Name: Chocolate Fruit Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces of non-dairy semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup of dried cranberries; ½ cup of mixed nuts (chopped); ¼ cup of raisins (dried apricots, or your favorite dried fruit, chopped)

These homemade, gluten-free Chocolate Fruit Bars are filled with chewy dried fruits and crunchy nuts encased in rich, semi-sweet vegan chocolate. They are super easy to make and more penny-wise than buying those expensive vegan chocolate bar brands! What is more - you can change it up any way you'd like by adding different kinds of nuts and seeds or even a spoonful of peanut butter.

DIY Chocolate Fruit Bars

It's always easy to indulge in their favorite chocolate bars every now and then, right? They are the perfect dessert or snack to quickly satisfy your sweet cravings. However, I have long ceased buying them off the shelf because making them is one of my fave things to do!

It only requires 4 ingredients and 15 minutes to get them ready for the freezer. No cooking or baking is required too - all you have to use is your microwave. Plus, I can add as many dried fruits and nuts as I want, which is something I have always wished for when chomping on those commercial vegan choco bars. And when you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can add whatever tickles your fancy! I always make a big batch of these, so I can simply grab some anytime the craving hits! They are also ideal to give as gifts or giveaways.

Ingredients Needed

Vegan chocolate chips – I used non-dairy semi-sweet for this recipe. You can also use vegan dark chocolate if you prefer. Make sure to use a quality brand for the best results.
Dried cranberries – These sweet and tarty treats are full of vitamins and antioxidants. The chewy texture is perfect with crunchy nuts and melty non-dairy chocolate.
Mixed nuts – The sky's the limit! You can choose your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia, and many more. These will give the vegan chocolate bar crunch and pops of savory and salty flavors.
Raisins, dried apricots, or your favorite dried fruit - You can pick and choose depending on what is available.

How to make the Chocolate Fruit Bars

Preparation:

Line a 9 x 9 pan with parchment paper.
Chop the nuts and dried fruits into smaller pieces.

Steps:

1) Melt the Vegan Chocolate. Place the non-dairy chocolate chips in the microwave for 1.5 minutes or until completely melted. Here's a guide for how to do it.

2) Mix it up. Stir in the dried fruits and your favorite chopped nuts. Make sure they are completely coated with the melted vegan chocolate.

3) Pour and Freeze. Pour the vegan chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan with the vegan chocolate fruit mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes.

4) Slice and Serve. Cut or crush them into bars and serve.

Tips when Making Chocolate Fruit Bars

If you do not have a microwave, you can place the vegan chocolate chips in a small bowl, then put it on top of a bigger bowl filled with hot water. Stir until the chips are fully melted.
Tap the pan a few times on the counter to remove any air bubbles for a smoother vegan chocolate bar.
After freezing, slice them neatly into bars by using a heated knife. Just place the knife under hot water for a few seconds, wipe and cut.
If you are allergic to nuts, you can omit them and use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead. You can also add rolled or quick oats, crunchies or coconut flakes for more texture too.
Use seasonal dehydrated fruits to save more money.
You can easily decorate the non-dairy chocolate bars to fit any occasion and party. Add some green sprinkles for St. Patrick's day, heart decors for Valentine's day or Monther's day, or some peppermint candies for Christmas.

Storage Notes

These delicious vegan chocolate fruit bars can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to two months. So make several pans in one go, and enjoy them anytime you like. Separate the bars with parchment or wax paper, so they do not stick together, and then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I melt vegan chocolate chips on a stovetop? Yes, you can! To melt the plant-based chocolates, use a double broiler. The vegan chocolate will slowly melt by the steam from the boiling water, preventing it from burning.
What's the deal with my vegan chocolate fruit bars breaking apart? It's possible that removing them from the freezer too soon is a factor. Second, fruits may not be adequately coated in non-dairy chocolate, causing them to crumble and fall apart. Finally, there is not enough binder. I'd recommend picking dried fruits that are a little sticky, such as dates, to help them bind together.
Is it okay if I use vegan dark chocolate? Yes, of course. This recipe is so adaptable that you can make your own snack bars using whatever you want. Vegan dark chocolate, in fact, is the most vegan-friendly alternative and makes it healthier.

More sweet snacks you can make at home:

Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars - What a treat these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are! The irresistibly enticing flavors may make you believe it's likely to purchase from a cafe or a pastry shop. Every bite has this sweet and salty flavor and chewy and crunchy texture, which definitely makes you want more.
Chewy Gluten-free Peanut Butter Granola Bars - Don't be surprised if this energy snack contains some of your favorite breakfast staples. Peanut butter, oats, cereal, dried fruits, and other goodies are included. It's a complete meal that's crunchy and chewy, and it'll please both kids and adults. You don't want to run out of these bars, so make a double batch!
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars - I'm sure you've been pondering what to do with those bananas that look brown and old-spotted. Don't toss them out! We can use them to make these homemade banana chocolate chip bars, which are a great snack for days when you just want sweets. I, too, have those cravings from time to time. I guarantee that this will satisfy your taste and brighten your day!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla