Delicious Dehydrated Fruit Leather Recipe for Outdoor Adventures

ByDerek Vitiello

Looking for a tasty and healthy snack to take on your next backpacking or hiking trip? Dehydrated fruit leather is the perfect solution! It’s easy to make using a dehydrator, and it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of fresh fruit while you’re out in the outdoors.

This fruit leather recipe is not just a snack; it’s a versatile treat that you can customize with different fruits and flavors. Packed with nutrients, it’s a wonderful source of energy for those long hikes, and it won’t weigh you down in your pack.

The Appeal of Dehydrated Fruit Leather

Dehydrated fruit leather is a wonderful option for anyone who loves to explore the outdoors.

From hiking trails to backpacking journeys, this tasty snack is compact and nutrient-rich, making it an ideal choice for those on the move.

Using a dehydrator to create this chewy treat allows for the preservation of fresh fruit flavors, providing energy and satisfaction during outdoor activities.

Choosing the Right Fruits

The beauty of fruit leather lies in its versatility.

You can mix and match a variety of fruits to suit your preferences.

Vibrant strawberries, sunny mangoes, and refreshing apples are popular choices, each contributing unique flavors and colors to your homemade snack.

Consider the fruits you enjoy most or those that are in season to maximize freshness and taste.

Preparation Steps

Creating dehydrated fruit leather is straightforward and requires minimal effort.

Begin by washing and chopping your chosen fruits for an even blend.

If using apples, make sure to peel and core them before cutting into smaller pieces.

Once prepped, blend the fruit with a touch of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, if desired.

A splash of lemon juice enhances the flavor and helps preserve the color of the fruit.

Using Your Dehydrator

The next step involves spreading the fruit puree onto dehydrator trays.

Using sheets designed for fruit leather or parchment paper will prevent sticking and make removal easier once the drying process is complete.

Set the dehydrator temperature to 135°F (57°C) and allow it to work for approximately 6-8 hours.

During this time, the moisture will evaporate, leaving you with a chewy and flavorful snack.

It’s essential to monitor the drying process to achieve the perfect texture—when the leather is no longer sticky and peels away easily, it’s ready!

Storing Your Fruit Leather

Once the dehydrated fruit leather has cooled, cut it into strips and roll them up for storage.

This method keeps the leather fresh and convenient to grab for your next hiking trip or outdoor adventure.

Using an airtight container ensures that your snack remains tasty for weeks to come.

Health Benefits of Dehydrated Snacks

These fruit leathers are not only delicious but also provide health benefits.

Rich in vitamins and nutrients, they serve as a great source of energy, making them a perfect companion for strenuous activities like hiking or backpacking.

With around 60 calories per strip, they offer a guilt-free way to satisfy sweet cravings without added preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Incorporating homemade dehydrated fruit leather into your outdoor meals can contribute to a balanced diet while enjoying nature.

It’s a simple, healthy, and satisfying option that fits perfectly into any adventure.

How to Make Dehydrated Fruit Leather

Colorful rolls of dehydrated fruit leather made from strawberries, mangoes, and apples, displayed on a wooden table with fresh fruit.

This dehydrated fruit leather is chewy, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavor! It’s made by pureeing fresh fruit and drying it until it’s a convenient snack, perfect for outdoor excursions.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of your choice of fruit (strawberries, mangoes, apples, etc.)
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and chop your chosen fruit. If using apples, peel and core them before chopping.
  2. Blend the Mixture: In a blender, combine the fruit, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
  3. Prepare the Dehydrator: Spread the fruit puree evenly onto dehydrator trays lined with fruit leather sheets or parchment paper.
  4. Dehydrate: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6-8 hours, or until the fruit leather is no longer sticky and peels easily off the paper.
  5. Cut and Store: Once dried, let it cool, and then cut into strips. Roll them up and store in an airtight container for your next outdoor adventure.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Dehydrate Time: 6-8 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 10 strips
  • Calories: 60 kcal per strip
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g

My goal with my writing and Scenic Snacking as a whole is to share my passions of hiking, camping, and a love of the outdoors with our readers. Making the difficult and uncertain feel more approachable to people that might not know enough to feel comfortable taking their first steps into the wilderness is a driving factor for me. When I'm not writing you can find me on a trail, in a forest, or next to a river with hiking shoes on my feet and a fly rod somewhere close by.

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