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Chewy Oven Dried Strawberries

This recipe produces a chewy, candy-like dried strawberry that kids (and adults!) will love.

You’ll love this recipe for oven-dried strawberries that are sweet, chewy, and perfect to pack for kids on the go.

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

They’re delicious! These strawberries have a candy-like chewiness, like a dried apricot. They are sweet, delicious, and hold up very well in packed snacks and lunches. I eat many of them each time I make a batch for the kids.

Super easy! There is nothing to this recipe. Just pop ’em in the oven and wait!

This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.

5 pints strawberries

You’ll need the following for this yummy homemade snack

  • fresh strawberries
  • lemon juice 
  • sugar
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowl

🍴Instructions

Step One

full baking sheet of whole strawberries

Preheat the oven to 175 if possible, or 200 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until strawberries have released their juices

Step Two

strawberries laid out on parchment

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat and place strawberries on top in a single layer. Bake for 2-3 hours with the door ajar, rotating every 30 minutes.  The strawberries are done when the edges are darkened, and they have a sticky texture.

🥫 Storage instructions

Before storing, allow them to cool completely, which may take a few hours.

They will last in the fridge for about 2 weeks, or can be frozen for 6 months. Mason jars are great for storing these.

🔍 FAQs

What do I do if my strawberries aren’t drying out?

Just be patient! They’ll get there.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert tips

  • Your strawberries should sit in the sugar for a few minutes to draw the juices out.
  • Finished strawberries should be chewy and still somewhat moist.

📘 Related Recipes

  • Well, obviously, they are good as a snack by themselves. They are especially useful for packing in lunchboxes and snacks because they hold up much better than fresh strawberries.
  • We also like them as a mix in our DIY Chobani Flips.
  • I love them in salads with pecans and blue cheese, but my husband hates them in there, so who knows.
  • Don’t forget to add them your printable canning planner, so you can make a big batch when strawberry season comes around!

The Story behind the recipe

Once upon a time, my sister-in-law gave me a five-pound bag of the most delicious dried fruit on earth. They tasted like a giant, sweet gummy bears but were dried strawberries. Imagine my horror when I went to buy some more, only to find that they were THIRTEEN DOLLARS A POUND. Very sad.

I have been on a five-year mission to duplicate them. Have I succeeded? No. I will not post the recipe, but instead sell them and be rich if I ever do. Until that day comes, this recipe is very satisfying.

glass mason jar of oven dried strawberries

📖 Here’s the recipe

small glass jar of dried strawberries
4.41 from 5 votes

Chewy Oven Dried Strawberries

Print Recipe
This recipe produces a chewy, candy-like dried strawberry that kids (and adults!) will love.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 10 minutes
Click here to grab a free seasonal e-cookbook!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries halved or quartered
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice bottled or fresh
  • 4 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 175 if possible, or 200 degrees
  • Combine all ingredients in large bowl and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until strawberries have released their juices
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat and place strawberries on top in a single layer
  • Bake for 2-3 hours with the door ajar, rotating every 30 minutes.  The strawberries are done when the edges are darkened and they have a sticky texture.
  • Allow to cool completely before storing.  Will keep best refrigerated or frozen.  

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 67mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Snack
Keyword: chewy dried strawberries, oven dried strawberries, preserving strawberries
Servings: 8 snacks
Calories: 60kcal
Author: Katie from Heart’s Content Farmhouse
Did you make this recipe?If you loved it, please leave a review!

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10 thoughts on “Chewy Oven Dried Strawberries”

  1. Hey, not sure if you’re still looking for the secret but the truth is all you need is the sun. No sugar or lemon. I’ve made these before, fresh picked strawberries and left them in the sun for three days. If you ever have a hot day, please give it a go. Your prayers have been answered.

    Reply
  2. First, of all I have never heard of dried strawberries! Next, your line about getting rich if you ever perfect the recipe for the ones your sister-in-law gave you had me laughing!!

    Reply
  3. I saw something similar on Facebook recently. But now I’ll have to try these! Much healthier than candy and I’m sure my little one (and me!) would love them! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Oh interesting! I need to poke around other peoples recipes for them. Yes they are definitely more like candy than fresh fruit!

      Reply

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