On the quest of something sweet but still semi-healthy? Even… dareI say, straight forward HEALTHY? Dark chocolate covered berries are the answer. So I make this all the time, I love berries and dark chocolate, they are a match made in heaven. My husband, however, hardly eats fruits and this is a good way to make him eat a handful of berries. YES, at the expense of calories, but you know what, it’s such a lovely treat. It’s also healthy!
How Chocolate Berry Clusters Are Healthy?
Chocolate berry clusters not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide a dose of antioxidants. Berries, like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are known for their health benefits, while dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids. Both the berries and the dark chocolate is rich in fibre: a bar of good quality dark chocolate (which is normally 100g), with 70% to 85% cocoa typically contains about 10 to 11 grams of fibre per 100g. The berries varies between 3.5g-8g par cup and raspberries tops the list. So this is a high fibre snack.
Are Berries Good for Your Bowels?
Yes, very good! You’ve read about the fibre content above.
Your fibre intake daily should be about 25 to 35 grams. Berries are good to add some of this.
There are two types of dietary fibre:
- Soluble fibre: this slows down digestion, regulates blood sugar levels and helps you stay full longer after eating. It can also help lower cholesterol.
- Insoluble fibre: this adds bulk to the stool, which can help prevent constipation.
Berries are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
How Much Fibre is in Dark Chocolate?
Now, let’s move onto dark choc. So, based on the above, a serving of dark chocolate will provide you 2 to 4 grams of fibre. Milk chocolate provides has about 2 to 3 grams of fibre per 100g, while white chocolate contains none. So, the higher the high percentage of cocoa solids, the more fibre content it has.
Eating two squares (about 10g to 20g) of dark chocolate with berries a day can be a healthy, low-risk habit as part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 250-300g of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or your choice)
- 100g of dark chocolate (or you can mix it with milk/vegan milk chocolate)
- a silicone mould or parchment paper
Optional Add-ins:
– Chopped nuts (I added some salty pistachios)
– Coconut flakes
– Dried fruit (if you’re feeling adventurous!?)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Berries
Start by rinsing your mixed berries under cold water. If you’re using strawberries, halve/quarter them. Pat them dry with a clean towel gently to remove excess water; this is important as too much moisture can affect the chocolate coating.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Next, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this either in the oven, microwave or on the stovetop.
Oven Method:
I used this, just break the dark chocolate into segments, add them to the silicon form and melt them in the oven on 160C for 5-8 minutes, just as much as you’d be able to add the berries on the top. Then place them into the fridge to solidify again. (Also they are much nicer chilled!)
Microwave Method:
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl (you might want to add a little coconut oil too) and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. Mix in the berries, spread it out on the parchment paper or spoon it into silicone form. Into the fridge it goes.
Stovetop Method:
I don’t use this method anymore as it makes chocolate melting more complicated for this little snack as it needs to be, however, it’s still an option. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a glass bowl over the pot, ensuring it does not touch the water. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Mix in the berries, spread it out on the parchment paper or spoon it into silicone form. Into the fridge it goes.
Step 3: Coat the Berries
Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from heat. Carefully dip the berries into the chocolate.
Step 4: Create Clusters
After coating the berries, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Or as I did, use a silicone mould. You can create clusters by grouping several chocolate-covered berries together in small bunches. If you’re adding nuts or shredded coconut, sprinkle them onto the wet chocolate before it hardens.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Place the baking sheet or silicone mould in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate is firm to the touch, the clusters are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them immediately, store them in an airtight container, or package them nicely as a homemade gift.
Tips and Tricks when Making Chocolate Berry Clusters
The Quality of the Chocolate Matters
Use high-quality chocolate not only for better taste, but also chocolate without preservatives and other unnatural stuff will melt differently or will not gain solid form again – yuk. If possible, choose chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a richer taste and higher nutrient content.
Why Not Experiment with Flavors?
Try adding flavored extracts (like vanilla or almond) to the melted chocolate for an extra layer of taste, apart from the fruit and optional nuts. Spices, like salt flakes or cinnamon or even a hint of chilli work really well with chocolate.
Store it Properly
Chocolate berry clusters can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, depending on the berries. Whole berries like blueberry will last a bit longer, but sliced strawberries and soft raspberries need to be eaten within 1-2 days.
Chocolate Berry Clusters
Equipment
- silicone moulds optional
- parchment paper optional
Ingredients
- 250-300 g mixed berries about 100g
- 100 g chocolate melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Berries
Start by rinsing your mixed berries under cold water. If you’re using strawberries, halve/quarter them. Pat them dry with a clean towel gently to remove excess water; this is important as too much moisture can affect the chocolate coating.Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Next, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this either in the oven, microwave or on the stovetop.Oven Method:I used this, just break the dark chocolate into segments, add them to the silicon form and melt them in the oven on 160C for 5-8 minutes, just as much as you'd be able to add the berries on the top. Then place them into the fridge to solidify again. (Also they are much nicer chilled!)Microwave Method:Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (you might want to add a little coconut oil too) and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. Mix in the berries, spread it out on the parchment paper or spoon it into silicone form. Into the fridge it goes.Stovetop Method:I don't use this method anymore as it makes chocolate melting more complicated for this little snack as it needs to be, however, it's still an option. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a glass bowl over the pot, ensuring it does not touch the water. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Mix in the berries, spread it out on the parchment paper or spoon it into silicone form. Into the fridge it goes.Step 3: Coat the Berries
Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from heat. Carefully dip the berries into the chocolate.Step 4: Create Clusters
After coating the berries, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Or as I did, use a silicone mould. You can create clusters by grouping several chocolate-covered berries together in small bunches. If you're adding nuts or shredded coconut, sprinkle them onto the wet chocolate before it hardens.Step 5: Chill to Set
Place the baking sheet or silicone mould in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set. If you're in a hurry, you can also pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate is firm to the touch, the clusters are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them immediately, store them in an airtight container, or package them nicely as a homemade gift.Â
If you liked this recipe, check out my other yummy treats:
Best Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe
Easy And Healthy Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Biscotti with Cranberries and Pistachios Dipped in Dark Chocolate Recipe