Can candy offer health benefits? If you make these, the answer is definitely yes! These candies start with dark chocolate, which contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants. But the real surprise is what’s inside; it’s prunes! Research suggests that eating 5-6 California prunes a day may help support healthy bones—plus they provide additional polyphenols. They’re a perfect bite for an after dinner sweet. Enjoy!

Disclosure: At the time of posting, Jackie Newgent is a spokesperson for California Prune Board.

california dark chocolate candies

Yield: 12 candies

Serving size: 1 candy

INGREDIENTS

• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips, 60% cacao or higher (divided)
• 6 California prunes, halved
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Gently melt 3 ounces of the chocolate in a double boiler, then evenly pour into 12 mini-muffin liners.
2. Place 1/2 prune in the center of each to rest on the chocolate.
3. Gently melt the remaining 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, then pour over the prune halves.
4. Sprinkle each with a tiny pinch of the coarse sea salt.
5. Let stand or chill to set.

Per serving: 90 calories, 5g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 10g total carbohydrate, <1g dietary fiber, 7g total sugars, 1g protein

The “Before” Version

compare to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Tasteover Tips

• Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate for greater potential heart health benefits
• Go for a 100% real, no-added-sugar filling, such as California prunes
• Add just a pinch of sea salt on top for flavor balance and eye appeal
• Mini-size it … then slowly savor each like a fine dessert