There’s a little comfort in a tray of fruit and chocolate that smells like the holidays and grandmama’s kitchen — warm, honest, and full of stories. This Chocolate and Dried Fruit Slice is the kind of treat you pass around the family table with a pot of strong coffee and a grin. It keeps well, travels well, and feels like home with every bite.
Why make this recipe
This slice is a Southern-style keepsake — sturdy, sweet, and made for sharing. It’s perfect for afternoons on the porch, sending with a neighbor, or tucking into lunchboxes for folks who like a taste of home. The dried fruit and cherries bring a chewy, old-fashioned charm, while the dark chocolate finishes it like a loving kiss from the cook.
How to make Chocolate and Dried Fruit Slice
Ingredients:
- 375g mixed dried fruit
- 125g slivered almonds
- 200g glace cherries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup plain flour, sifted
- 150g butter, chopped
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 200g good-quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces
Directions:
Preheat oven to 170C. Grease a 3cm-deep, 18cm x 28cm slab pan and line with baking paper. In a large bowl, combine dried fruit, almonds, and cherries. Stir in the flour. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine butter and honey. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until butter melts; allow to cool slightly. Add honey mixture and egg to fruit mixture, mixing until well combined. Spoon mixture into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside in pan to cool completely. For the topping, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute until almost melted. Stir until smooth, then spread over cooled slice. Allow to set for 2 hours. Cut into pieces and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm. Serve.
How to serve Chocolate and Dried Fruit Slice
Slice it into modest squares and serve with strong coffee or a mug of tea. It’s wonderful alongside a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream for guests, or wrapped in waxed paper and passed around at family gatherings. A single slice warms a soul — share it with someone you love.
How to store Chocolate and Dried Fruit Slice
Keep the slice refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay firm and flavorful for up to two weeks. For longer keeping, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to three months — thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips to make Chocolate and Dried Fruit Slice
- Chop the glace cherries small so every bite is balanced and not too sweet.
- Let the baked slice cool completely before adding the chocolate topping to avoid streaks or melted chocolate pooling.
- Use a good-quality dark chocolate for a rich finish; it really makes the fruit sing.
- If your dried fruit is very dry, soak it briefly in warm tea or a splash of orange juice, then drain before mixing to plump it up.
Variations
- Nut swap: Use pecans or chopped walnuts instead of slivered almonds for a more Southern twist.
- Boozy fruit: For grown-up gatherings, macerate the dried fruit in rum or brandy for an hour before mixing.
- Spice it up: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the flour for a cozy, spiced slice.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this slice without eggs?
A: Yes — you can substitute one flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, rested 5 minutes) as a binder. Texture will be slightly denser but still lovely.
Q: Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
A: You can use maple syrup or golden syrup in equal measure. Honey gives a particular aroma and chew, but maple adds a warm depth as well.
Q: How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
A: Use low, gentle heat and stir every 20–30 seconds. If using a microwave, pause and stir often. A teaspoon of neutral oil or a small dab of butter can smooth it if it thickens.
Q: Is this slice suitable for gifting?
A: Absolutely — wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, these slices make a heartfelt homemade gift.
Conclusion
If you love the warm, fruit-and-nut traditions of seasonal baking, you might enjoy a similar old-world confection like Panforte (Italian Christmas Cake) – Kitchen Frau for inspiration. And if you’re thinking about trying different ready-made chocolate-dipped fruits to pair with your slice, consider this Premium All Natural Real Rich Dark Chocolate Dipped Tropical … option for a sweet complement.
There’s a softness to food that’s been shared — every bite of this Chocolate and Dried Fruit Slice carries a little memory, a little hello from the kitchen. Come back to this recipe when you need comfort, and don’t forget to tuck a piece into a friend’s hand when they need a lift.
Chocolate and Dried Fruit Slice
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease a 3cm-deep, 18cm x 28cm slab pan and line it with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, slivered almonds, and finely chopped glace cherries. Stir in the sifted plain flour.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped butter and honey. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until the butter melts; allow it to cool slightly.
- Add the honey mixture and the lightly beaten egg to the fruit mixture and mix until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.
- For the topping, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute until almost melted. Stir until smooth, then spread over the cooled slice.
- Allow to set for 2 hours. Cut into pieces and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm.