If you're looking for a quick, elegant, and delicious homemade treat — especially for gifting — mendiants are the answer.
These traditional French chocolate disks are decorated with nuts and dried fruit, creating a beautiful balance of rich chocolate, crunch, and natural sweetness.
With just four ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, mendiants are perfect for holidays, party favors, edible gifts, or a simple sweet snack to enjoy with coffee.
What Are Mendiants?
Mendiants are classic French confections: small disks of melted chocolate topped with nuts and dried fruits. Traditionally tied to Christmas, they symbolize abundance and simplicity.
Today they’re popular worldwide for their minimal ingredient list and gourmet appearance — a perfect no-bake recipe that even beginners can master.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Just 3 minutes of prep — melt, pour, decorate.
- Elegant and gift-friendly, ideal for Christmas or party bags.
- Naturally customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruit.
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
- Perfect chocolate treat for every occasion.
Cooking Tips
- Temper the chocolate if you want a glossy finish and a crisp snap.
- Mix different toppings: hazelnuts, cashews, raisins, apricots, candied oranges.
- Use milk or white chocolate for variations.
- Decorate while the chocolate is still warm so toppings stick well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes — milk, white, ruby, or even caramelized chocolate work beautifully.
Why did my Mendiants turn dull or streaky?
This happens when chocolate isn’t tempered. For perfect shine, temper the chocolate before shaping the disks.
How can I make them look more professional?
Use a piping bag for neat circles and choose evenly sized nuts and fruit.
Are Mendiants gluten-free?
Yes — as long as your chocolate and toppings are certified gluten-free.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Mendiants are a great no-bake, creative activity for children.
How to Store
Store mendiants in an airtight container at room temperature (or a cool, dry place) for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from heat sources to avoid melting.
How to Freeze
While possible, freezing is not recommended because condensation may dull the chocolate. If needed, freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month, and thaw in the fridge to avoid thermal shock.
Ingredients
How to Make Homemade Mendiants
Chop the dark chocolate and melt it either in the microwave (in 20–30 second intervals) or over a bain-marie. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Chop the dark chocolate and melt it either in the microwave (in 20–30 second intervals) or over a bain-marie. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Line a tray with parchment paper. Using a spoon, form small disks of melted chocolate, leaving space between each one.
Line a tray with parchment paper. Using a spoon, form small disks of melted chocolate, leaving space between each one.
Top each chocolate disk with almonds, pistachios, and dried cranberries.
Press lightly so the toppings adhere.
Top each chocolate disk with almonds, pistachios, and dried cranberries.
Press lightly so the toppings adhere.
Refrigerate the tray for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
Refrigerate the tray for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
Your mendiants are now ready to enjoy — or to package in gift bags for a beautiful edible present!
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