Turn Blueberries Into The Perfect Bite-Sized Candy With Just 2 Extra Ingredients

Blueberries are elite in the fruit world, not just because they're jam-packed with antioxidants (which are a very beneficial type of flavonoid), or even because they're juicy, tangy, and delicious. Instead, blueberries maintain their status of fan favorite with their versatility, as they're just as tasty eaten alone as they are stirred into baked goods or made into a jam. You can even increase their antioxidant content and cure your chocolate craving simultaneously by turning them into a simple, three-ingredient chocolate-coated candy.

In addition to blueberries, all you need is some chopped chocolate and a little coconut oil. You'll need about half as much chocolate as blueberries to get an even coating, so one cup of chocolate to two cups of blueberries, and about a teaspoon of coconut oil per ½ cup of chocolate. This ratio is pretty important, as fat helps make melted chocolate smooth and glossy so that it coats your blueberries evenly.

While it's common to melt chocolate in a double boiler, you can also melt or even temper chocolate in the microwave, which is faster and reduces the number of dishes you have to wash. Opt for a glass bowl for more even heat distribution and heat the chocolate and oil in 20- to 30-second increments. Once melted and stirred smooth, simply toss your washed blueberries into the chocolate and turn them out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to set in the fridge. You'll also need to store them in the fridge to keep the chocolate solid.

Though these chocolate-covered blueberries aren't shelf stable or as indulgent as traditional candy bars, they offer a fast, simple solution to your sweet tooth that's a little lighter on sugar and a bit more nutrient dense, both of which are especially advantageous if you have berry-loving little ones. However, they're also a tasty treat for adults, especially with a pinch of sea salt or coriander (which is dreamy and delicious with blueberries) as a sophisticated flavor boost.

When using fresh berries, your candy will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week, while dried blueberries may last a bit longer. Frozen berries aren't recommended for this recipe, as they tend to become mushy when they thaw and will turn the chocolate into a sticky, gooey mess. If you're determined to use frozen blueberries, coat them quickly and pop them right back in the freezer, storing them there in an appropriate container, and enjoying them right from the freezer as well.

Just as you have a few choices in terms of the style of blueberry you use, you can also use different types of chocolate and flavorings to customize this simple candy. White chocolate, for instance, will be sweeter and richer than darker chocolates, and could be especially tasty flavored with a few drops of lemon extract. Conversely, dark chocolate flavored with vanilla paste will provide an intensely chocolatey, rich bite, while milk chocolate is the perfect compromise between the other two.