These oven dried strawberries are one of my favorite ways to turn fresh berries into chewy, naturally sweet snacks that taste like strawberry candy.
These oven-dried strawberries are a healthy snack the kids love, and they taste just like strawberry Twizzlers, with no added sugar.
Over spring break, this was actually part of the Easter candy we made at home, along with our homemade copycat Reese's peanut butter eggs.
If you enjoy nature's candy, you'll also love my Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates and Pumpkin Energy Balls. If strawberries are one of your favorites, be sure to try my Smoothie King Strawberry X-Treme Copycat smoothie as well.
Before getting started, I recommend taking a moment to set healthy intentions in the kitchen. If you'd like to learn more about that, check out my guide on how to manifest using intentions and affirmations.
🍓 Oven Dried Strawberries - Quick Look
- 🍓 Flavor Profile: Sweet, fruity, and chewy with a concentrated strawberry flavor
- • ⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- • 🔥 Cook Time: About 3 hours
- • 🍽 Yield: About 2 cups dried strawberries (varies based on strawberry size)
- • 👩🍳 Skill Level: Beginner
- • 🔢 Calories: About 40 calories per serving
- • 🥣 Main Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and grapefruit or other citrus juice
- • 🥄 Best Way to Enjoy: Snack on them as they are, add to trail mix, sprinkle on granola or cereal, or mix into yogurt bowls
- • 🌿 Main Benefit: A naturally sweet snack made from real fruit with no added sugar that kids and adults love
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Why You'll Love These
- 🍓 Naturally sweet: The slow drying process concentrates the natural sugars in strawberries so they taste like candy without needing any added sugar.
- 👨👩👧 Kid-approved snack: These chewy strawberries taste surprisingly similar to strawberry Twizzlers, which makes them a fun snack kids get excited about.
- 🥣 Easy to use in many ways: Add them to trail mix, granola, cereal, yogurt bowls, or enjoy them straight from the container.
- 🌿 Simple real ingredients: You only need fresh strawberries and a squeeze of citrus juice.
- ⏳ A great way to preserve strawberries: If your berries are getting very ripe, this recipe turns them into a snack you can enjoy for days.
Ingredients
🍓 Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries have natural sweetness and flavor. Ripe strawberries contain more natural sugars that concentrate during drying.
Tip:
When cutting the strawberries, save the green tops and store them in the freezer. They are perfect for adding extra nutrients and flavor to smoothies or fruit-infused water.
🍊 Grapefruit (or Other Citrus)
A small squeeze of grapefruit juice helps enhance the natural sweetness of strawberries and keeps the color bright while baking. The light acidity also balances the flavor and color during the drying process.
How to Make Oven-Dried Strawberries
Step 1:Remove the Tops
Cut off the green tops of the strawberries.
Step 2: Slice the Strawberries
Slice the strawberries into thin pieces. Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly.
Step 3: Add Citrus
Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl. Squeeze grapefruit juice over them and gently stir to coat.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer.
Step 5: Flip After Drying
After about 2 hours in the oven, carefully peel the slices off the parchment and flip each one. Put it back in the oven for an additional 30-60 minutes, checking occasionally.
Step 6: Cool the Strawberries
Once mostly dry, remove from the oven and allow the strawberries to cool completely.
Hint: When checking for doneness, some thinner slices may finish sooner. Peel off the finished ones and return the thicker slices to the oven for additional drying time.
Expert Tip
Oven-dried strawberries are done when most of the moisture is gone, and the slices feel dry with a slightly chewy texture. If they still feel sticky or soft in the center, return them to the oven for a little longer drying time. Some strawberries require up to 5 hours of drying time!
It all depends on your oven, your climate, and how thickly you sliced your strawberries.
Oven-Dried Strawberries FAQs
A low temperature works best so the strawberries dry slowly without burning. Most ovens work well around 175-200°F, which allows the moisture to evaporate while concentrating the natural strawberry flavor.
Aim for slices about ⅛ inch thick. Thinner slices dry faster and become slightly crisp, while thicker slices take longer and usually stay more chewy. If your slices vary in thickness, simply remove the thinner pieces first and allow thicker ones to continue drying.
The dried fruit is ready when most of the moisture is gone and the slices feel dry with a slightly chewy texture. The edges may curl slightly and the color will deepen. If they still feel sticky or soft in the center, return them to the oven for a little longer drying time.
Sticky strawberries usually mean there is still moisture left inside the fruit. This can happen if the slices are thicker or if the strawberries are very juicy. Simply place them back in the oven for another 15-30 minutes until they feel mostly dry.
Once the strawberries have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container.
They can sit at room temperature for a few days if they are fairly dry.
In an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will typically last 1-2 weeks.
For longer storage, place them in the freezer for several months.
If the strawberries feel sticky or still contain moisture, refrigeration is the safest option.
Yes. Strawberries are naturally rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Drying them simply removes moisture and concentrates the natural fruit sugars, making them a naturally sweet snack with no added sugar needed.
More Fruit Favorites
Love these Oven Dried Strawberries? Let us know how it went in the comments 👇and give it a 🌟 review! Don't forget to subscribe for all the latest healthy recipes!
Recipe
Oven Dried Strawberries
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Citrus Juicer optional
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper unbleached recommended
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries organic
- 2 teaspoon fresh grapefruit juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cut off the green tops of the strawberries. Save the tops for smoothies if desired.
- Slice the strawberries into thin pieces, about ⅛-¼ inch thick. Thinner slices dry faster and create the best chewy texture.
- Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl. Squeeze a small amount of grapefruit juice over them and gently stir to coat.
- Arrange the strawberry slices on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the slices are not overlapping.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, carefully peel the slices off the parchment paper and flip each one. Some slices may stick slightly, so work slowly.
- Return the strawberries to the oven and bake for another 45-60 minutes, or until most of the moisture is gone.
- Remove from the oven and allow the strawberries to cool fully on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool.
Video
Notes
Thin slices dry more evenly and produce the best chewy consistency. Watch for Moisture-
Strawberries are done when they feel mostly dry and slightly chewy. If they still feel sticky or soft in the center, they need more time. Check Individual Slices-
Some slices may finish drying sooner than others. Remove the finished slices and return thicker pieces to the oven for additional drying time. Use Parchment Paper-
Parchment prevents sticking and makes flipping easier. Choose Ripe Strawberries-
Riper berries produce sweeter dried strawberries because their natural sugars concentrate during baking. Storage-
Store cooled strawberries in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Ways to Use Them-
Add to trail mix, sprinkle over granola, mix into cereal, top yogurt bowls, or enjoy as a naturally sweet snack.
Tess says
My kids loved these! Thanks for the recipe!
Natalie Perry says
You are welcome!
Otto says
I tried making these oven-dried strawberries and they turned out sweet, chewy, and so simple to make. Perfect for snacks or topping desserts!
Natalie Perry says
Great ideas!
Elaine says
These dried strawberries are my toddler's favorite! So easy to pack for our zoo trips without worrying about an ice pack.
Natalie Perry says
Great idea!
Emily says
These oven dried strawberries are just what I need for making healthy snacks during strawberry season. They came out super delicious and my house smells heavenly!
Natalie Perry says
I am so glad you enjoyed them!
Natalie says
My family loves this.