These Strawberry Fruit Roll-ups will be the perfect special treat for your child’s lunch box this school year!
It’s that time of year again. Time to break out those nicely sharpened pencils, fresh unbroken crayons, clean lunch boxes and brand-spankin’ new book bags. It’s back to school time! Oh, the excitement of it all!
When I ran into Staples the other day, I saw the hustle and bustle of back to school shopping in action. There were kids running around the store with lists in their hands throwing all kinds of things in their carts. I’m not sure where you all live but around my area kids are heading back to school within the next two weeks. It’s back to learning, schedules, carpooling, homework and packing lunches.
THE EASIEST Back to School Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups
I know when my boys were little and I packed them lunch I always tried to add something fun. I usually packed Casey something chocolate. Sean, my older son doesn’t like chocolate, as crazy as that sounds, so I always packed him something fruity. Fruit leather or fruit roll-ups were always a favorite.
Surprisingly, fruit leather is incredibly easy to make. It does take a few hours to cook, but I guarantee your kiddos will love you for it! You only need a few ingredients and some parchment paper. This recipe calls for 1/2 cup sugar, but you can start off with less, and then test for sweetness. If you think it needs more, then add up to 1/2 cup. Just puree fresh strawberries with sugar and some lemon juice in a blender, then spread the mixture onto two baking sheets lined with parchment and place in the oven for a few hours. After it’s done cooking I like to leave mine out to dry for a few more hours before I slice it up and wrap it with parchment.
Show your kids how special they are by adding this yummy treat to their lunch boxes this year. They are going to love them, just like my good friend Mason⇓, who gave them the thumbs up as my taste tester! I guarantee they’ll be the hit of the lunch table!
Back to School Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 4 1/2 cups strawberries chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170 degrees,
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Puree strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
- Divide mixture between the two prepared baking sheets and spread with an offset spatula if you have one or a rubber spatula.
- Bake for 3-3 1/2 hours or until the mixture is no longer sticky. (mine took 3 1/2 hours) Rotate the trays and turn 180 degrees after 1 1/2 hours.
- I let mine dry for a few hours before I sliced into strips and wrapped with parchment.
- Store the fruit roll-ups in an airtight container.
Recipe adapted from Baked by Rachel.
Lauren
These were delicious! Thanks Mare! (and Mason had fun too!)
I must say, these are the perfect snack for adults with a sweet tooth as well..lol.
Mary Ann
Thanks Lauren! Mason was the best taste tester! XO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Eeeeee! I LOVE fruit roll ups! I’m still a little kid at heart and me and your son, Sean, had school lunch box goodies in common.. because I’m allergic to chocolate and would flip whenever my mom gave me fruit roll ups! These look absolutely PERFECT! I loooove that you can see the actual seeds and specks of real strawberry up in this rolls of fruity leather fun! Pinned! Cheers, Mary Ann!
Mary Ann
I knew you would love these Cheyanne, since you are allergic to chocolate! I always steered toward things chocolate as a kid, but Sean has taught me to have an appreciation for things more fruity and these really are delicious! I like being able to tailor the amount of sugar that goes in depending on the sweetness of the berries! Have a great day!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Love these! I love fruit roll-ups for snacking myself :)
Mary Ann
I love them too Jennifer! I love that I know all the ingredients that are in them! No artificial colors and flavors!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
OMG these are absolutely fantastic! So much fun!!!!
Mary Ann
Thanks Jocelyn! The kids always need a little surprise treat in their lunch boxes and these never disappoint! Can’t wait to get my Grandbaby Cakes Cookbook to add to my collection! Should be coming any day!
Gerlinde | Sunnycovechef
What a great recipe, I love food roll ups and I will give this recipe to my nephew’s wife in Germany to make them for her three children. I made strawberry jam last week and this week I might just make your roll ups.
Mary Ann
I am sure they will LOVE them Gerlinde! They are so easy and fun to make! Just a note to say thanks for always commenting and following the blog! I really appreciate it!
Jessica DeMay
These look so amazing!! I love fruit leather and was definitely that kid that liked fruit treats over chocolate! :) Your pictures are great- I just want to reach through and grab some to snack on!
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Jessica! My son, Sean definitely turned me onto the fruity treats! He loves his fruit roll-ups!
Kennedy Cole| KCole's Creative Corner
Oh, I LOVE how you can see the beautiful little strawberry pieces in there! It let’s you know that they’re made with real stuff unlike the store bought kind! Pinned! Thanks for sharing, Mary! :D
Mary Ann
You got that right Kennedy! It’s only good stuff in these roll-ups! Have a great weekend!
Tallislandgirl
Great recipe..Can’t wait to try! Can you use Frozen strawberries instead?
Mary Ann
Thanks so much! The neighborhood kids loved these. I have only used fresh fruit in my recipe. I’ve never tried with frozen. I’m thinking if you just thaw the fruit it should work. Tell me how it goes if you try.