Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade blueberry dried fruit bites are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the natural flavors of blueberries combined with other dried fruits for a satisfying chew. They’re a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a much healthier alternative to sugary snacks. You can customize these bites by adding your favorite dried fruits, seeds, and even a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and are great for meal prep or as a quick energy boost throughout the day.

Ingredients

1 cup dried blueberries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/4 cup raisins or sultanas
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
1/4 cup chia seeds or flax seeds (optional for added texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a food processor, combine the dried blueberries, cranberries, apricots, and raisins. Pulse until the mixture becomes finely chopped, but not pureed.
Add the applesauce, honey or maple syrup (if using), chia seeds (or flax seeds), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Pulse again until all ingredients are well mixed and the mixture begins to stick together.
Transfer the mixture to a clean surface or a piece of parchment paper. Press the mixture into a flat, even layer about 1/2 inch thick.
Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut the mixture into bite-sized pieces or shapes of your choice.
Place the pieces on a baking sheet or parchment paper and allow them to air-dry for 4-6 hours at room temperature or refrigerate them for faster results.
Once the bites are firm, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12-16 bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Drying time: 4-6 hours at room temperature or faster in the fridge

Variations

Tropical Dried Fruit Bites: Add dried mango, pineapple, or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Nutty Blueberry Bites: Add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews for crunch and added protein.
Chocolate-Infused Bites: Stir in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or chopped dark chocolate for a chocolatey treat.
Spiced Blueberry Bites: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
Citrus Zest Bites: Add zest from an orange or lemon for a burst of citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the dried fruit bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: These fruit bites don’t require reheating as they’re meant to be eaten at room temperature or cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried ones?

Fresh blueberries won’t work the same way as dried ones since they have a lot of moisture. It’s best to stick to dried blueberries to ensure the right consistency in your bites.

2. How can I make these bites without honey?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, or even stevia if you prefer a lower-sugar version.

3. Can I freeze these fruit bites?

Yes, these bites freeze well. Just store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

4. Can I add other dried fruits to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other dried fruits such as dried cherries, raisins, or even figs for different flavors.

5. How long do these fruit bites last?

They can last up to 1 week in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

6. Can I make these bites without a food processor?

Yes, if you don’t have a food processor, you can chop the dried fruits by hand into small pieces and then mix them with the wet ingredients. The bites will be a bit more textured, but still delicious.

7. Can I use fruit juice instead of applesauce?

Yes, you can use fruit juice like apple juice or orange juice as a substitute for applesauce. However, applesauce adds a thicker consistency that helps the mixture stick together better.

8. Can I make these bites vegan?

Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure all the other ingredients are plant-based.

9. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with any other sweetener like agave syrup, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener. Just adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your chosen sweetener.

10. Can I add protein powder to these bites?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture for an extra protein boost. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients if necessary to maintain the right consistency.

Conclusion

Homemade blueberry dried fruit bites are a healthy, flavorful, and customizable snack that you can enjoy anytime. These bites are easy to make, full of natural sweetness, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re craving something sweet, looking for a post-workout snack, or want a healthy treat for your kids, these fruit bites are the perfect solution. You can customize them with your favorite dried fruits and seeds, making them versatile and fun to prepare.