Readers often make Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake, Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, or Nutella Drop Biscuits alongside this one.

How I Got Hooked on Homemade Fruit Leather

A few weeks ago I tweeted a photo of homemade fruit leather and my inbox exploded. People wanted the recipe, so here it is. It’s the same whether you roll it into fruit roll-ups or cut squares. Store-bought is pricey, but homemade costs less and is ridiculously easy. We had a peach surplus, so I made peach fruit leather, but any fruit works. Strawberries and raspberries are great too.

Why This Easy Fruit Leather Recipe Works

It uses just two ingredients, fruit and a little sweetener, so you control what goes in.
The low oven temperature does all the work; you just blend and spread.
It’s a healthy snack that kids actually get excited about.

Key Ingredients for the Best Peach Fruit Leather

Ripe fruit: The riper the fruit, the sweeter the leather. Underripe fruit will need more sweetener and may taste less vibrant. Use peaches that are soft and fragrant.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup work well. Agave is also fine. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Kitchen Tools for Making Fruit Leather

Blender or food processor
11×17 baking sheet
Silpat baking mat (or parchment paper)
Spatula for spreading
Pizza cutter or scissors for cutting

Tips for Perfect Homemade Fruit Leather

Spread the puree to an even 1/8-inch thickness. If it’s too thick, the leather will take longer to dry and might stay tacky in the center. I tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to level it out. Check for doneness after 6 hours. The leather should feel set and not sticky when you touch the center. If it’s still tacky, give it another hour. Every oven runs a little differently, so start checking at the 6-hour mark.

Expert Tips for Peach Fruit Leather

The sweetness of your fruit matters. Super ripe peaches need only a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Taste the puree before baking and adjust. If you use a Silpat, the leather peels off cleanly. Parchment paper works too, but the edges may curl. Plastic wrap is an option but can be trickier to handle. For a smoother texture, blend the fruit until completely smooth. No chunks.

Peach Fruit Leather Variations to Try

Swap peaches for strawberries, raspberries, or a mix. Peach-raspberry is a favorite here. You can also use mango, apricot, or plums. For a tropical twist, blend pineapple with a little mango. If you want a tarter leather, add a squeeze of lemon juice. For a sweeter version, use a bit more honey. You can even add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for warmth.

How to Serve Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups

Cut the leather into strips and roll them in parchment paper for classic fruit roll-ups. Or cut into squares and pack them in lunchboxes. They’re also great crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for a chewy, fruity topping. I like to keep a stash in my bag for a quick snack on the go.

How to Store Homemade Fruit Leather

Store the fruit leather in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is humid, keep it in the fridge to prevent it from getting sticky. Layer the pieces between sheets of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Homemade Fruit Leather FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes, thaw and drain excess liquid before blending. You may need to cook the puree slightly to reduce moisture.

Why is my fruit leather still sticky after 8 hours?

The puree might have been too thick or your oven runs cool. Spread it thinner next time, or increase oven temperature slightly (but keep below 170°F to avoid cooking the fruit).

Can I make fruit leather without a Silpat?

Yes, use parchment paper or plastic wrap. Parchment is easier to peel. Silpat gives the smoothest release.

How do I know when it’s done?

The leather should be set and not tacky to the touch in the center. It will be pliable but not wet.

Recipe

Fruit Leather

Homemade fruit leather is so easy to make and is a great healthy snack! I used peaches for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite fruit. Strawberries and raspberries are my other favorite fruits to use.

easyVegan

7 hr

Cook Time

7 hr

Total Time

Servings

Snack

Course

35 kcal

Calories

Ingredients

Servings

3 cup ripe chopped fruit, chopped

sweetener (honey or maple syrup)

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 150 degrees F or the lowest temperature your oven will go. Line a 11 x 17 baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat. Set aside.
2
Puree the peaches and sweetener of your choice in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour fruit mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread to about a 1/8″ thick. I always pound the baking sheet on the counter a few times to make sure the fruit mixture is evenly distributed.

3
Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for 6-8 hours, until pan is set and the center is not tacky. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Gently peel off the fruit leather from the Silpat. Cut into squares or strips using a pizza cutter, knife, or scissors. If you want to make fruit roll-ups, roll the strips in parchment paper. Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition (per serving)

35kcal

Calorie breakdown

Protein4%1 kcal

Fat6%2 kcal

Carbohydrates90%32 kcal

How this was calculated — 2 of 2 ingredients matched

ripe chopped fruitFruit juice smoothie, ODWALLA, strawberry banana346 kcal

sweetener (honey or maple syrup)Sweetener, syrup, agave3 kcal

Serving size ≈ 72 g · 10 servings

Nutrition information is automatically calculated from USDA FoodData Central, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.

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Keyword: dairyFree, gluten-free, glutenFree, kid-friendly, nutFree, Oven Baked, snack, vegan, vegetarian

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