Chewy Mango Fruit Leather
A simple, chewy, and naturally sweet mango fruit leather that’s vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. Perfect for a quick snack, lunchbox addition, or meal prep, it’s fiber-rich and low in calories while capturing the full flavor of ripe mangoes.
Equipment
- 1 large rimmed baking sheet
- 1 nonstick baking mat or parchment paper
- 1 blender
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 1 sharp knife or scissors
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe mangoes peeled and pit removed
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by selecting 3 large, fully ripe mangoes—they should be fragrant and soft to the touch for maximum sweetness. Peel each mango carefully, removing the skin completely, and slice the flesh away from the pit. Gather ½ cup of water and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Having all ingredients prepped ensures a smooth and efficient process.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper to prevent the fruit from sticking during the long drying process. Make sure the mat or paper covers the entire baking surface evenly for a uniform fruit leather layer.
- Blend the Mango Puree: Place the peeled mango pieces in a blender. Add the ½ cup of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. The lemon juice helps preserve color and adds a subtle tang, enhancing the natural mango flavor.
- Simmer the Puree: Transfer the blended mango mixture into a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. Once simmering, partially cover the pan with a lid and allow the mixture to reduce until it measures about 2 cups. This usually takes around 20 minutes. Reduction intensifies flavor and thickens the puree to create the perfect consistency for fruit leather.
- Spread the Puree: Pour the thickened mango puree onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a rubber spatula, spread the mixture evenly into a thin rectangle. Aim for a thickness no greater than 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) to ensure uniform drying. Smooth the surface carefully so there are no bumps or thick spots that may dry unevenly.
- Dry the Fruit Leather: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Allow the fruit leather to bake slowly for 4 to 6 hours. Check occasionally to ensure it is drying evenly, but avoid opening the oven too often as it may extend drying time. The fruit leather is ready when it is dry to the touch but still pliable and slightly sticky—over-drying may make it brittle.
- Cool the Fruit Leather: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fruit leather cool completely at room temperature. Cooling helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to handle without tearing. This step is crucial for achieving the ideal chewy texture.
- Transfer and Roll: Once cooled, place a piece of parchment or wax paper over the fruit leather. Carefully lift the fruit leather, keeping the original parchment underneath. Starting from one edge, gently roll the fruit leather into a long cylinder. The parchment helps prevent sticking and keeps the roll intact for easy cutting.
- Slice into Portions: Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the rolled fruit leather into 2-inch wide strips. This creates perfectly sized portions for snacks or lunchboxes. Each strip should maintain its chewy, pliable texture while being easy to handle.
- Store and Serve: Store the finished fruit leather in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze the rolls. These portable, nutrient-packed mango treats are perfect for a midday snack, a post-workout bite, or a kid-friendly lunchbox addition.
Notes
- Use fully ripe mangoes for the best sweetness and flavor. Unripe mangoes can result in a tart or tough fruit leather.
- Ensure the puree is spread evenly to a uniform 1/8-inch thickness; uneven layers can dry inconsistently.
- Monitor the drying process carefully. Oven temperatures vary, so check after 4 hours for pliability.
- Lemon juice not only brightens flavor but also prevents discoloration. Don’t skip this step.
- Store fruit leather away from moisture to maintain its chewy texture.
