I remember loving fruit roll-ups as a kid (or fruit leather, as some people like to call it – but I find that visual rather off-putting), my mother always used to include them in my school lunchbox. While some of you may also want to give your kids these healthy snacks, they might not be quite as healthy as we initially thought. The inclusion of impossible-to-pronounce preservatives and additives mean that there are a whole bunch of things in there that we probably don't want, so let me show you how to make much healthier versions of these that both you and your kids will enjoy.
Simple Strawberry
For this ridiculously easy recipe, you need just two ingredients: strawberries and honey!
Video recipe by Hoopla Kidz
Start off by tossing three cups of strawberries and three tablespoons of honey into the blender and give it a good blend so that the end result is basically strawberry juice (resist the urge to drink it straight away!). Next, line your oven tray with baking paper and spread the juice evenly across the whole thing. It's very important that you do it evenly, otherwise some parts will be chewy while others may crisp up too much. Stick that into a fan oven at 210°F (100°C) for about an hour – make sure to flip the whole thing over halfway through the process.
When it's done in the oven, simply cut it into strips and roll up each individual strip – keep the paper on so that it doesn't stick to itself. Then I suggest you watch your kids' expressions when they eat their tasty treats to see if they love them just as much as you did when you were their age!
Mouth-Watering Mango
These chewy mango roll-ups are even easier to make because all you need is the fruit itself. Mango is already nice and sweet on its own so you don't need any added sugar.
Video Recipe Kelly Senyei – JustATaste
Start with four cups of diced mango – this is the equivalent of about three big mangoes. Here's a great hack to peeling mangoes without wasting any of the juicy flesh. These can go in the blender or food processor until you get a smooth puree. The best thing to line your baking tray with is a Silpat mat, but as with the strawberries, you can use parchment/baking paper. Take your offset spatula and make sure to spread the mixture as evenly as possible so that each bite will be as deliciously chewy as the next.
This vibrant yellow spread then goes into the oven at 175°F (80°C) for about four hours – it should still be sticky-ish to the touch since you're not really cooking it, just drying it out. Once it's out, set a piece of wax paper on top of it and flip it over so that you can cut it into strips and roll it all up!
If you keep these stored in an airtight container, they should last for about a week, although there's no way I'd leave them uneaten for that long!
I also found a whole bunch of other great recipes and combinations around the web, so give these a try, too!
Spicy Strawberry
This recipe in perfect for those of you who like a little bit of a kick – just one habanero chili will do the trick. You'll get that nice berry sweetness with your first taste which is then followed up with that little bit of heat at the end.
Recipe Instructions and Credit – SharedAppetite
Gorgeous Green Apple
This delicious recipe has a secret ingredient that your kid will never, ever guess from the taste – spinach! It may sound rather odd, but it surely tastes delicious, and it's a great way to sneak the spinach to your kids without them knowing.
Recipe Instructions and Credit – OhMyVeggies
Amazing Apricot
This yummy apricot roll-up recipe uses agave nectar for a bit of sweetness. This ingredient is actually sweeter than sugar, so you really don't have to use too much. If you're not too sure about it, simply use honey instead, or taste the puree before adding any sweeteners to see if you really need it.
Recipe Instructions and Credit – TheLittleRedHouse
Brilliant Banana
One thing I will admit with this banana fruit roll-up is that the look is not particularly appetizing, but that's actually a good thing. It's all-natural, so if you wanted it to look bright yellow like in the stores, you'd have to ruin it with coloring. Don't judge a book by its cover, though, because this chewy snack is delectable!
Recipe Instructions and Credit – OhMyVeggies
Perfectly Plum
Plums are one of my all-time favorite fruits because they have that tartness that cuts through the sweetness, and that really appeals to my taste buds. If you're not keen on the sugar content, try replacing it with honey.
Recipe Instructions and Credit – Natasha'sKitchen
Bold Blueberry and Chia
This is a seriously healthy recipe because not only does it contains two major superfoods—blueberries and chia seeds—but it also doesn't add in any sugar. There are two other interesting ingredients though, apple sauce and dates. Isn't that color just amazing?
Recipe Instructions and Credit – HomemadeHearts
Merry Mango and Strawberry
Don't be afraid to mix fruits and berries together. That's the beauty of homemade fruit roll-ups – you get to mix and match and see what you like. This site also suggests a very interesting combination of tomato, peach, grape and strawberry.
Recipe Instructions and Credit – PipAndEbby
Scrumptious Strawberry, Raspberry and Basil
The inclusion of fresh basil in this berrylicious recipe is such a genius idea. It really gives you that herby freshness that you'd never expect in a roll-up, but will now never want to omit again. Just make sure that you make enough because these will be gobbled up quickly!
Recipe Instructions and Credit – WillowBirdBaking
Spiced Sweet Potato and Apple
This is the first time that I have heard of adding vegetables to fruit roll-ups and I must say I am surprised and intrigued! The addition of some typical sweet potato spices are sure to make this recipe a real hit.
Recipe Instructions and Credit – SavoryLotus
If you've gone on a crazy fruit shopping spree and want to use your remaining produce in some other healthy recipes, try these nutritious and seriously delicious overnight oatmeal breakfast recipes. And after you've peeled your fruit and veggies, put those peels to good use rather than simply creating more waste.
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