How to Make Fruit Leather
Updated Sep 25, 2025
Make your own fruit leather, or, fruit roll-ups. This recipe is simple and doesn't require a bunch of ingredients or any special equipment.
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Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups
Did you know you can make your own fruit leather, aka fruit roll-ups, with just fruit and a blender? When my kids were toddlers, I learned about this method and it was such a great way to use up fruit that was starting to get too ripe. I would just throw fruit in the blender and then dry it low and slow in the oven – no dehydrator needed.
As a mom, the best part about making homemade fruit leather is leaving out all the unnecessary processed ingredients that can be found in store-bought versions. It’s a fun project to do with the kids on a rainy weekend. And trust me, they’ll love the final product. My kids still do!
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Fruit Leather Ingredients
- Fruit: You’ll need 4 cups of chopped fruit or berries. You can use one kind (like strawberries) or a blend of a few different fruits.
- Lemon Juice: You can swap for lime juice if you prefer.
- Sweetener: This is optional based on your taste, and how sweet the fruit is. I always taste the mixture before adding. If it’s tart, I’ll add the sweetener in and blend again. You can use honey, maple syrup or agave.
How to Make Fruit Leather
How to Make Fruit Leather
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups fruit chopped (apples, berries, peaches, pears)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150F or the lowest temperature your oven will go, and line a 11 x 17 rimmed baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place the fruit, lemon juice and sweetener (if using) in a food processor or blender and puree until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the puree onto the lined baking tray, spreading out evenly using a spatula.
- Place on a low rack in the oven and cook until the fruit feels dry to the touch and peels easily from the parchment paper, about 6-8 hours.
- Remove from oven and allow the fruit leather to cool completely, at least one hour.
- Use a pizza cutter, knife or scissors to cut into thin strips with the parchment paper still intact. The parchment paper will carefully peel off when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Add spices for a change in flavor. Try warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. Use about ½ a teaspoon for every 4 cups of chopped fruit.
- Make sure to tap the baking tray on the counter before baking. Do this a couple of times before placing it in the oven. This ensures that the fruit puree is evenly distributed without any airy pockets so it dries evenly.
- Change the thickness of the fruit roll-ups. Make them thinner by cooking the chopped fruit with water for 20 minutes before blending. This results in a smoother and thinner consistency but will take more time. For every 4 cups of fruit, you’ll need ½ a cup of water.
- Try to spread the puree so it’s thicker around the edges. Since the sides dry quicker than the center, it helps to keep the center about 1/8″ inch thickness and the edges a little thicker, about 1/4″ inch.
- Strain the puree. If you use berries with lots of seeds, consider straining the mixture before spreading it onto the sheet pan.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice. This helps to activate pectin and makes the mixture easier to blend. Also, if you are using something like apple, it keeps it from browning.
FAQs
Fruit leather is best stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Theoretically, homemade fruit leather is shelf-stable at room temperature but any slight moisture left can make it mold. You can freeze in a bag for up 1 year.
Yes, let frozen fruit thaw at room temperature until the fruit feels soft, and then puree it. Keep in mind it might take an extra 2-4 hours to dry out though, since frozen fruit contains more moisture than fresh fruit.
Yes, canned fruit can be used to make fruit leather. Drain it well to get rid of excess moisture and juice. Like frozen fruit, it may take a few more hours to dry out in the oven than fresh fruit because of added moisture.
Comments
This is a great way to use up left over fruit. Going have to try this one
Let me know what you think once you give it a try!
Can you use dried fruit, like dried apricots, to make fruit leather? My father, who is long gone, used to like apricot leather. If it worked, it would bring back good memories.
Also, can your recipes be cut down for one or two servings?
Thanks.
I have yet to try using dried fruit for fruit leather! You can try making it with fresh apricots though. In the recipe card, where it says Servings, you can move the toggle to 1 or 2 pieces.