This is my twist on the viral chocolate bark with berries, I’ve turned them into bars and made them even healthier and more satisfying! And that’s because these contain more nutrients, including protein-rich peanut butter and puffed quinoa (or rice if you prefer). They are also made with dark chocolate, which is high in antioxidants.
Per Berry Chocolate Bar serving, you’ll get 10 grams of protein which is recommended for snacking - essentially making these protein bars but without the powder! They also contain double the recommended amount of fibre, at 6 grams.
You’ll love this recipe because it:
- It will satisfy your chocolate craving whilst nourishing you with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein and fibre
- It’s a no-bake recipe
- Only uses a handful of ingredients
- Takes just 10 minutes to make
- You can share it with the kids, guilt-free
FAQ’s For My Berry Chocolate Bars
Why should I use Puffed Quinoa Instead of Puffed Rice?
You can honestly use either. I personally prefer to use puffed quinoa because it has more of the nutrition I’m looking for. Puffed quinoa is high in protein and fibre, is a good source of potassium and it is low on the glycemic index. Puffed rice on the other hand doesn’t have the protein richness of quinoa, but it is still a good source of fibre, is low in calories and is a good source of some minerals and vitamins and antioxidants.
If you use puffed rice free from added salt and sugar then flavour and texture wise, in this recipe, there isn’t much difference between the two. The size of the grains is really the only difference you’ll notice, quinoa grains are smaller and round, whereas rice grains are bigger and oblong. If you’re going to use a puffed rice cereal like Rice Crispies, then you will taste a difference because they have added salt and sugar to them, and so are obviously less healthy.
Does it matter what berries I use?
Honestly, no. I like to use a mix of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries but you can use the berries you fancy, you could use just one or two types if that’s all you have or if that’s what you prefer. Also, blackberries would work in the bars as well.
Do I need to chop the berries?
Yes to chopping strawberries, but you can leave the blueberries and raspberries whole. I like to start by adding the raspberries as they are the biggest (and my fave!) and then follow with the rest of the berries.
What baking tin should I use for these Berry Chocolate Bars?
You’ll want to go for a 2lb rectangular loaf tin, as oppose to the small 1lb size. You could even use a similar size food storage container instead of a baking tin.
Do I need to line the loaf tin?
Definitely, as you won’t be greasing the tin and you’ll also use the baking paper to lift out the large Berry Chocolate Bar. I like to cut two strips of baking paper, and lie one lengthways and then the other I cross over in the middle and lie width ways. I also like to make sure the paper sticks up about 1 inch over the edge of the tin. That makes removing it really easy and doesn’t give you as uneven corners as using just one sheet of baking paper and crumpling it to fit the corners will.
How can younger children help make it?
This is a great one for the kids to help with. They will love to mix the melted chocolate, peanut butter, and puffed quinoa, as well as adorn the top with berries.
Can I Store Berry Chocolate Bars leftovers?
You can store these Berry Chocolate Bars in an air-tight container or resealable food bag in the fridge for up to 3 days (make day + 2). I wouldn’t recommend freezing these bars.
More on safe food storage and reheating.
What diets is this recipe suitable for?
My Berry Chocolate Bars are suitable for vegetarians, plus gluten and egg-free diets. It is NOT SUITABLE for anyone with a peanut allergy. You can make it diary-free by using a milk-free or vegan dark chocolate.
Are these Berry Chocolate Bars suitable for toddlers?
Yes, if you allow your toddler to eat chocolate then by all means you can share these Berry Chocolate Bars with them. I would offer them ⅓ of a bar. They are NOT SUITABLE for babies under 12 months.
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Berry Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
- 180 g dark chocolate, I use Cadbury’s Bournville
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 185 g crunchy peanut butter
- 30 g puffed quinoa, or rice if you prefer
- 1 heaped cup or enough to cover top of berries; blueberries, raspberries & chopped strawberries
Instructions
- Add the chocolate to a medium microwave-proof mixing bowl, breaking the chocolate into squares while you go. Add in the coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir briefly and continue to microwave in 20 second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Add the crunchy peanut butter and puffed quinoa or rice and stir it through until fully combined.
- Carefully tip the mixture into a lined rectangular loaf tin. Refrigerate for at least three hours or until set. When ready to serve, holding onto the edges of the baking paper, lift it up and out of the tin. Slice into smaller bars.
Notes
Baby & Toddler
STORAGE
Nutrition
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