Wholesome Cook
Special Diet

Homemade Cherry Ripe Bites with No Added Sugar

These Homemade Cherry Ripe Bites taste exactly like the bars you get from the shops! Made with only 5 ingredients they contain No Added Sugar – only fresh fruit!

homemade cherry ripe no added sugarWhat’s your favourite candy bar?

I would have a hard time choosing between a creamy Bounty and the Aussie Cherry Ripe. See the pattern? Yep, both contain coconut!

Since I’ve already made homemade Bounty balls, it was time to reinvent the Cherry Ripe.

homemade cherry ripe no added sugar

Homemade Cherry Ripe with No Added Sugar

You see the original Cherry Ripe is made with glace cherries, which have extra sugar (and preservative) added. Even dried tart cherries have added sugar, so I passed on that idea. Instead I roasted some fresh cherries myself. But don’t worry, my fresh cherry version, with no added sugar, is still sweet enough.

And because I’ve developed this recipe for the Berry Nice to Meet You Blog Hop, I’ve added some homemade dry-roasted strawberry powder for extra flavour and sweetness.  As this step takes a couple of hours, you could use store-bought strawberry powder, or the same amount of dried goji berries instead.

If you’d prefer to go dairy-free or vegan with these, simply use dairy-free chocolate chips or make your own vegan chocolate.

Moulds to use for your treats

I used a rubber ice cube tray from this range but you can find silicone ice cube moulds online pretty much everywhere. I liked the cherry shape of the mould I used but other shapes can be fun as well.

The mould needs to be silicone, because the filling, although set, is a little soft so it won’t come out as easily out of a regular hard plastic mould. Or, you could just as easily use a small rectangular container to make your treats into bars.

homemade cherry ripe no added sugar

Store homemade cherry ripe bites in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. The chocolate will have a nice crunch as you bite into it.

Cherry Ripe Bites
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.94 from 15 votes

Homemade Cherry Ripe Bites with No Added Sugar

While homemade dry-roasted strawberry dust is used in this recipe, you can just as well substitute it store-bought powder or with equal amount of dried goji berries. You will need latex gloves to pit the cherries and a silicone ice cube tray to make these cherry ripe bites. Otherwise shape into a block and cut into bars or bites.
Servings: 18

Ingredients

  • 250 g fresh cherries
  • 2 tbsp dry-roasted strawberry powder* OR 2tbsp goji berries
  • 3/4 cup dessicated coconut
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 140 g dark chocolate melted

Instructions

To make the Dry-Roasted Strawberry Powder:

  • Preheat oven to 110C (90C fan-forced, 225F, gas mark 1/4).
  • Wash strawberries are remove stems.
  • Slice strawberries into 4mm thick slices and spread on a paper-lined baking tray.
  • Roast for 2-3 hours, until strawberries have dried out.
  • When dry, grind to a powder in a coffee grinder or blender.

To roast the Cherries:

  • Preheat oven to 160C (140C fan-forced, 325F, gas mark 3).
  • Cut cherries in half and remove pit.
  • Spread cherries, cut side up, on a paper-lined baking tray and roast for 20 minutes.

To make the Homemade Cherry Ripe Bites:

  • Place roasted cherries and strawberry powder in a 2 cup capacity jug. Blend using your stick blender until smooth.
  • Add dessicated coconut and melted coconut oil. Mix to combine.
  • Fill a silicone ice cube tray with the cherry berry mixture and place in the fridge for 1 hour to set.
  • Once set, remove from the mould.
  • Melt dark chocolate in a small bowl (in the microwave is fine, heating for 20 seconds at a time then mixing).
  • Dip cherry ripe bites in melted dark chocolate. Set aside on baking paper for the chocolate to set.

To store:

  • Keep Cherry Ripe Bites in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for upto 1 week.

Notes

Recipe at Wholesome Cook
Tried this recipe?Mention @wholesomecook or tag #wholesomecook

67 comments

Anne S August 20, 2012 at 10:58 am

5 stars
If this is not the cutest presentation of a cherry ripe then I don’t know what is! 5 ingredients too… AWESOME! Off to check out your Bounty recipe now.

Reply
Amanda August 20, 2012 at 11:21 am

Lordy, these look just amazing! And you say you have a Bounty recipe too?! Must find that one!

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook

The Real Person!

Author Martyna @ Wholesome Cook acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

August 20, 2012 at 11:28 am

Yup! Just click on the homemade Bounty balls link in the post :-)

Reply
Jennifer @ Delicieux August 20, 2012 at 11:22 am

5 stars
Wow, these look fantastic Martyna!!! I don’t think these would last long in our house :D

Reply
Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy August 20, 2012 at 11:47 am

Wow, these look delightful. What beautiful presentation and a great recipe. These I must try.

Reply
Kerry Anne August 20, 2012 at 12:15 pm

5 stars
Every time I open a Wholesome Cook email I am amazed at your creativity and ability to take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary. Cherry ripe bars are my favourite and now I know how to make them more wholesome. Thank you Wholesome Cook.

Reply
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef August 20, 2012 at 12:18 pm

5 stars
I’m in awe of anyone who can make chocolates that look this good. :)

Reply
Minxie August 20, 2012 at 12:20 pm

5 stars
I’m going to try the vegan version of these. Thanks for the inspiration and the link to the vegan chocolate recipe. It’s been a while since I was excited about a recipe makeover like this. Love.

Reply
Amy August 20, 2012 at 1:02 pm

this looks so yum!!

Reply
Anna August 20, 2012 at 2:15 pm

This is super cool Martyna! Something my girls would be excited to make! Love that you kept and stems and topped them on the cherry ripe. Really cute. xx

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook

The Real Person!

Author Martyna @ Wholesome Cook acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

August 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm

Hi Anna, the stems were actually more of an afterthought. I was just going to scatter them around for the photos. And then a light bulb went off in my head! Enjoy :-)

Reply
JJ @ 84thand3rd August 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm

Amazing, simply amazing. I have been thinking about how to make cherry ripe bars for ages and never would have come up with roasting cherries or making strawberry dust (far out it sounds divine!!!). Will have to try this!

Reply
Phuoc'n Delicious August 20, 2012 at 4:29 pm

WOW! This is amazing! Love that you actually roast the cherries and added an additional berry kick.

Reply
Anna @ The Littlest Anchovy August 20, 2012 at 4:58 pm

5 stars
Cherry Ripes are my partners favourite chocolate bar. I am totally making these for him for his birthday!! LOVE the strawberry dust too.

Reply
Raymund August 20, 2012 at 6:31 pm

5 stars
Wow! I am amazed, that looks so good. Its like the ones you can buy in gourmet chocolate shop.

Reply
Miss Kimbers @ Fruit Salad and Mixed Veg August 20, 2012 at 7:16 pm

This is so amazing!!!!!!

Reply
Amrita August 20, 2012 at 7:34 pm

I have a hard time choosing between Bounty bars and other candy! And although I’ve never tasted Cherry Ripe, I can tell just by your rendition of it, that I’d love them!

Reply
jas @ the gluten free scallywag August 20, 2012 at 8:34 pm

wow, love the strawberry powder, definitely giving that a go plus these little cherry ripe bites look gorgeous – cannot wait to bite into one :)

Reply
Angie@Angie's Recipes August 20, 2012 at 8:45 pm

These are totally awesome! I love your strawberry powder too.

Reply
Lynda - TasteFood August 21, 2012 at 3:11 am

These look positively scrumptious!

Reply
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed August 21, 2012 at 7:24 am

oh geese, these look INCREDIBLE! bravo, lady! Mum’s fav = cherry ripe :)
Heidi xo

Reply
Sugary Flower August 21, 2012 at 11:24 am

Oh YUM. I have got to make me some of these. I see a new addition to my Christmas cooking repertoire!

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook

The Real Person!

Author Martyna @ Wholesome Cook acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

August 21, 2012 at 11:26 am

A new treat for Santa? Or a pretty alternative to mini fruitcakes to give away as gifts :-) Good thinking Sugary Flower!

Reply
Nami | Just One Cookbook August 21, 2012 at 1:40 pm

5 stars
Martyna, oh my goodness these little bites are so beautiful! I’m really really impressed by them right now. It’s like from a fancy chocolate shop!

Reply
shez August 21, 2012 at 4:24 pm

Absolutely gorgeous styling Martyna and I love the little cherry stems sticking out from the newly enrobed cherry ripe bites. Delicious!

Reply
wykrywacz smaku August 21, 2012 at 7:21 pm

prezentują się po prostu rewelacyjnie, dziękujemy za świetne zdjęcie! :)

Reply
Peta August 21, 2012 at 7:42 pm

I’ve never made any thing like this but they look so good. Definitely want to have a go at them. Thanks for a great recipe

Reply
Justine Cox August 21, 2012 at 8:07 pm

5 stars
Absolutely love this idea M !!!!

Reply
Sara @bellyrumbles August 21, 2012 at 8:48 pm

They look fantastic, especially love the cherry stems sticking out. Lush chocolate work.

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook

The Real Person!

Author Martyna @ Wholesome Cook acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

August 21, 2012 at 9:01 pm

Thanks Sara :-) Who knew microwave could be my best friend for tempering chocolate. It seems to work every time!

Reply
Christina @ The Hungry Australian August 21, 2012 at 11:18 pm

These look incredible, Martyna. What a fantastic recipe!

Reply
Erin @ she cooks, she gardens August 22, 2012 at 9:10 pm

5 stars
Wonderful recipe, Martyna! I love the whole vibe of this dish and I must give these a go, they would make great gifts at Christmas.

Reply
Rachel August 23, 2012 at 1:39 am

I used to love the chocolate covered cherries at Christmas but haven’t eaten them the past few years because they aren’t as tempting now that I know what is in them! I’m going to have to make these instead! thanks for the recipe!

Reply
Amanda@Chew Town August 23, 2012 at 8:47 am

The question I am asking myself now is: will I have time to get to the supermarket after work so I can make these tonight!

Reply
Tina @ bitemeshowme August 23, 2012 at 8:58 am

These are absolutely amazing. I’d only imagine they’d taste exactly like a cherry ripe! Love it! :)

Reply
Leah August 23, 2012 at 1:44 pm

Cherry Ripes are my favorite! I too, love the coconut. Am definitely making these ASAP

Reply
Monica (@gastromony) August 23, 2012 at 2:13 pm

I always find Cherry Ripe so sweet and never finish an entire bar. Your bites look gorgeous and I can imagine them being the perfect amount of sweet :)

Reply
Chris August 23, 2012 at 11:35 pm

5 stars
Can you send me some over? I don’t know how CHerry Ripe bars taste, but those you’ve made look like … well … eh … like I would love to try them right away!

Reply
K-bobo @ Gormandize with A-dizzle & K-bobo August 24, 2012 at 11:25 am

These look absolutely delicious! I am definitely bookmarking this to try as soon as cherries come in season! Can’t wait – what a great idea!

Reply
Food and Tools August 24, 2012 at 5:48 pm

What a gorgeous recipe and I love how the cherry bites look! :)

Reply
Awanthi @ Sybaritic Pleasures August 25, 2012 at 7:43 pm

I don’t own a microwave; I’m quite anti-microwave cooking in general so I still temper the old-fashioned way. Ah, those look amazing. I also thought I commented on this before, but apparently I forgot to.

Reply
Justine August 26, 2012 at 3:15 pm

Just a fantastic idea, and good for you ! cherry ripe bars are my favourite thing of all !!!!

Reply
Little Pudding August 26, 2012 at 5:46 pm

Yum! These would be perfect as an after dinner-party chocolate. Going to try them next time I’m entertaining.

Reply
kitchenadventureswithlucy August 27, 2012 at 10:20 pm

Wow, so simple, yet I know these would taste amazing. Cannot wait to make these

Reply
Sam September 6, 2012 at 9:43 pm

I wish I could get a bite of these yummy looking strawberry and chocolate bites. your homemade cherry ripe bites looks fab like all bought from any store. This recipe you have shared is tooo good!!

Reply
Claire September 10, 2012 at 11:25 pm

This is unbelievable…..these can’t be home made. These look like GREAT!!!

Reply
Ledingham Party Supplies December 12, 2012 at 2:16 pm

really delicious and they look amazing.

Reply
Diana December 17, 2012 at 4:04 am

looks so delicious. by the way, where did you get your ice cube tray with that shape from?

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook

The Real Person!

Author Martyna @ Wholesome Cook acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

December 17, 2012 at 8:14 am

I got mine from IKEA but you can try any other kitchenware store – many make ice cube trays in different shapes. In fact I saw a very similar one the other day at some random shop. :-)

Reply
84th&3rd | Sour Cherry & Macadamia Cake, including 15 of my favourite cherry recipes! January 10, 2013 at 7:08 am

[…] credits: Spa Bettie | Wholesome Cook | Girl Cooks […]

Reply
Cherry crumble slice | harvest and yarn February 13, 2013 at 11:09 pm

[…] Homemade cherry ripe bites (Wholesome Cook) Cherry Garcia Ice cream (Girl Cooks World) […]

Reply
kristineduncanKristine February 16, 2013 at 5:53 am

What a fantastic recipe. I made them for my sweetie yesterday for a Valentine’s Day treat. I was lucky enough to find freeze dried strawberries at the store which worked perfectly for the powder and saved me a ton of time. And, I used frozen cherries…just roasted them a little longer. Love that they taste delicious with so few ingredients.

Reply
Pasticceria Papa Baked Ricotta Cheesecake | A Replica Recipe | Wholesome Cook March 10, 2013 at 9:19 pm

[…] I love reverse-engineering my favourite foods, I knew I had to make this cheesecake at […]

Reply
Cherry Loaf Cake – And A New Foodie Blog Hop! | The Writing Cook March 26, 2013 at 12:40 am

[…] my new foodie friend Martyna posted her recipe for delicious homemade cherry ripe bites which arrived promptly in my inbox. I read through it and wanted it instantly; although I’ve […]

Reply
Salmon Salad Sandwich with Avocado “Mayo” | Deciphering Cravings | Wholesome Cook May 6, 2013 at 12:52 pm

[…] – magnesium (try: raw fructose-free chocolate, no sugar cherry ripe bites or hot chocolate made with cacao or unsweetened cocoa and your choice of […]

Reply
Homemade Strawberry Quik Milk - Veg Girl RD December 18, 2013 at 7:42 am

[…] sparked by a small bowl of strawberry powder on the counter. I’d made a batch of Homemade Cherry Ripe Bites to take to a holiday party and had leftover pulverized freeze-dried strawberries. Seeing the pink […]

Reply
RECIPE: Homemade cherry bites with no added sugar | V I T A L I T Y August 29, 2014 at 12:33 pm

[…] To view the recipe + make these delicious + nutritious treats, visit wholesome-cook.com […]

Reply
Amelia October 7, 2014 at 5:36 pm

Wow!!! These look amazing!! Am definitely trying this!!!

Reply
Raw Cherry Ripe Slice {Gluten Free, Paleo, Vegan} | Frankie's Feast January 5, 2015 at 1:15 am

[…] also saw a recipe on the Wholesome Cook for home made Cherry Ripe Bites where Martyna made her own strawberry powder for the recipe. I had strawberries overflowing from […]

Reply
Raw Cherry Ripe Slice {Gluten Free, Paleo, Vegan} January 25, 2015 at 10:07 am

[…] also saw a recipe on the Wholesome Cook for home made Cherry Ripe Bites where Martyna made her own strawberry powder for the recipe. I had strawberries overflowing from […]

Reply
Cherry Loaf Cake – And A New Foodie Blog Hop! | Writing In The Kitchen September 4, 2015 at 10:35 pm

[…] my new foodie friend Martyna posted her recipe for delicious homemade cherry ripe bites which arrived promptly in my inbox. I read through it and wanted it instantly; although I’ve […]

Reply
Carol Abnett January 27, 2017 at 9:24 am

Hi Martyna,
These look so delicious, could you use frozen cherries when fresh are out of season?

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook

The Real Person!

Author Martyna @ Wholesome Cook acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

February 4, 2017 at 8:42 pm

Yes you can, just strain them once defrosted.

Reply
Top 25 Anti-Cancer Foods To Eat Daily (With Recipes) March 16, 2017 at 9:51 am

[…] cherries fresh, or in cherry pie, cherry ripe bites or cherry ice […]

Reply
7 Delicious Things To Do With Cherries - Survival Mom September 12, 2017 at 2:43 am

[…] Get full instructions and more details here. […]

Reply
Sammy August 18, 2022 at 6:35 am

How many strawberries to make the dust?

Thanks

Reply

Leave a Comment