Description
These Chocolate Berry Bars are a refreshing and nutritious treat combining fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with toasted coconut flakes, slivered almonds, chia seeds, and a rich dark chocolate drizzle. Perfectly set in the freezer, they offer a satisfying balance of fruity freshness and chocolate indulgence, ideal for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces
- ¾ cup fresh blueberries
- ¾ cup fresh raspberries
Chocolate Mixture
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup coconut oil
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Microwave Chocolate: Melt the mixture in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Set Aside Chocolate: Remove the melted chocolate from the microwave and set it aside for later use.
- Preheat Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for toasting.
- Toast Almonds and Coconut: Add the slivered almonds and coconut flakes to the skillet.
- Toast Until Golden: Stir frequently and toast the almonds and coconut flakes until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Set Aside Toppings: Remove toasted almonds and coconut flakes from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Loaf Pan: Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Layer Berries: Add the chopped strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries into the loaf pan in layers.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds, coconut flakes, and chia seeds evenly over the berries.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Evenly drizzle the melted chocolate over the entire berry and topping mixture.
- Settle Mixture: Gently tap the loaf pan on the countertop a few times to help ingredients settle and combine.
- Freeze Bars: Place the loaf pan in the freezer and freeze for 7 hours or until the bars are fully set and firm.
- Remove from Freezer: Take the loaf pan out of the freezer when the bars have completely hardened.
- Lift Bars out: Using the parchment paper flaps, carefully lift the frozen block from the pan onto a cutting board.
- Thaw Slightly: Allow the frozen bars to thaw for 2-3 minutes until they are soft enough to slice without crumbling.
- Slice Bars: Use a serrated knife to cut the block into 8 evenly sized bars.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bars immediately or store them in the freezer for a chilled, healthy treat.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to easily lift bars from the loaf pan without sticking.
- To toast almonds and coconut evenly, stir frequently and watch carefully to prevent burning.
- If preferred, substitute dark chocolate chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
- Allow bars to thaw slightly before slicing to ensure clean cuts and neat bars.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness and texture.
