American Pecans Fruit & Nut Bars (Florentines)

These simple fruit and nut bars, also known as florentines, are one of those wonderfully easy little treats that feel just a bit special without needing hours in the kitchen. Rich dark chocolate gives them a deep, slightly bittersweet flavour, while the dried fruit adds natural sweetness and a lovely chewy texture. The American pecans bring a buttery crunch that works beautifully with the smooth chocolate, and a final pinch of sea salt ties everything together perfectly.

They’re the sort of no-fuss sweet treat that feels elegant enough for after dinner, but simple enough to make whenever you fancy something homemade with a cup of coffee. They also make a lovely edible gift, wrapped up and shared with friends and family.

Timings:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Setting time: 10 minutes

Serves: Makes 6 florentines

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate (70%)

• 60g dried fruit, chopped if large

• 60g American pecans, roughly chopped

• Pinch of sea salt

  
  

Method:

1. Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

2. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for a minute or two.

3. Line a tray, board or plate with parchment paper.

4. Spoon the melted chocolate onto the parchment in 6 even circles.

5. Scatter the dried fruit over each chocolate circle.

6. Sprinkle over the roughly chopped American pecans, making sure each florentine gets a good mix of fruit and nuts.

7. Leave to set for around 10 minutes, or until firm.

8. Finish each one with a tiny pinch of sea salt.

9. Once fully set, serve and enjoy.

   
   

Top Tip:

For the best finish, don’t overload the chocolate. A light, even layer of fruit and pecans gives you that lovely balance of glossy chocolate, crunch, chew and just a hint of sea salt in every bite.