I can leave out the sugar if the fruit is very ripe, though the texture may be slightly less chewy.
Can I use frozen fruit?
I often use frozen fruit after thawing it completely, and it works very well.
How thin should I spread the fruit mixture?
I aim for an even layer that’s thin but not transparent to ensure it dries evenly.
How do I know when the fruit leather is done?
I check that it’s dry, flexible, and no longer tacky when touched lightly.
Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
I like using a dehydrator set to about 140°F and drying until the fruit leather is no longer sticky.
Conclusion
I love this homemade fruit leather recipe because it’s simple, adaptable, and always a hit. Each batch feels rewarding to make, and it’s satisfying to turn basic ingredients into a snack that disappears quickly. It’s one of those recipes I know I’ll keep making again and again.
A simple, fun, and chewy homemade fruit leather made with just fruit, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar—perfect for a customizable and kid-friendly snack.
Total Time:3 hours 45 minutes
Yield:12 servings
Ingredients
2 cups chopped fruit
3 tablespoons white sugar
Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C).
In a blender, combine chopped fruit, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
Lower heat to medium-low and stir frequently for 35–45 minutes, until thickened.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour thickened mixture onto the sheet and spread into a thin, even layer using a spatula.
Bake for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the surface is dry and no longer sticky.
If the underside is moist, flip the fruit leather and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Cool completely, then cut into strips using kitchen shears. Roll with parchment and store.
Notes
Use ripe fruit to reduce or omit added sugar.
Try fruit blends like strawberry-mango, apple-banana, or blueberry-peach.
Swap lemon juice for orange juice for a different citrus profile.
For longer storage, freeze fruit leather rolls in airtight containers.
A dehydrator can be used at 140°F until fully dried.
