How to Make Naturally Sweet + Chewy Oven Dried Strawberries
These oven-dried strawberries have a candy-like chewiness, like a dried apricot. They are sweet and 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.
One of the best preserving recipes for everyone’s favorite fruit.
Chewy Oven Dried Strawberries
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries halved or quartered
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice bottled or fresh
- 4 tablespoons sugar
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Instructions
- Prep. Preheat oven to 175 if possible, or 200 degrees. With parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, place strawberries on top in a single layer
- Combine all ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until strawberries have released their juices
- Bake. 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.
- Cool. Allow to cool completely before storing. Will keep best refrigerated or frozen.
Video
Nutrition
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 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. And if I ever do, I will not post the recipe, but instead sell them and be rich. Until that day comes, this recipe is very satisfying.
Ingredients
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.
You’ll need the following for this yummy homemade snack.
Instructions
Step One
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
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a 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.
FAQs
Just be patient! They’ll get there.
Yes, freeze-dried strawberries are a great alternative. They have a different texture but are also a healthy snack option.
Typically, the rehydration ratio is about 1:3. For every cup of dried strawberries, add three cups of water.
Store them in a dark place in an airtight container or resealable foil pouches to maintain maximum flavor and freshness.
General Information
- Daily Diet: Incorporating dried strawberries into your daily diet is a great way to add natural flavors and essential nutrients.
- Total Carbohydrate: Each serving of dried strawberries contains about 15g of carbohydrates, contributing to your daily value based on general nutrition advice.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, these strawberries have a shelf life of several months. For best results, keep them in a cool, dark place.
More Uses
- Trail Mixes: Dried strawberries make a delicious addition to trail mixes, adding a sweet and chewy element.
- Morning Cereal: They are perfect for mixing into this kid-friendly granola with milk or yogurt for a healthy breakfast.
- Ice Cream and Desserts: Crushed dried strawberries can be sprinkled on ice cream or used in baking for a burst of fruity flavor.
By Katie Shaw
Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.
Hi, can I know if its 175 in Celsius or Fahrenheit?
Farenheit
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.
i’m going to try it! we have super high humidity here in early summer but i’ll pray for some dry days
Yummy! I bet my kids would enjoy these!
It’s amazing how sweet dried or dehydrated fruit taste! Want to try this soon!
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!!
These sound yummy! We should have strawberries soon, so I will give this a try!
I live strawberries. Will definitely need to try this when my strawberries start producing!
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.
Oh interesting! I need to poke around other peoples recipes for them. Yes they are definitely more like candy than fresh fruit!