Pin it Dessert chips with fruit salsa are my go to when I want something playful yet sophisticated to end a meal or brighten up a party tray. The combination of crisp homemade chocolate chips with a bright juicy salsa brings sweet and refreshing flavors together. Each bite is lively and just a little bit unexpected perfect for sharing with friends or treating the family.
When I first made these for game night they disappeared before I knew it. Now I keep the tortillas and a bowl of chopped fruit on hand so we can whip up a batch any time a craving strikes.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: Eight inch rounds are best for even chips Look for soft yet sturdy tortillas for crunch
- Unsalted butter: This helps brown and crisp the chips Choose high quality butter for the richest flavor
- Granulated sugar: Makes chips sweet and caramelizes for a crisp finish Use a fine white sugar so it melts evenly
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a chocolaty depth Dutch process is great if you want extra richness
- Ground cinnamon: Optional but brings warmth to the chips Try to use fresh cinnamon for a noticeable kick
- A pinch of salt: A must for balancing sweetness and highlighting chocolate
- Fresh strawberries: Bring bright color and tartness Choose berries that smell fragrant and look deep red
- Kiwi: Offers a pop of tanginess and vibrant green Go for fruit just firm enough to dice neatly
- Pineapple: Juicy and tropical for a perfect salsa bite Use ripe pineapple with a golden color for sweetness
- Mango: Adds floral sweetness Look for mangoes that give slightly when pressed
- Apple: Adds crunch and a hint of acidity Pick a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens the fruit salsa Fresh squeezed is worth it every time
- Honey or maple syrup: Gently sweetens the salsa I use honey for a floral note but maple works too
- Fresh mint: Brings refreshing aroma and color This is a treat when you have fresh mint in the garden
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy
- Mix the Chocolate Coating:
- In a small bowl stir together the sugar cocoa powder cinnamon if using and a pinch of salt Use a fork to break up any cocoa clumps for an even sprinkle
- Coat the Tortillas:
- Lay your tortillas out and use a pastry brush to cover both sides with melted butter Brush all the way to the edges so the chips get uniformly crisp and flavorful Sprinkle the cocoa sugar mix across both sides pressing gently so it adheres
- Cut and Arrange the Chips:
- Stack the tortillas then cut them into even wedges I aim for eight per tortilla Lay them flat in a single layer on your lined baking sheet Try not to overlap so every chip gets crisp
- Bake the Chips:
- Bake in the center of the oven for eight to ten minutes Flip each chip halfway through so both sides brown evenly When they feel crispy to the touch take them out to cool These harden as they cool so do not wait for max crunch in the oven
- Make the Fruit Salsa:
- In a medium mixing bowl combine diced strawberries kiwi pineapple mango and apple Drizzle over the lime juice and honey or maple syrup Toss everything gently Add chopped fresh mint for a little extra brightness if you like
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the chocolate chips on a platter with the fruit salsa on the side Let everyone dip or pile fruit onto chips right before eating for best texture
Pin it Strawberries have always been my favorite ingredient here because they bring bold color and flavor to the salsa Plus my daughter loves sneaking the leftover fruit with her breakfast the next morning These dessert chips became a birthday party tradition after the first try and now the whole family asks for them
Storage Tips
Let chips cool completely before storing Tight lidded containers keep them crisp for up to three days Store salsa separately in the fridge and use within twenty four hours for best freshness If the chips start to lose crispness toss them back in a warm oven for a couple minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap gluten free tortillas if you need to avoid wheat Plant based butter works well for dairy free Prep the salsa with any juicy fresh fruit you have Like peaches nectarines or even blueberries in summer apples and pears in fall For sweeteners maple syrup is great if you are out of honey
Serving Suggestions
Pile fruit salsa directly onto chips just before eating for a pretty canapé style bite These are excellent as part of a dessert board with chocolate sauce whipped cream or vanilla yogurt Try sprinkling finely chopped dark chocolate or toasted coconut over the chips for extra texture
Cultural and Historical Context
Fruit salsas have roots in Latin American cooking where fruit and spice blend for fresh toppings The dessert chip idea puts a playful twist on classic cinnamon chips often served with fruit dip This mashup feels both familiar and new to anyone who tries it
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch to berries and peaches for a summer party Use pears cranberries and pomegranate in winter for festive color Add a pinch of chili powder to the cocoa blend for a subtle kick
Success Stories
Kids love mixing their own salsa and building treats Adults reach for seconds every time Dessert chips and fruit salsa have become my easy go to for last minute invitations to picnics barbecues and birthday celebrations
Freezer Meal Conversion
Chips freeze surprisingly well in an airtight container Thaw at room temperature then re crisp in the oven if needed Do not freeze the salsa as the fruit will go watery Instead prep the fruit the day you plan to serve
Pin it Enjoy these dessert chips and fruit salsa fresh for best texture and flavor They are a fun way to bring color and excitement to your dessert table
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get chips extra crispy?
Use a pastry brush for even butter application and bake chips in a single layer, flipping halfway through.
- → What fruits work best in salsa?
Strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, mango, and apple offer bright color and flavor, but swap in seasonal fruits for variety.
- → Can I make the chips ahead?
Yes, bake chips in advance and store in an airtight container to maintain crispness until serving.
- → Is there a dairy-free version?
Use plant-based butter to make the chips dairy-free; ingredients are otherwise naturally free of dairy.
- → How do I serve the chips and salsa?
Arrange chips on a platter with fruit salsa in a bowl for dipping, great for family style or parties.