If you’re craving a snack that’s equal parts nostalgic, healthy, and bursting with gorgeous color, Rhubarb Fruit Leather is about to become your new favorite kitchen project. Imagine the sweet-tart zing of rhubarb, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sugar and a bright kick of lemon, all transformed into chewy, jewel-toned strips you can enjoy anytime. This recipe is wonderfully simple but produces a treat that’s irresistible for kids and adults alike—plus, it’s the best way to capture the fleeting essence of rhubarb season!

Rhubarb Fruit Leather Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need three simple ingredients to make rhubarb fruit leather, and each plays a key role in texture, flavor, or that signature rosy look. Let’s break down why they work so well together.

Chopped Rhubarb: This is the star of the show, lending its unique tartness and stunning pink hue.
Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the rhubarb’s sharpness and enhances the chewy texture.
Zest of 1 lemon or 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A touch of lemon brightens the flavors, making the fruit leather sing with a citrusy zip.

How to Make Rhubarb Fruit Leather

Step 1: Cook the Ingredients

Start by placing your chopped rhubarb, sugar, and lemon zest or juice into a medium saucepan. Cook everything together over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the rhubarb softening quickly and releasing its juices. The kitchen will fill with an amazing, tart aroma! The goal here is to dissolve the sugar and fully soften the rhubarb so it’s ready to be transformed into a luscious puree.

Step 2: Puree Until Smooth

Once your rhubarb mixture is soft and bubbling, remove it from the heat. Now it’s time to create that smooth, sleek texture that makes Rhubarb Fruit Leather such a treat. Use an immersion blender right in the pot for easy cleanup (or transfer carefully to a food processor or blender) and blend until perfectly silky with no visible chunks. This step is key for that satisfyingly even, rollable finish later on.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it covers edge to edge. This isn’t a step you want to skip—parchment not only prevents sticking, but makes peeling and rolling your finished fruit leather super simple and mess-free. Plus, it’s a breeze to lift off the tray when everything’s set!

Step 4: Spread the Mixture Evenly

Take your beautifully smooth rhubarb puree and pour it right onto the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula, the back of a spoon, or even a silicone spatula to gently spread the mixture out into a thin, even layer—about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The more consistent the thickness, the more evenly your Rhubarb Fruit Leather will dry (and nobody will end up with gummy spots!).

Step 5: Slow-Bake to Fruity Perfection

Pop your tray into an oven preheated to 175 degrees. Here comes the hardest part: waiting. Let the fruit mixture slowly dehydrate for about 5 hours. It’s a low and slow process, but this gentle heat is what transforms the puree into that classic, pliable chew you want. You’ll know it’s finished when you can gently peel up the edge—just like a homemade fruit roll up!

How to Serve Rhubarb Fruit Leather

Garnishes

Keep things fun by dusting your rhubarb fruit leather strips with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling them with a little melted white chocolate. For a super-fresh touch, add thin ribbons of lemon zest or a scattering of chopped pistachios.

Side Dishes

Pair your fruit leather with other picnic-friendly snacks, like a handful of almonds, a wedge of sharp cheese, or a bowl of Greek yogurt. The sweet-tart flavor is also fantastic alongside a platter of fresh seasonal berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the fruit leather into strips and roll them up in parchment for that classic “fruit roll up” feel, or cut out fun shapes with cookie cutters for a playful lunchbox treat. You can even layer pieces between wax paper and tie with twine for a homemade gift that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, layer your rhubarb fruit leather between sheets of parchment or wax paper and store in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll keep fresh for up to two weeks—just be sure it’s somewhere cool and dry to preserve its chewy perfection.

Freezing

Rhubarb fruit leather freezes incredibly well! Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, slip them into a freezer bag, and stash them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If your fruit leather becomes a bit stiff from long storage, simply let it sit at room temperature until it softens up a little. Avoid reheating in the oven or microwave, as it could become brittle.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain your frozen rhubarb before using, since extra moisture can affect the drying time of your rhubarb fruit leather.

How thick should I spread the puree?

Aim for a consistent thickness of around 1/8 to 1/4 inch across the lined baking sheet. Too thin, and it can become brittle; too thick, and it will be gummy or need extra time to dry.

Is it possible to make this fruit leather without sugar?

You can reduce the sugar or swap in honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute to taste—just remember that rhubarb is naturally tart, so a little sweetness is key for balance.

Do I need a food dehydrator for this recipe?

Not at all! The slow-and-low oven method works perfectly for homemade rhubarb fruit leather, so no dehydrator is needed.

How do I know when the fruit leather is done?

It’s ready when it’s dry to the touch but still flexible and peels easily from the parchment paper. If it feels sticky or wet, give it a little more time in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing more satisfying than creating your own batch of Rhubarb Fruit Leather and seeing your effort turn into a snack everyone loves. If you’ve never tried making fruit leather at home, this is the tastiest way to start—trust me, you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Rhubarb Fruit Leather Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 1 baking sheet of fruit leather 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious homemade rhubarb fruit leather with this simple recipe. Perfect for a healthy snack or a fun treat for kids!

Ingredients

Scale

Rhubarb Fruit Leather:

4 cups of chopped Rhubarb
1 cup of sugar
Zest of 1 lemon or 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Cook the Ingredients: In a saucepan, cook the rhubarb, sugar, and lemon zest/juice for 10 minutes. Then, puree the mixture using an immersion blender or food processor.
Prepare the Pan: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spread the fruit puree evenly on it.
Cook the Fruit Leather: Bake at 175 degrees for about 5 hours or until the fruit leather is firm. It should be easily peelable, similar to fruit roll-ups.

Notes

After cooking, use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the fruit for a smooth texture.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier rolling and cleaning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Category: Snack/Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: N/A