Baked Warm Fruit Salad With Chocolate Coconut and Almonds

One of my favorite things about summer is the fresh juicy fruits that become available. Tart cherries, juicy strawberries, blueberries, and apricots. And they’re all in this crazy delicious fruit salad.

I was inspired to make this salad when I stumbled upon a fruit salad recipe by Green Kitchen Stories. I made a few changes though, including using my own choice of fruits and sprinkling with lemon instead of lime.

Let me tell you, this is not your ordinary fruit salad. Nope. This scrumptious concoction of fruits and chocolate and nuts is baked. And my oh my is it devine!

• The fruits are softened but still have a bite. While the fruits bake in the oven, they release their juices and what you get is a beautifully balanced dish that is absolutely flavorful.
• Chocolate shavings on top become slightly melted and add a depth of sweet, chocolatey flavor that you never knew you needed in a fruit salad.
• Almonds and coconut flakes are the perfect garnishing for this dish and add nuttiness and a crunch.

My mouth is watering just thinking about this dish.

If you like your fruits a bit firmer, 5-6 minutes in the oven should be enough. But I enjoy the fruits to be softer, and I think 10 minutes is the perfect time – it allows the juices and flavors to come together beautifully.

I really hope you make this fruit salad at home. It’s not like any other fruit salad you’ve had.

Although it might be hot out, this is a great salad to enjoy with ice cream, yogurt, or just as a snack. Besides being so delicious, this fruit salad packs in antioxidants (in the cherries) and vitamin-A (apricot health benefit). Also, it promotes skin health (benefit of lemon skin health).

Can You Bake Frozen Fruit? 

Yes, you can. Some fruit may not be available where you are fresh, or its not in season and you can most definitely use frozen. But make sure the fruit is defrosted before popping it in the oven.

 What do I need to make this recipe?

Cherries benefit heart health.

Apricots are low in calories and high in antioxidants.

Blueberries are high in nutrients such as vitamins C and K.

Strawberries contain vitamin B9 and potassium.

Raspberries help to lower blood pressure and omega-3 fatty acids.

Lemon contains soluble fiber and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Almonds have vitamin E and protein.

Along with these ingredients, you’ll need:

• unsweetened coconut flakes
• dark chocolate (70% cacao or darker)