How to Make Fruit and Nut Coins: A Simple, Delicious Snack
Elevate snack time with homemade fruit and nut coins—a quick, healthy treat combining chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts.
Fruit and Nut Coins: Your New Favorite Snack
If you’re looking for a snack that’s as delicious as it is easy to make, fruit and nut coins are a top choice. With rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruits, these treats satisfy snack cravings without unnecessary fuss or complexity. Best of all, they offer endless customization for taste and dietary needs, making them a staple for at-home snacking and gifting.
What Are Fruit and Nut Coins?
Fruit and nut coins are circular discs made by topping spoonfuls of melted chocolate with a colorful array of dried fruits, nuts, and optional seeds or salts. Inspired by the French confection mendiants, they deliver variety in texture and flavor—and require no complicated culinary skills to prepare. Whether enjoyed solo or shared as gifts, their appeal lies in their simplicity and versatility.
- Origins: Modeled after classic mendiants—French chocolate disks with fruits and nuts.
- Customization: Mix and match toppings based on preference and available ingredients.
- Presentation: Perfect for gift boxes, party trays, or quick homemade dessert.
- Healthier option: Use dark chocolate and natural mix-ins to create a snack that’s nutritious and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Making Fruit and Nut Coins
- Minimal Ingredients: Only chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit are needed, with endless potential variations.
- Quick and Easy: Prep and assembly takes less than 30 minutes, with no special equipment required.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap in cellophane or place in elegant boxes—they look as good as they taste.
- Health(ish): Using dark chocolate and nutrient-rich toppings means you can indulge with less guilt.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with children—let everyone build their favorite flavor combo.
- Versatile: Suits coffee breaks, wine pairings, or as a light dessert.
Salted Fruit & Nut Chocolate Coins: The Classic
The classic approach features thin, delicate chocolate discs with a balance of sweetness and saltiness. Sea salt intensifies flavor and enhances the crunch of dried fruit and nuts. These coins are ideal for every occasion—casual snacking or elegant gatherings alike.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
To make fruit and nut coins, gather high-quality ingredients and a few basic kitchen tools. Many recipes focus on dark chocolate, but milk or white chocolate works just as well. The toppings can include almost any dried fruits and nuts you prefer.
- Chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
- Mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots, figs, pineapple, prunes)
- Seeds (optional; e.g., pumpkin, sunflower)
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
- Parchment or baking paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Fruit and Nut Coins
Preparation Time & Yields
What others are reading
| Prep Time | 20-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 30-40 minutes (plus setting time) |
| Yield | 10-12 coins per batch |
Ingredients
- 100g (3.5oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
- A handful of mixed nuts—chopped if large
- A handful of assorted dried fruit—raisins, cranberries, apricots, figs, pineapple
- Sea salt flakes or kosher salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the tray: Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. To ensure uniform size, draw circles (about 5cm/2in wide) as a guide (use a cup or cookie cutter).
- Melting chocolate: Break three-quarters of the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring after each until smoothly melted.
- Finish tempering: Add the remaining finely chopped chocolate to the melted mix and stir until fully smooth and glossy.
- Form the coins: Using a spoon, drop small rounds of melted chocolate onto each drawn circle on your tray—flatten if necessary for uniform thickness.
- Add toppings: Quickly sprinkle mixed nuts and dried fruit on each disc while the chocolate is still warm. Finish with a light dusting of sea salt if desired.
- Let them set: Allow coins to harden at room temperature. For quicker setting, place them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
- Store: Keep in a sealed container, in a cool dry place or fridge. Best eaten fresh, though they’ll last for a week or more.
Expert Tips For Perfect Fruit and Nut Coins
- Quality matters: Using better chocolate and fresh mix-ins makes for more flavorful coins.
- Don’t overtop: Too many toppings can overwhelm both flavor and texture. Choose just 2–4 per coin for balance.
- Pairing ideas: Match the chocolate type to toppings—white chocolate works well with tart fruits, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with robust nuts and berries.
- Shape consistency: For neat, uniform coins, use circle guides drawn on the parchment and don’t rush assembly.
Creative Topping Combinations to Try
The real fun of fruit and nut coins lies in experimenting with toppings. Here are some tested flavor combinations for inspiration:
- Classic: Almonds + raisins
- Tropical: Dried pineapple + coconut flakes + macadamia nuts
- Colorful: Dried cranberries + pistachios
- Seasonal: Chopped figs + walnuts + dusting of cinnamon
- Sweet & Salty: Toasted hazelnuts + dried apricots + sea salt
- Seed lover’s: Pumpkin seeds + sunflower seeds + tart cherries
- Festive: Cashews + golden raisins + chopped dates
Try matching chocolate types to topping themes for even greater enjoyment—dark chocolate with robust nuts, white chocolate with tropical fruit, and milk chocolate with sweet berries.
Nutrition and Dietary Adaptations
Fruit and nut coins can be vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or tailored to nut and seed allergies—simply select safe chocolate and “mix-ins.” Not only are they versatile for most diets, but topping selections add valuable nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Dark chocolate supplies antioxidants and less sugar than milk or white.
- Dried fruits offer fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
- Nuts and seeds provide protein and heart-healthy fats.
- Customization: For nut-free, use seeds and dried fruit only; for low-sugar, choose unsweetened chocolate and fruit.
Why This Recipe Works—and Ways to Make It Your Own
- Flexible: Adapt for holidays, parties, or snacks with a change in toppings or presentation.
- Quick: Melt, mix, and set in under an hour.
- Rich flavor: Tempered chocolate delivers a satisfying snap and depth.
- Craft & simplicity: Combines homemade charm with professional-looking results.
Give your batch a regional flair by selecting local nuts and fruits, or go global with exotic dried ingredients. For gifting, layer coins in glass jars, tuck into festive bags, or box with ribbon.
Serving and Storing Fruit and Nut Coins
- Enjoy fresh: They are best within a week of making, stored in a cool, dry place.
- Do not stack: Unless fully set, coins may stick. Use baking parchment between layers.
- Longer storage: In the fridge, well-sealed, coins can last 2–3 weeks. Avoid humidity.
Pair with coffee, tea, or wine for a relaxing treat. Serve as a light finish to meals or include in a DIY dessert tray.
Fruit and Nut Coins: Ingredient Selection Table
| Chocolate Type | Topper Ideas | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark (70%+) | Almonds, hazelnuts, dried figs | Rich, bittersweet, robust |
| Milk | Pistachios, cranberries, apricots | Sweet, creamy, mild |
| White | Cashews, coconut flakes, dried pineapple | Milky, lightly tangy |
| Vegan | Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins | Allergen-friendly, customizable |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use any kind of chocolate for these coins?
A: Yes! Use dark, milk, or white chocolate based on your preference. Dark chocolate yields a more health-forward option, while milk and white are sweeter and best for those who prefer mild flavors.
Q: What nuts and fruits are must-haves?
A: There are no must-haves: almonds, pistachios, cranberries, figs, apricots, and hazelnuts are all common, but feel free to use any favorites or leave nuts out for allergies.
Q: How do I temper chocolate without a double boiler?
A: Use a microwave and melt in short bursts, stirring often. Adding finely chopped chocolate to the melted base helps stabilize it and gives a good snap when set.
Q: Are fruit and nut coins kid-safe?
A: Absolutely! Supervise melting and assembly for younger children, but this activity is safe and fun for most ages—and a great way to get kids excited about healthy snacks.
Q: Can I make these vegan or allergy-friendly?
A: Yes, choose dairy-free chocolate, and use seeds and safe dried fruits to accommodate allergies.
Conclusion: The Joy of Fruit and Nut Coins
Homemade fruit and nut coins offer a delightful balance of crave-worthy flavor and creative freedom. With chocolate as a base and endless topping choices, each batch can be tailored for taste, dietary needs, or festive occasions. They are quick to make, beautiful to present, and delicious to eat—perfect for snacking, sharing, or giving with love.
References
- https://marmaladeandme.com/salted-fruit-nut-chocolate-coins/
- https://www.santabarbarachocolate.com/blog/making-chocolate-coins/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3L83vDmItM
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a34715249/fruit-and-nut-coins/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/g36178198/low-calorie-desserts/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g28690429/diabetic-thanksgiving-dessert-recipes/
- https://sweetphi.com/chocolate-coins-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/g20452602/healthy-snacks-to-eat-with-coffee/
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