Looking for a healthy yet indulgent snack that's easy to make with just 3 ingredients? These irresistible chocolate-covered raspberry chia bites are packed with the goodness of chia seeds, fresh raspberries, and melted chocolate.
Why I Love this Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites Recipe
Whether you're a fan of raspberries or simply love the perfect bite-sized indulgence, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, from Valentine's Day to a perfect summer gathering. The ideal combination of flavors are both vegan-friendly and gluten-free, and will satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt!
- Healthy and indulgent: these raspberry chocolate jam bites combine the health benefits of chia seeds with the richness of dark melted chocolate, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
- Three simple ingredients: you only need chia seeds, melted chocolate, and fresh raspberries to create the perfect combo in these raspberry bites. It's a quick and hassle-free recipe.
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free: a diet-friendly recipe suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets. These decadent treats are also nut-free, dairy-free (I use vegan chocolate) and refined-sugar free.
These simple dark chocolate-covered raspberry chia bites are the perfect healthy snacks and are quick and easy to make, Like my easy brownie bites, my oatmeal strawberry crumble bars and my chocolate-covered chickpeas. Or try my healthy cookie dough balls for another quick bite. You could also make raspberry chia pudding cups by swapping the matcha mixture in my matcha dark chocolate mint cups with the frozen raspberry chia mixture.
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fresh raspberries - sweet, tart raspberry is loaded with antioxidants. These berries are the perfect match with dark chocolate. Substitute with frozen raspberries, and defrost before mashing. If watery, add about 1 teaspoon extra chia seeds to thicken.
- Chia seeds - packed with fiber and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, helps to bind the raspberry mixture.
- Dark chocolate - decadent dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks work well. I use vegan chocolate.
- Coconut oil (optional) - adds a little luster and shine when the chocolate hardens.
- Flaky sea salt (optional) - makes the flavor of the chocolate pop.
See recipe card for all ingredients and quantities.
Pro tip: Frozen raspberries can be substituted for fresh raspberries in this recipe. Make sure to defrost the frozen raspberries before mashing. If the thawed raspberries appear watery, add an additional teaspoon of chia seeds to help thicken the puréed raspberry.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Additional toppings: besides sea salt, try sprinkling shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder over the chocolate coating for added texture and flavor. For a burst of intense raspberry flavor, try dusting the bites with freeze-dried raspberry powder.
- Custom Shapes: instead of forming the bites into round disc shapes, use a silicone mold to create fun and unique shapes with this quick dessert.
- Melted chocolate: you may need to gently reheat your chocolate after dipping a few raspberry chia bites since the frozen raspberry will cool the chocolate. Careful not to scorch the chocolate when heating.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Covered Raspberry Chia Bites
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash raspberries with a fork until they resemble raspberry jam or raspberry pudding.
- Mix in chia seeds.
- Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Drop about 1 tablespoon dollops of the raspberry chia mixture onto lined baking sheet. Shape into discs and freeze for 45-60 minutes until firm.
- When ready, prepare chocolate. Mix in coconut oil if using.
- Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl in 15-second increments until melted, or in a double-boiler over low heat.
- Dip frozen raspberry jam bites one at a time in melted chocolate until fully coated. Sprinkle with sea salt while chocolate is still wet (optional).
- Place back in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden.
Note: before eating, allow chocolate-covered raspberry bites to soften at room temperature for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries in place of fresh raspberries. Make sure to allow the frozen raspberries to thaw before mashing. If they appear watery, add an additional teaspoon of chia seeds to help thicken the raspberry purée.
Coconut oil is added to melted chocolate to achieve a shiny and glossy appearance when the chocolate coating sets.
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate. Try to find chocolate with less sugar or refined sugar-free. Each will offer a slightly different taste profile to the bites.
Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can add additional flavors like vanilla extract, almond extract, pure maple syrup, a splash of lemon juice or lemon zest to the raspberry chia mixture. You can also experiment with different toppings or fillings, such as crushed nuts or a dollop of nut butter.
Yes, you can make the chocolate covered raspberry chia bites in advance. Prepare the bites according to the recipe, and once they are fully set, store them in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy. This makes them a convenient make-ahead treat for parties or gatherings.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Easy Dessert Recipes to Try
Pro tip: you may need to gently reheat your chocolate after dipping a few raspberry chia bites since the frozen raspberry jam will cool the chocolate. Careful not to scorch the chocolate when heating.
My Favorite Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes
Recipe
Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Chia Bites (3-Ingredients)
Equipment
- 1 small sheet pan lined with parchment paper
- 1 small bowl heat resistant and microwave safe (or double boiler/small saucepan)
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup (208 grams) fresh raspberries, or frozen raspberries, thawed
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup (6 ounces) dark chocolate chips, or chocolate chunks
- 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil, (optional)
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt, (optional)
Instructions
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl or shallow dish mash raspberries with a fork until they resemble raspberry jam or raspberry pudding.
- Mix in chia seeds and let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Drop about 8 small rounds of the raspberry chia mixture onto a lined baking sheet (about 1 tablespoon each). Shape into discs. Freeze for 45-60 minutes until set.
- When ready, melt chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in microwave safe bowl in 15-second increments until melted. Or use a double boiler or small saucepan over low heat.
- Dip frozen raspberry jam bites one at a time in melted chocolate mixture until fully coated, shaking off any excess chocolate. Sprinkle with sea salt (if using) while chocolate is still wet.
- Place back in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden. Enjoy!
Notes
- You may need to gently reheat the chocolate after dipping a few raspberry chia bites since the frozen raspberry will cool the chocolate.
- Before eating, allow chocolate-covered raspberry bites to soften at room temperature for 1-2 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Barb
Yum yum yum! Made this for a bbq we hosted and they were the perfect light and cool dessert! Will definitely make again.