If you’re looking for a charming little treat that’s both delicious and healthful, you’re going to adore this Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants Recipe. These elegant bite-sized medallions combine rich, antioxidant-packed dark chocolate with the crunch of nuts and chew of dried fruits for the perfect dessert or snack.

The image shows several round pieces of dark chocolate laid flat on a brown wooden surface, each topped with a colorful mix of ingredients. Each chocolate piece forms one smooth, dark brown layer as the base. On top, there are many small bits of dried fruits in red, yellow, green, black, and orange shades, combined with light brown whole almonds and light green pumpkin seeds. Small round white and light brown seeds are scattered all over. The toppings are unevenly spread, adding rough texture and bright colors over the dark, smooth chocolate circles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of making these dark chocolate mendiants anytime I want a treat that feels indulgent but still keeps things on the healthy side. Plus, their beauty makes them perfect for gifting or party platters.

Simple and quick: Ready in just 10 minutes with no actual cooking required.
Customizable toppings: Mix and match dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Elegant presentation: These look handmade and classy, perfect for entertaining or gifting.
Healthy indulgence: Made with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and natural, wholesome toppings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When picking your ingredients, quality is key—especially for the chocolate. I always recommend going for dark chocolate with at least 73% cacao for the richest flavor and all the health perks. As for the toppings, the sky’s the limit; combining a variety of textures and flavors makes these mendiants truly special.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy dark chocolate chunks, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with bright assorted chopped dried fruits including apricots, cranberries, and figs, another white bowl holding a mix of whole and halved almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans, and a third white bowl with a colorful assortment of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance and natural textures clearly visible, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dark chocolate: Choose a high-percentage cacao chocolate for depth of flavor and antioxidants.
Assorted dried fruits: Adds natural sweetness and chewy contrast that pairs perfectly with rich chocolate.
Chopped nuts: Provides satisfying crunch and healthy fats; I love almonds and pistachios for color.
Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame, poppy, or hemp seeds adds visual interest and extra nutrition.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. Play around with your favorite combinations of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to customize each bite — the possibilities are endless and always delicious!

Variation: I love swapping in seasonal dried fruits like tart cherries in winter or dried apricots in summer for a fresh twist. It keeps things exciting and adds a lovely pop of color.
Dietary: For a nut-free version, sesame, poppy, hemp, and flax seeds add delightful crunch and texture while keeping this dessert friendly for nut allergies.
Intensely Chocolatey: Using dark chocolate with 80% or higher cacao makes a bolder, more bittersweet treat — perfect for hardcore chocolate lovers.
Gift Idea: Package these colorful mendiants in pretty boxes or cellophane bags as elegant edible gifts or charming party favors everyone will rave about.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants Recipe

A long white rectangular plate holds seven rows of different nuts and dried fruits arranged neatly from front to back. The front row shows light green pistachios with some shells open, followed by a row of small pea-sized green seeds. Behind them is a row of whole almonds, brown and smooth. Next is a row of dark red dried cranberries with a moist texture, then bright yellow dried fruits, possibly raisins, shining slightly. The next row contains green pumpkin seeds, followed by vivid red dried fruits. Behind that are mixed light brown nuts and black seeds as the last row. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by laying out a piece of parchment paper, waxed paper, or aluminum foil on a flat surface. This will be your mendiants’ resting spot as they set, so make sure it’s sturdy and easy to transfer to the fridge if you choose to chill them later.

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate

Chop your 8 ounces of dark chocolate into small, even pieces and place them in a microwave-safe glass bowl or measuring cup. Microwave the chocolate for 60 seconds, then give it a good stir. Microwave it again for 30 seconds and stir thoroughly until silky smooth. If you still see lumps, just microwave for short 10-15 second bursts, stirring each time until perfectly melted — patience here ensures glossy, luscious chocolate.

Step 3: Form Chocolate Rounds

Using a spoon, drop small rounds of the melted chocolate onto your parchment. Each should be about 2 to 2½ inches in diameter. Don’t stress over perfect circles — the chocolate naturally spreads and you can gently nudge it into shape with your spoon if you want more uniform pieces.

Step 4: Decorate with Toppings

While the chocolate is still warm and soft, generously sprinkle each round with your choice of chopped dried fruits, nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, and a mix of seeds such as sesame, poppy, hemp, or flax. This gives each mendiant its signature colorful, textured bite — plus it’s fun to get creative here!

Step 5: Set and Store

Let your chocolate mendiants set at room temperature until firm, or place the tray directly in the refrigerator to speed up the process. If you choose the fridge, keep the parchment on a baking sheet for easy transfer. Once set, store them at room temperature or refrigerate — they’ll stay delicious and fresh for at least three weeks. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer.

Top Tip

Getting your Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants just right is easier than you think — these little tips will help you achieve that perfect glossy finish and gorgeous presentation every time.

Use Quality Chocolate: I always choose dark chocolate with at least 73% cacao because the richer flavor truly shines and holds beautifully once set.
Even Melting: Stir frequently while microwaving in short bursts – this prevents scorching and keeps your chocolate silky smooth.
Gentle Nudging: When spooning chocolate rounds onto parchment, a slight nudge with the back of the spoon helps create neat, uniform medallions.
Chill Strategically: If you want to speed up setting, place the parchment paper on a baking sheet before refrigerating — it makes transfer quick and mess-free.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants Recipe

The image shows two pieces of dark chocolate mounds on white crinkled paper, each topped with an assortment of colorful dried fruits and nuts. The chocolate layers are dark brown with smooth texture and irregular round shapes, lying flat on the paper. On top, there are pieces of red, orange, green, yellow, and black dried fruits scattered unevenly, mixed with various nuts like pistachios, walnuts, and Brazil nuts, each with rough and varied textures. Small seeds are also sprinkled, adding tiny specks of brown and green. The scene is set on a wooden surface background that has been visually changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a tiny drizzle of honey on top right before serving. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers are also delightful additions that look stunning and add a fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

These mendiants pair wonderfully with a crisp cup of black coffee or an earthy herbal tea like chamomile or mint. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the rich chocolate with some bright, juicy flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your mendiants are set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They keep their texture and flavor perfectly well for at least 3 weeks — making them great for prepping ahead of a party or gift-giving occasion.

Freezing

You can freeze your Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay fresh for several months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Because these mendiants are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Just let frozen ones come to room temperature naturally so the chocolate regains its perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for 73% or higher dark chocolate for antioxidants and robust flavor, you can substitute milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier taste.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?

Chocolate seizes when it comes into contact with even a small amount of water. To avoid this, make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting, and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Can I prepare these mendiants ahead for events or gifts?

Yes! They store wonderfully at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, and they freeze well too. This makes them ideal for making ahead for holiday gifts or special occasions.

What’s the best way to customize the toppings?

Get creative! Mix and match your favorite chopped dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Think tart cranberries with pistachios, or sweet apricots with walnuts and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture and flavor combinations.

Final Thoughts

Making Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Mendiants is one of those simple culinary joys that feels special and indulgent without any fuss. These delightful medallions pack so much flavor and texture, plus the satisfaction of creating a healthy, gluten-free treat at home. Whether you're gifting them, serving at a party, or just sneaking a bite for yourself, this recipe is a keeper that brings warmth and sweetness to any moment.