These healthy homemade fruit roll ups are a fun, all natural way to enjoy a better version of the childhood snack! They are simple to make and with as little as three ingredients. Try different fruits for a variety of flavors!
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Healthy homemade fruit roll-ups are a delightful and guilt-free snack that both kids and adults can enjoy. Unlike store-bought options that often contain added sugars and artificial ingredients, making your own fruit roll-ups allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a tasty treat that is good for your body.
What are Healthy Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups?
Healthy homemade fruit roll-ups are delicious snacks made from pureed fruit that is dehydrated to create a chewy, portable treat. The key to their healthiness lies in the simplicity of the ingredients – just fruit and perhaps a touch of natural sweetener, like honey or maple syrup. By avoiding preservatives, artificial colors, and excessive sugars, these fruit roll-ups provide a nutritious alternative to commercially available options.
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Fruit Roll-Ups
- Nutrient-Rich: Homemade fruit roll-ups retain the nutritional value of fresh fruit, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Customizable: You have control over the ingredients, allowing you to experiment with different fruit combinations and flavors.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own fruit roll-ups can be more economical than purchasing pre-packaged snacks.
- No Hidden Additives: Say goodbye to artificial preservatives and colors commonly found in store-bought alternatives.
- Fun for All Ages: Engage the entire family in the process, from selecting fruits to creating unique flavor combinations.
Ingredients
- Fresh Fruit: Choose ripe fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, or a mix for a burst of flavors.
- Natural Sweetener: Optional, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Consider honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Lemon Juice: Enhances flavor and acts as a natural preservative.
Equipment
- Pot or pan for cooking
- Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing the fruit.
- Dehydrator: Essential for removing moisture and creating the desired texture.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Sheets: Prevents sticking during the dehydration process.
Directions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash, peel (if necessary), and chop the fruit into small pieces.
- Cook fruit on stove top with a splash of water until soft. This helps speed up dehydrator time and helps prevent the fruit roll ups from being brittle.
- Blend or Process: Puree the fruit until smooth, adding lemon juice and sweetener if desired.
- Spread on Dehydrator Sheets: Line the dehydrator trays with parchment paper or silicone sheets. Evenly spread the fruit puree onto the sheets.
- Dehydrate: Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 135°F or 57°C) and let it run for 4-6 hours, or until the fruit leather is no longer sticky.
- Cut and Roll: Once dehydrated, cut the fruit leather into strips and roll them up. Store in an airtight container.
Healthy Homemade Fruit Roll Ups
Equipment
- Pot or pan
- Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing the fruit
- Dehydrator: Essential for removing moisture and creating the desired texture
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Sheets: Prevents sticking during the dehydration process
Ingredients
- Fresh Fruit Choose ripe fruits such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, or a mix for a burst of flavors.
- Natural Sweetener Optional depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Consider honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Lemon Juice Enhances flavor and acts as a natural preservative.
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash, peel (if necessary), and chop the fruit into small pieces.
- Cook fruit on stove top with a splash of water until soft. This helps speed up dehydrator time and helps prevent the fruit roll ups from being brittle.
- Blend or Process: Puree the fruit until smooth, adding lemon juice and sweetener if desired.
- Spread on Dehydrator Sheets: Line the dehydrator trays with parchment paper or silicone sheets. Evenly spread the fruit puree onto the sheets.
- Dehydrate: Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 135°F or 57°C) and let it run for 4-6 hours, or until the fruit leather is no longer sticky.
- Cut and Roll: Once dehydrated, cut the fruit leather into strips and roll them up. Store in an airtight container.
Flavor Inspiration
- Apple Cinnamon: Combine apples with a dash of cinnamon for the perfect fall flavor
- Tropical Bliss: Blend mangoes, pineapples, and a splash of coconut water.
- Berry Burst: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and or raspberries with apples for a vibrant mix.
- Citrus Zing: Add orange or lime zest to a blend of citrus fruits for a refreshing twist.
Dehydrator Recommendation
Homemade fruit roll up can be made in any dehydrator or even in the oven on your lowest setting. I highly recommend a dehydrator oven the oven because these fruit roll ups work best at a really low temperature 145 (lower then most ovens will go). For optimal results, I recommend using the this Cosori Food Dehydrator. Its adjustable temperature control and large drying space make it perfect for creating consistent and evenly dehydrated fruit roll-ups.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different sweetener or omit it altogether? A: Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness to your liking or omit it entirely for a naturally sweet treat.
Q: How should I store homemade fruit roll-ups? A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit for the puree? A: Yes, thaw the fruit before blending, and ensure it is well-drained to achieve the desired consistency.
Creating healthy homemade fruit roll-ups is a rewarding and enjoyable process that allows you to savor the goodness of real fruit without any hidden additives. With a little creativity and the right equipment, you can make these delectable snacks a staple in your household, satisfying your sweet cravings the nutritious way.
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