Making oven-dried strawberries that resemble candy is a simple and healthy treat. The natural sugars in the strawberries caramelize as they dry out in the oven, creating a sweet, chewy snack. Here’s how to do it:
Oven-Dried Strawberries Like Candy 🍓🍬
Ingredients:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)
- A pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature will allow the strawberries to dry out slowly, preventing them from burning.
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Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Remove the stems and slice the strawberries into thin slices (about ¼ inch thick) for an even drying process.
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Optional Step – Sweeten the Strawberries:
- If you’d like your dried strawberries to be a bit sweeter (like candy), place the sliced strawberries in a bowl and toss them with honey and lemon juice. The honey will help bring out their sweetness as they dry.
- You can also add a pinch of salt to bring out the natural flavor of the strawberries.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer, ensuring that the slices don’t overlap.
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Bake the Strawberries:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the strawberries bake for 2 to 3 hours. You should check them every 30 minutes to make sure they aren’t burning. Depending on the thickness of the slices and the moisture in the fruit, they may take a bit longer.
- The strawberries are done when they are dry and chewy but not crispy. They should feel leathery to the touch.
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Cool and Store:
- Once the strawberries are dried, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store the dried strawberries in an airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also store them in the fridge for longer shelf life.
Tips:
- Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator, this will work even better and may speed up the process.
- Flavor Variations: Try sprinkling a little cinnamon or vanilla extract over the strawberries for a different flavor.
- Use as a Snack or Garnish: These oven-dried strawberries make a great candy-like snack on their own or can be used as a garnish for yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts.
Enjoy your sweet, candy-like oven-dried strawberries! They’re a healthy alternative to candy and full of natural sweetness. 🍓🍬
