Strawberry Basil Fruit Leather Strips

Strawberry Basil Fruit Leather Strips

Julia

These homemade Strawberry Basil Fruit Leather Strips transform fresh, ripe strawberries and aromatic basil into a naturally sweet and herbaceous snack that's both nostalgic and sophisticated. Unlike store-bought fruit roll-ups laden with artificial colors and preservatives, these strips are made with just three simple ingredients, making them completely gluten-free and perfect for anyone seeking clean, wholesome snacks.

The magic happens in the dehydrator, where pureed strawberries and fresh basil slowly transform into chewy, intensely flavored strips that concentrate all the natural sweetness of the fruit. The basil adds an unexpected gourmet twist, providing subtle peppery notes that elevate these beyond ordinary fruit leather. A touch of honey enhances the strawberries' natural sugars and helps achieve the perfect texture.

Perfect for lunch boxes, hiking trips, or post-workout fuel, these portable strips can be rolled up in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go convenience. They'll keep for weeks when stored properly, making them an excellent make-ahead snack option. The vibrant red color flecked with green basil creates a visually stunning treat that both kids and adults will love.

Whether you're managing a gluten-free diet, looking for healthier alternatives to processed snacks, or simply want to preserve the bounty of strawberry season, these fruit leather strips deliver on flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Each bite brings back childhood memories while satisfying adult tastes with its sophisticated herb-fruit pairing.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

8 hours 15 minutes
None servings
35 calories
Fat 0.20g
Carbs 9.00g
Protein 0.40g

Ingredients

4 cupsfresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cupfresh basil leaves, loosely packed
2 tbsphoney
1 tsplemon juice, fresh

Equipment

Cutting board
measuring cups and spoons
airtight container
dehydrator or oven
high-powered blender or food processor
silicone mat or parchment paper
dehydrator tray or large baking sheet
offset spatula or spoon
kitchen scissors or sharp knife
kitchen twine or tape

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with clean eating principles, using only whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh strawberries, fresh basil, and a touch of honey, with no artificial additives or preservatives.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using only whole fruits (strawberries), herbs (basil), and a small amount of honey, with no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients.

Mindful Eating

Supports mindful eating by featuring whole ingredients with varied textures and flavors, encouraging sensory appreciation of natural fruit and herb combinations.

Instructions

1

Wash and hull the strawberries, then cut them in half. Rinse the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.

5 min
2

Add the halved strawberries, basil leaves, honey, and lemon juice to a high-powered blender or food processor.

1 min
3

Blend the mixture on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth with no visible chunks. The mixture should be a uniform bright red color with tiny flecks of green basil throughout.

2 min
4

Line a dehydrator tray or large baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Make sure the surface is completely smooth with no wrinkles.

2 min
5

Pour the strawberry-basil puree onto the prepared surface. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly into a thin layer, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Spread it slightly thicker around the edges as they tend to dry faster.

3 min
6

If using a dehydrator, set it to 135°F (57°C). Place the tray in the dehydrator and dry for 6-8 hours until the fruit leather is no longer sticky to the touch but still pliable. If using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature (usually 170°F or lower) and prop the door open slightly. Bake for 4-6 hours, checking frequently.

8h
7

Check the fruit leather by touching the center. It should feel dry and leathery but not brittle. If it's still sticky, continue drying in 30-minute increments.

1 min
8

Once fully dried, remove the fruit leather from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool completely on the tray for 15-20 minutes.

20 min
9

While still on the parchment paper or silicone mat, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut the fruit leather into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.

3 min
10

Roll each strip tightly with the parchment paper still attached, creating individual roll-ups. Secure each roll with a small piece of twine or tape.

5 min
11

Store the rolled fruit leather strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions