- Blend mango pulp with sugar if using fresh mangoes (store-bought puree may not require added sugar).
- Preheat oven to 170°F (77°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Spread puree into a thin, even layer using a spatula.
- Bake for 3-4 hours until completely dry and non-sticky.
- Cool completely, then peel the fruit leather from the sheet.
- Cut into 1-inch strips and roll into logs or slice into squares.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Calories:250 kcal25%
- Energy:1046 kJ22%
- Protein:2 g28%
- Carbohydrates:65 mg40%
- Sugar:50 mg8%
- Salt:10 g25%
- Fat:0.5 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Mango Fruit Leather Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian Snack
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for healthy, delicious snacks – especially ones that feel a little bit special. I stumbled upon making fruit leather a few years ago, and honestly, it’s become a bit of an obsession! This mango fruit leather is a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share my easy recipe with you. It’s a fantastic way to use up ripe mangoes, and it’s a snack you can feel good about giving to your kids (or enjoying yourself!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mango fruit leather is seriously the best. It’s naturally sweet, chewy, and bursting with that incredible mango flavor we all adore. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a couple of ingredients and a little bit of oven time. It’s a wonderful alternative to store-bought sugary snacks, and it’s a fun way to introduce a little bit of Indian flavor to your family.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:
- 30 oz (approximately 850g) Mango Puree
- Sugar, as per taste (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk mangoes and sweetness! Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Mango Puree: Choosing the Right Variety
Honestly, any mango will work, but Alphonso mangoes are dreamy for this. They have such a rich, fragrant flavor that really shines through. If you can’t find Alphonso, Kesar or even Tommy Atkins will do nicely. You’ll need about 850g or 30oz of puree.
Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference
This really depends on how sweet your mangoes are! I often skip the sugar altogether if I’m using really ripe, sweet mangoes. If your mangoes are a little tart, start with a tablespoon or two and taste as you go. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think.
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Low and slow is the key here!
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This is crucial – trust me, you don’t want to be scraping mango off a baking sheet!
- If you’re using fresh mangoes, blend the mango pulp with sugar (if using) until smooth. Store-bought puree might not need any added sugar.
- Spread the puree into a thin, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. A spatula works best for this. You want it to be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Now for the patience part! Bake for 4-5 hours, until the fruit leather is completely dry and non-sticky to the touch.
- Let it cool completely. This is important! It’ll be easier to handle when it’s cold.
- Peel the leather from the parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Cut into 1-inch strips and roll into logs, or slice into squares. I like to do a mix – the kids love the little rolls!
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned to make this recipe even better:
Achieving the Perfect Texture
The thickness of the puree is key. Too thick, and it will take forever to dry. Too thin, and it will be brittle. Aim for that 1/8 to 1/4 inch sweet spot.
Preventing Sticking
Seriously, don’t skip the parchment paper or silicone mat! It’s a lifesaver. Also, make sure the fruit leather is completely cool before you try to peel it off.
Variations
Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re super strict.
- Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Chili: My aunt always adds a pinch of cardamom powder to hers – it’s divine! A tiny pinch of chili powder can also add a lovely warmth.
- Festival Adaptations: A Healthy Diwali Snack: This makes a fantastic, healthy snack for Diwali! It’s a nice change from all the sweets.
Serving Suggestions
Honestly, this is great on its own! But if you want to get fancy, you can:
- Serve it with a dollop of yogurt.
- Include it in a lunchbox.
- Chop it up and add it to your morning granola.
Storage Instructions
Store the mango fruit leather in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just separate the pieces with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What type of mangoes work best for fruit leather?
Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard, but Kesar and Tommy Atkins work well too. The key is to use ripe, flavorful mangoes.
Can I use frozen mango pulp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before spreading it on the baking sheet.
How do I know when the fruit leather is dry enough?
It should be completely non-sticky to the touch. It will also be slightly flexible but not wet.
What is the shelf life of homemade mango fruit leather?
It will last for about a week in the refrigerator, or longer in the freezer.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?
You can try using a dehydrator! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fruit leather. It will likely take several hours.