Description
Oven dried strawberries are a delicious and healthy snack made by slowly baking fresh strawberries at a low temperature until their natural sugars concentrate and they become chewy and flavorful. This simple, no-fuss recipe enhances the natural sweetness of the berries and can be customized with optional sugar and lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 1 lb.)
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds brightness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to prepare for slow drying of the strawberries.
- Prepare Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Slice Strawberries: Remove the green tops of the strawberries and slice them in half lengthwise. For larger strawberries, cut them into quarters to ensure even drying.
- Toss with Sugar and Lemon Juice (Optional): If using, toss the sliced strawberries in a bowl with granulated sugar and lemon juice to enhance sweetness and add a bright flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then arrange the strawberry slices cut side up in a single layer without overlapping to allow even drying.
- Bake the Strawberries: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 3 hours, checking at around 2 hours to monitor doneness. The strawberries should be dry but still slightly pliable.
- Cool: Remove the dried strawberries from the oven and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- Store: Store the cooled dried strawberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal and less mess.
- Keep a close eye on the strawberries after two hours to prevent burning or overdrying.
- Dried strawberries make a great topping for yogurt, salads, oatmeal, or can be enjoyed as a snack.
- For longer storage, dried strawberries can be frozen in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Oven drying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 30g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: oven dried strawberries, dried fruit recipe, healthy snack, dehydrated strawberries, homemade dried strawberries
