Looking for a show-stopping fruit dessert that's as fun to make as it is to eat? These waffle-cut kiwi "fries" with chocolate dipping sauce and cacao nibs take an ordinary kiwi and transform it into something extraordinary! This playful treat features crisp, waffle-cut kiwi slices dipped in melted chocolate and sprinkled with crunchy cacao nibs for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
If you love easy fruit-based recipes, you might also enjoy my Easy Chocolate Dipped Watermelon Bites that bring the same chocolate-dipped fruit magic to juicy watermelon slices.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This kiwi and chocolate dessert is perfect for so many reasons:
- Quick and simple - Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Naturally gluten-free - No special ingredients needed
- Kid-friendly kitchen project - Fun for little helpers to assist with
- Visually stunning - The bright green kiwi against dark chocolate creates an Instagram-worthy presentation
- Nutritious treat - Kiwi is packed with vitamin C and fiber while cacao nibs offer antioxidants
Craving more easy, nutritious treats? Try my 3-Ingredient Strawberry Frozen Yogurt for another simple way to transform fruit into something special.
Equipment
- Waffle cutter or crinkle cutter - Creates the distinctive zigzag pattern that gives these "fries" their fun appearance
- Microwave-safe bowl - For melting the chocolate quickly and easily
- Parchment-lined baking tray - Prevents the chocolate-dipped kiwi from sticking while it sets
- Paper towels - Essential for patting the kiwi dry, which helps the chocolate adhere better
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm kiwis, peeled
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips (or chopped milk chocolate)
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut oil for thinning the chocolate
How to Make Waffle-Cut Kiwi Fries
Preparing the Kiwi
- Peel your kiwis carefully, ensuring you remove all the fuzzy skin.
- Using your waffle cutter or crinkle cutter, slice the peeled kiwis into "fries" about ¼ inch thick.
- Gently pat the kiwi slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is crucial for helping the chocolate stick properly.
Melting the Chocolate
- Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
- If the chocolate seems too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it slightly for easier dipping.
Assembling the Fries
- One by one, dip one end of each kiwi fry into the melted chocolate, covering approximately one-third of the slice.
- Immediately sprinkle the chocolate-dipped portion with cacao nibs while the chocolate is still wet.
- Place each dipped kiwi fry onto your parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Looking for a heartier recipe after enjoying these sweet treats? My Gluten-Free Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe makes a perfect nutritious meal packed with wholesome ingredients.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Choose the right kiwi - Select kiwis that are ripe but still firm. Too soft and they'll fall apart; too hard and they won't have the best flavor.
- Try golden kiwi - For a sweeter, less tangy variation, golden kiwis work beautifully in this recipe.
- Chocolate options - While milk chocolate pairs perfectly with kiwi's tanginess, dark chocolate or white chocolate can create interesting flavor variations.
- Make ahead - These are best enjoyed immediately, but can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Double dip - For extra decadence, let the first chocolate layer set, then dip again for a thicker chocolate coating.
Storage Tips
These waffle-cut kiwi fries are best enjoyed the same day they're made. The moisture in the kiwi will eventually cause the chocolate to soften if stored too long. If you do need to store them, keep them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Need a warming meal after enjoying this cool dessert? My White Bean and Bacon Soup is comfort food at its finest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While the waffle cut creates the fun "fry" appearance, you can simply slice the kiwi into rounds or sticks and still enjoy the delicious flavor combination.
Cacao nibs have a slightly bitter, chocolatey flavor. If you prefer something sweeter, substitute mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
This recipe works best with fresh kiwi. Frozen kiwi becomes too soft when thawed and won't hold up to dipping.
A perfectly ripe kiwi will yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe avocado. It should feel neither rock hard nor mushy.
Absolutely! Simply substitute dairy-free chocolate chips for the milk chocolate.
Waffle-Cut Kiwi Fries with Chocolate & Cacao Nibs
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm kiwis peeled
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut oil for thinning the chocolate
Instructions
- Slice the Kiwis: Use a waffle cutter or crinkle cutter to slice the peeled kiwis into "fries." Pat dry gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. If needed, stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil to thin it slightly.
- Dip the Kiwi Fries: Dip one end of each kiwi fry into the melted chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with cacao nibs.
- Set: Place the dipped kiwi fries on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate sets.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, or keep chilled until ready to serve. These are best eaten the same day!
Notes
Choose kiwis that are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
For a sweeter variation, try using golden kiwis instead of green.
