Description
Delightfully homemade Kool-Aid fruit roll-ups combine the natural sweetness of fresh fruit with the vibrant flavors of Kool-Aid, resulting in a fun and healthy snack. These fruit leathers are made by cooking fruit puree with Kool-Aid and a touch of honey, then slowly drying them in the oven to create a chewy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 2 cups fruit puree (such as strawberries, mango, or applesauce)
Flavor and Sweetener
- 1 packet of Kool-Aid (any flavor)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your fruit)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Thickening Agent (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit puree: If using fresh fruit, blend your chosen fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries, or mango) in a blender or food processor until smooth. If using applesauce, simply measure out 2 cups.
- Strain seeds (if necessary): Strain out any seeds if using berries to ensure a smooth texture in the final fruit roll-up.
- Combine ingredients in saucepan: In a saucepan, mix together the fruit puree, Kool-Aid powder, honey or sugar, and lemon juice to combine all flavors.
- Cook the mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If a thicker consistency is desired, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a little water and stir into the mixture. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 170°F (or the lowest temperature available) to prepare for drying the fruit leather.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Spread fruit mixture: Pour the cooked fruit mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it evenly into a thin, uniform layer without lumps.
- Dry the fruit roll-ups: Place the baking sheet in the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape during drying.
- Bake for several hours: Bake for 4-6 hours, checking every hour, until the fruit mixture has dried out completely but remains slightly tacky to the touch. Drying time varies depending on oven and thickness.
- Cool and cut: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the fruit leather to cool completely.
- Slice into strips: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit leather into strips suitable for rolling.
- Roll and store: Roll up each strip and store in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap for freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey or sugar depending on the natural sweetness of your fruit and desired sweetness level.
- Leaving the oven door slightly open helps moisture to escape, which is key to drying the fruit leather properly.
- The cornstarch is optional but helps create a thicker, less sticky texture for easier handling.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Drying times can vary significantly based on oven temperature and fruit layer thickness, so check periodically.
- Store finished roll-ups in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
