Elegant and visually striking, these dark chocolate fruit and nut discs are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, chewy dried fruit, and crunchy roasted nuts. Whether you’re preparing a homemade gift, assembling a refined dessert platter, or looking for a healthy indulgence, these chocolate rounds deliver both flavor and style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These discs are deceptively simple yet remarkably elegant, offering a combination of textures and tastes in every bite. The dark chocolate base provides a luxurious richness, balanced by the natural sweetness of dried fruits and the satisfying crunch of nuts and seeds. They’re customizable, naturally gluten-free, and require no baking—making them ideal for quick, impressive treats. Plus, they store well and make excellent gifts for holidays or special occasions.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped
dried cranberries
pumpkin seeds
whole almonds
hazelnuts, toasted and halved
chopped dried apricots or candied orange slices
crushed pistachios or walnuts
edible gold pearls (optional, for decoration)

directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), melt the chopped dark chocolate, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat.
Spoon small mounds of melted chocolate onto the prepared sheet, using about a tablespoon per disc. Spread each into a 2-inch round using the back of the spoon.
While the chocolate is still melted, decorate each disc with an assortment of dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, apricots, and pistachios. Press the toppings lightly to help them adhere.
Add edible gold pearls, if desired, for a decorative finish.
Let the discs cool at room temperature until fully set, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to speed up the process.
Once set, carefully peel the discs off the parchment and transfer to an airtight container.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20 discs
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Milk or white chocolate version: Substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate for a sweeter alternative.
Add sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the richness of the dark chocolate.
Tropical twist: Use dried pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes for a tropical flavor profile.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the melted chocolate for a subtle kick.
Festive look: Use red and green toppings like dried cherries and pistachios for a holiday-themed batch.

storage/reheating

Store the chocolate discs in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid storing in a warm or humid environment to prevent melting or bloom (white discoloration on chocolate). These discs do not require reheating and are best served at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of chocolate should I use?

Choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar (60–70% cacao) for best flavor and smooth melting.

Can I use chocolate chips?

Chocolate chips can work, but bar chocolate melts more smoothly and gives a better texture and finish.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?

Ensure no water gets into the chocolate while melting and melt over low, indirect heat (double boiler method).

Can I use other nuts and fruits?

Yes, mix and match with cashews, macadamia nuts, raisins, dried cherries, or figs.

Are these chocolates suitable for gifting?

Absolutely. Package them in parchment-lined boxes or clear treat bags for a beautiful homemade gift.

Can I freeze the discs?

Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture and cause condensation when thawed.

How can I make them vegan?

Use vegan dark chocolate and ensure all toppings are free of dairy or honey.

How do I make the chocolate shiny?

Tempering the chocolate (a precise heating and cooling process) will give a glossy, snap-perfect finish.

Will these melt at room temperature?

They should remain firm in a cool room (under 70°F/21°C). Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat.

Can I make larger or smaller discs?

Yes, adjust the spoonful size as needed. Smaller discs make great bite-size treats; larger ones can double as dessert plates.

Conclusion

Gourmet Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut Discs are a refined, easy-to-make confection that combines taste, texture, and aesthetic appeal. With endless customization options and minimal effort, these discs are perfect for entertaining, gifting, or simply enjoying a touch of indulgence at home. Elegant and wholesome, they make chocolate feel both luxurious and accessible.

Gourmet Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut Discs

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Author: Emma Delaney
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 20 discs 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: International
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Elegant dark chocolate rounds topped with a mix of dried fruits, roasted nuts, and crunchy seeds—perfect for gifting, snacking, or a classy dessert platter.

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 oz high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup whole almonds
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and halved
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or candied orange slices
2 tbsp crushed pistachios or walnuts
Edible gold pearls (optional, for decoration)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
Spoon small rounds of melted chocolate onto the prepared sheet (about 2″ wide), smoothing into circles with the back of the spoon.
While chocolate is still melted, top each disc with your choice of toppings—mix and match nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and gold pearls.
Let cool at room temperature until fully set, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
Carefully peel discs off the parchment and store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Notes

Use tempered chocolate for a shinier finish and better snap.
Customize toppings based on preference or dietary needs.
Great for holiday gifts—package in cellophane bags or boxes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 disc
Calories: 120
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 2mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg