Candied Strawberries Oven Baked Strawberries Recipe
Introduction
Candied strawberries are a delightful way to enjoy this sweet fruit with a twist. Oven-baked in sugar syrup, they become a tender, flavorful treat that can also be preserved for months. This recipe shows you how to make your own candied strawberries at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (approximately 3 pounds) fresh strawberries
- 800 grams (approximately 2.5-2.8 pounds) sugar
- 1 L water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour water into a pot, add sugar, and place on the stove. Dissolve the sugar and boil the syrup for about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the strawberries to the boiling syrup and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the syrup off the strawberries.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to about 200°F (around 90°C).
- Step 4: Place the strawberries on a baking tray and put them in the heated oven. Dry the strawberries until the outside feels dry but the inside remains tender, turning them occasionally for even drying. This usually takes about 5 hours.
- Step 5: Allow the candied strawberries to cool. You can enjoy them immediately as a dessert or candy, or store them in a mason jar for later use.
Tips & Variations
- For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar amount slightly as preferred.
- Try other fruits like citrus peels or small pieces of fruit using the same method for variety.
- Turning the strawberries regularly during drying ensures they dry evenly and keeps them tender.
Storage
Store the cooled candied strawberries in a sealed jar or airtight container. They can be kept for up to a year when stored in a cool, dry place. To enjoy, simply take them out and eat as is; no reheating is necessary.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Are strawberries acidic?
Yes, strawberries are mildly acidic with a pH ranging from about 3.0 to 3.9. This acidity gives them their tart flavor and helps in preservation.
Do candied strawberries taste less acidic than fresh ones?
Yes, candied strawberries generally taste less acidic than fresh strawberries because the sugar syrup balances the tartness, making them sweeter and less sharp on the palate.
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Candied Strawberries Oven Baked Strawberries Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of candied strawberries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Oven Baked Candied Strawberries offers a delicious and healthy dessert that also acts as a method of preserving strawberries. By simmering strawberries in a sugar syrup and then drying them slowly in the oven, you create sweet, tender, and preserved candied strawberries that can be enjoyed immediately or stored for up to a year. The process intensifies the flavors while maintaining the natural tartness and nutritional benefits of the fruit.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 kg (approximately 3 pounds) of fresh strawberries
- 800 grams (approximately 2.5–2.8 pounds) of sugar
- 1 L of water
Optional Scaled Ingredients for Smaller Batch
- 1 pound of strawberries
- Around 1 pound of sugar (or less to taste)
- 350 ml (0.35 L) of water
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: Pour water into a pot, add sugar, place it on the stove and dissolve the sugar completely. Bring the mixture to a boil and let the syrup boil gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Cook Strawberries in Syrup: Add fresh strawberries to the boiling sugar syrup carefully and continue to boil for about 10 minutes, allowing the strawberries to soak and become saturated with the syrup flavors.
- Remove and Strain: Remove the pot from the stove. Use a strainer to separate the strawberries from the syrup, reserving the syrup if desired or discarding it.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (about 93°C), ensuring it is at the low drying temperature required to slowly dehydrate the fruit.
- Dry Strawberries in Oven: Place the candied strawberries evenly on a tray and place it inside the preheated oven. Dry the strawberries for approximately 5 hours, turning them regularly to ensure even drying so they are dry on the outside but still tender inside.
- Cool and Store: Allow the candied strawberries to cool completely. You can enjoy them immediately as a dessert or candy-like treat, or store them in a mason jar or airtight container for preservation. Properly stored candied strawberries can last for up to one year.
Notes
- Turn the strawberries regularly while drying in the oven to ensure even dehydration and prevent sticking.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on your sweetness preference; less sugar can be used if you prefer a less sweet candy.
- These candied strawberries are a healthier alternative to traditional candies and make great snacks or dessert toppings.
- Store the candied strawberries in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to maximize shelf life.
- Be aware that strawberries are mildly acidic (pH 3.0 to 3.9), so those sensitive to acidity or acid reflux should consume in moderation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candied strawberries, oven baked strawberries, fruit preservation, healthy dessert, strawberry candy, homemade candy strawberries
