Introduction
Oven-dried strawberries are a delicious, naturally sweet snack that’s perfect for healthy eating.
They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are a great alternative to store-bought dried fruit with added sugars and preservatives.
Whether you’re looking to use up extra strawberries or want a fun homemade treat, these chewy little bites will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 to 2 pounds of fresh strawberries (organic preferred)
Optional: a pinch of sea salt or a drizzle of lemon juice for flavor
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (95°C). If your oven doesn’t go that low, use the lowest setting and crack the door slightly to help release moisture.
Prepare the Strawberries:
Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
Hull them (remove the green tops).
Slice evenly into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices. Uniform slices ensure even drying.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Lay the strawberry slices in a single layer without overlapping.
Dry in the Oven:
Bake for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, flipping halfway through.
Time varies depending on slice thickness and oven humidity. They should feel dry and chewy, not crisp.
Cool and Store:
Let them cool completely.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or longer in the fridge.
Description
These oven-dried strawberries are like nature’s candy—sweet, slightly tangy, and chewy with concentrated strawberry flavor.
Perfect as a snack on their own, or tossed into granola, yogurt, cereal, or baked goods.
Tips
For extra sweetness, sprinkle a little coconut sugar or honey before baking.
If using very juicy strawberries, blot them gently with a paper towel before baking.
Don’t rush the process—low and slow is key to avoid burning or uneven drying.
Use a cooling rack over a baking tray for better air circulation.
Variations
Spiced Strawberries: Dust slices with cinnamon or cardamom before drying.
Citrus Zing: Add a light squeeze of lemon or orange juice to enhance brightness.
Savory Twist: Try a tiny sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper for a gourmet snack.
Correction
If your strawberries turned out too crisp, they were likely sliced too thin or baked too long. Try thicker slices and check every 30 minutes near the end of drying.
Enjoy
Enjoy these chewy, sweet oven-dried strawberries as a guilt-free snack, lunchbox treat, or topping for your favorite breakfast. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch next time!
Let me know if you want a printable version or one with measurements in grams too!