I always keep a stash of banana fruit leather on hand during road trips or long hikes. It makes a fantastic snack that keeps everyone satisfied without weighing them down. Whether you’re heading to the beach or just need a quick grab-and-go treat for school lunches, there’s nothing better than a healthy option that’s sweet, chewy, and totally customizable.
Yes, this fruit leather is a game changer!
Banana fruit leather is the perfect blend of taste and nutrition packed into a convenient snack. This portable treat strikes the right balance between fruity sweetness and chewiness, making it an ideal option for busy days.
But forget the store-bought stuff filled with preservatives; making your own means you can control the ingredients completely.
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What is Banana Fruit Leather?
Banana fruit leather is essentially a dehydrated fruit snack made by pureeing fresh fruit and then drying it out until it becomes chewy. Often enjoyed by kids and adults alike, this snack finds its way into lunchboxes, backpacks, and pantry shelves. It’s a fantastic way to use ripe bananas and other fruits, turning leftover fruit into a delicious treasure that lasts for weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Fruit Leather
You will love this banana fruit leather because it’s incredibly simple to make, healthy, and versatile. It offers a flavorful punch with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen. They’ll get a kick out of pureeing the fruits and watching the transformation into a delicious snack. It’s a great way to prevent food waste, as you can easily use up those overripe bananas!
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make This Dish
To craft this delicious fruit leather, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 lb. strawberries, about 4 cups, halved
– 2 medium bananas, roughly 2 cups, sliced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (a nice alternative to honey for added depth of flavor)
– Pinch of sea salt
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for a subtle sweet touch)
Feel free to mix and match other fruits too—this recipe is very adaptable!
Ingredients From : fitfoodiefinds.com
How to Make Banana Fruit Leather
Let’s dive into the steps needed to create your own banana fruit leather. It’s straightforward and requires little hands-on time, though patience is key as it takes several hours to dry out.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 180ºF. While that warms up, grab a standard-size rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will ensure the fruit leather doesn’t stick and makes for easier removal.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the strawberries, bananas, lemon juice, maple syrup, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and there’s no fruit chunk in sight! Taste it at this point—if you want to make it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup.
Step 3: Pour and Spread
Pour the luscious fruit mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread it evenly across the surface, making sure it reaches the corners. To ensure an even thickness, lift the baking sheet slightly and give it a gentle tap on your countertop. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick; too thick and it’ll take longer to dry!
Step 4: Bake Away
Place your baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 6-8 hours. Yes, I said hours! The key here is low and slow; you want it to dry out gradually. Check on it occasionally. The fruit leather is ready when it peels away easily from the parchment paper and feels firm throughout — no soft spots!
Step 5: Cut and Store
Once done, allow the fruit leather to cool. Use scissors to cut it into 12 strips or any shape you fancy. Store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 2-4 weeks, but I doubt they will last that long!
Notes
– Timing is Everything: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on the fruit leather as it dries.
– Fruit Combinations: Experiment with different fruits. Peaches, apples, and mangoes work wonderfully!
– Consistency Check: If the leather is chewy but not sticky to the touch, you’re in the clear.
– Adjust Sweetness: If your fruits are particularly sweet, adjust the amount of maple syrup accordingly.
– No Parchment? If you don’t have parchment paper, a silicone baking mat can be a great alternative.
Storage Tips
Store your banana fruit leather in an airtight container or zip-top bag. For an extra layer of protection while storing, consider placing parchment paper between strips. Keep it in the refrigerator to maximize freshness, or for longer storage, you can freeze them!
Serving Suggestions
1. Snack Boost: Enjoy it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
2. Lunchbox Treat: Include a strip in your child’s lunch for a fun surprise.
3. Trail Mix Add-In: Chop it up and toss it in with nuts and seeds for a homemade trail mix.
4. Smoothie Ingredient: Blend it into smoothies for extra sweetness and fiber.
5. Plate Decorator: Use cut strips as a colorful garnish for yogurt bowls or desserts!
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Banana Fruit Leather?
1. Pineapple: For a tropical twist, swap in fresh or frozen pineapple in place of some strawberries.
2. Applesauce: Replace bananas with unsweetened applesauce for a different flavor.
3. Maple Syrup: Use agave syrup instead of maple syrup for sweetness if preferred.
4. Other Berries: Blueberries and raspberries are delightful substitutes for strawberries.
5. Coconut Flakes: Add a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut for texture and flavor.
Banana Fruit Leather
Equipment
- Food Processor
- high-speed blender
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- To craft this delicious fruit leather gather the following ingredients:
- – 1 lb. strawberries about 4 cups, halved
- – 2 medium bananas roughly 2 cups, sliced
- – 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- – 2 tablespoons of maple syrup a nice alternative to honey for added depth of flavor
- – Pinch of sea salt
- – 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle sweet touch
- Feel free to mix and match other fruits too—this recipe is very adaptable!
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 180ºF. While that warms up, grab a standard-size rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will ensure the fruit leather doesn’t stick and makes for easier removal.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the strawberries, bananas, lemon juice, maple syrup, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and there’s no fruit chunk in sight! Taste it at this point—if you want to make it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup.
Step 3: Pour and Spread
- Pour the luscious fruit mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread it evenly across the surface, making sure it reaches the corners. To ensure an even thickness, lift the baking sheet slightly and give it a gentle tap on your countertop. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick; too thick and it’ll take longer to dry!
Step 4: Bake Away
- Place your baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 6-8 hours. Yes, I said hours! The key here is low and slow; you want it to dry out gradually. Check on it occasionally. The fruit leather is ready when it peels away easily from the parchment paper and feels firm throughout — no soft spots!
Step 5: Cut and Store
- Once done, allow the fruit leather to cool. Use scissors to cut it into 12 strips or any shape you fancy. Store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 2-4 weeks, but I doubt they will last that long!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fruit to make fruit leather?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture.
2. How do I know when the fruit leather is properly dried?
It should peel easily from the parchment and feel firm yet pliable. If it’s still sticky, it needs more time.
3. Can I make fruit leather without a food processor?
Yes! You can use a potato masher and a mixing bowl, though it may not be as smooth.
4. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply replace honey with maple syrup, which is plant-based.
5. Is fruit leather healthy?
Yes! Homemade fruit leather is filled with natural fruit sugars and no preservatives, making it a nutritious snack option.
Conclusion
Making banana fruit leather is not just a fun kitchen project; it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy fruits in a handy, portable form. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious, healthful snack the entire family will love.
So why not give it a try? You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make something so flavorful and satisfying!
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