📝 About This Recipe
Capture the concentrated essence of peak-season fruit with this artisanal, homemade fruit leather that puts store-bought snacks to shame. By slowly dehydrating a vibrant puree of fresh stone fruits and berries, you create a chewy, translucent confection that balances natural sweetness with a bright, zesty finish. This wholesome treat is an elegant way to preserve the harvest, offering a nostalgic snack that is both sophisticated in flavor and delightfully simple in its purity.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fruit Base
- 4 cups Fresh Peaches or Nectarines (pitted and sliced; skins left on for fiber and color)
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1 cup Fresh Raspberries (for depth of color and tartness)
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers
- 2-4 tablespoons Wildflower Honey (adjust based on the sweetness of the fruit)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (prevents oxidation and brightens flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (adds a floral, rounded finish)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger (adds a subtle, sophisticated warmth)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (to balance the sugars)
Optional Textures
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds (optional, for a slight crunch and omega-3s)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to its lowest possible setting, typically between 140°F and 170°F (60°C-75°C). Line a large 12x17 inch rimmed baking sheet with a high-quality silicone baking mat or parchment paper lightly brushed with a neutral oil.
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2
Place the prepared peaches, strawberries, and raspberries into a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until the mixture is completely smooth and no large chunks remain.
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3
Pour the fruit puree into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, to reduce the water content by about one-quarter; this intensifies the flavor and speeds up the drying time.
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4
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt until thoroughly incorporated.
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5
If you prefer an exceptionally smooth leather, press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove raspberry seeds. If you enjoy texture, leave them in and stir in the chia seeds now.
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6
Pour the warm puree onto the prepared baking sheet. Use an offset spatula to spread the mixture evenly, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
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7
Crucial Step: Ensure the edges are slightly thicker than the center, as the edges tend to dry faster and can become brittle if too thin.
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8
Place the baking sheet in the oven. If your oven doesn't go below 170°F, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape and keep the temperature low.
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9
Dehydrate for 6 to 8 hours. The timing varies wildly based on humidity and fruit water content. Start checking at the 5-hour mark.
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10
The leather is done when it is no longer tacky to the touch in the center and peels away easily from the mat. It should be translucent and flexible, not hard or brittle.
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11
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
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12
Once cooled, peel the leather off the silicone mat. Place it on a sheet of clean parchment paper and use kitchen shears to cut it into 1.5-inch wide strips.
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13
Roll the strips up with the parchment paper (to prevent sticking) and secure with a small piece of twine or a sticker.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use the ripest fruit possible; slightly overripe fruit actually has higher sugar content and better flavor for leather. Avoid using wax paper as the leather will stick to it permanently; stick to silicone mats or parchment. If the edges get too dry and brittle, lightly spritz them with water and let them sit for 10 minutes to soften before rolling. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to a year. For a tropical twist, substitute the berries with mango and add a squeeze of lime juice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a sharp white cheddar cheese for a sophisticated sweet-and-savory snack. Serve alongside a glass of chilled Prosecco or sparkling cider during a summer picnic. Chop small pieces of the leather to use as a vibrant, chewy topping for Greek yogurt or oatmeal. Include in a charcuterie board as a colorful, fruit-forward palate cleanser. Pack into school lunches as a healthy, fiber-rich alternative to processed gummy candies.