Banana and Cranberry Chocolate Hearts

This delightful recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped in a rich dark chocolate shell. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a sweet treat for yourself, these banana and cranberry chocolate hearts are both visually appealing and delicious. The process involves creating a luscious chocolate glaze, blending a smooth banana and cranberry filling, and layering them into heart-shaped molds. These treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees success. A few helpful tips and variations will ensure that you can personalize the recipe to your liking. Not to mention, we also provide serving suggestions to make this dish even more special. Dive into the joy of making these adorable chocolate hearts, and share them with loved ones or savor them yourself!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 bananas
• A handful of cranberries (frozen cranberries can be used)
• 200 g dark chocolate

For the Chocolate Glaze

• 25 g butter or cocoa butter (use cocoa butter for a vegan option)

Additional Ingredients

• A handful of almonds, roughly chopped

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: Begin by setting up a double boiler. Heat water in a large saucepan and place a smaller saucepan inside, ensuring no water enters the smaller pan.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt it in the double boiler. Add butter or cocoa butter, stirring gradually to achieve a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
3. Coat the Molds: Using a silicone mold with heart shapes, brush the inner surfaces with the melted chocolate. Place the mold in the freezer for a few minutes until the chocolate layer sets as a hard glaze.
4. Prepare the Almonds: While the chocolate sets, pour boiling water over the almonds and remove their skins. Chop the almonds finely.
5. Reinforce the Chocolate Shell: Remove the mold from the freezer, add another layer of chocolate, and place it back in the freezer.
6. Make the Filling: Blend the bananas with a handful of cranberries until smooth.
7. Fill the Molds: Take the mold out of the freezer, distribute the chopped almonds evenly in each heart, and pour the banana-cranberry blend over the almonds.
8. Seal with Chocolate: Cover the banana mixture with the remaining chocolate and refrigerate for a few hours.
9. Check for Firmness: Once the top has set, the treats are ready.
10. Unmold the Hearts: Gently remove them from the silicone mold and place them on a beautiful serving dish.

Tips

• Use cocoa butter for a firmer chocolate shell.
• Experiment with different fruits in the filling, such as raspberries or blueberries.
• Ensure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth for a flawless finish.

Nutritions

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

• Nut-Free: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds.
• Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free dark chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these hearts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Best Places to Enjoy Similar Treats

1. Café Chocolat - A charming spot for chocolate indulgence. Location: 42 Rue de l’Université, Paris, France.
2. Sweet Treats Bakery - Known for its variety of chocolate confections. Location: 23 Main Street, New York, USA.
3. Cocoa Bean Café - Offers a cozy ambiance with incredible desserts. Location: 75 Queen Street, London, UK.
4. The Chocolate Room - Features handcrafted chocolates and desserts. Location: 50 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Australia.
5. Heavenly Cocoa - Specializes in vegan chocolate treats. Location: 150 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
6. Deliciously Chocolate - A haven for chocolate lovers. Location: 200 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Australia.
7. Chocolate Lab - Creative chocolate delights in a laboratory setting. Location: 350 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
8. The Cacao Lounge - Offers a luxury chocolate dining experience. Location: 56 King St, Toronto, Canada.
9. Divine Chocolaterie - Craftsmanship and chocolate come together. Location: 10 Südtiroler Pl, Graz, Austria.
10. Choco Passion - Famed for its unique chocolate pastries. Location: 90 Via Roma, Milan, Italy.