If there’s one guilty pleasure all moms enjoy, it’s chocolate! Thankfully there’s a way to justify indulging a little because chocolate (like wine) has some fantastic health benefits. The key is to choose quality chocolate from the right sources … or make your own homemade chocolate recipe.
It’s quick and easy and you have total control over the ingredients (and maybe even get to lick the spoon!). This recipe takes just a few ingredients. Melt over the stove, pour into molds, and … there you have it! The best chocolate that’s also healthy.
Why a Homemade Chocolate Recipe is the Best
It turns out that there are biological reasons why women crave chocolate. It may be for the magnesium boost (yes, chocolate contains magnesium). Or it could be for the feel-good serotonin and dopamine release that helps mood and sleep.
All chocolate is not created equal and most store-bought chocolate brands contain a lot more than cocoa powder. High fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, soy lecithin, artificial flavoring, and carrageenan make the list of objectionable ingredients in many commercial brands.
Then there’s the sugar content, which is a problem … just 1/3 of a Cadbury chocolate bar has 22 grams of sugar. That’s not to mention white chocolate which is made with milk powder, cacao butter, and lots and lots of sugar.
Thankfully more brands are making healthy chocolate options with less sugar and quality ingredients. One of my favorites is Spring and Mulberry. It’s sweetened only with dates (no refined sugars!) and they have delicious flavors like lavender rose, pear and ginger, and mixed berry.
Making your own is cheaper though, and you can easily control the ingredients.
You can stock up on the few ingredients needed to make chocolate (as well as a few silicone candy molds to make fun shapes). It’s a delicious way to whip up a batch of healthy chocolate!
How to Make Chocolate at Home
In search of a GAPS friendly (and gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.) healthy chocolate, I realized I wanted to make my own. This homemade version is smooth and delicious. You can avoid the artificial ingredients when you make your own chocolate from scratch.
Some recipes just involve melting semisweet chocolate chips, but then you’ll still need to search for a healthy chocolate to start with. Instead, I opted for unsweetened cocoa powder as the base.
If it’s your first time making chocolate, here’s how to do it step by step.
Making chocolate at home involves melting cocoa butter, cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla on the stove. I use a double boiler (or heat-safe bowl set over a pan with water). Next, you’ll pour the chocolate recipe into molds for it to set.
Choosing a Shape
I used these silicone heart molds to make fun bite-size chocolates (great gift idea!). This mini loaf pan is great for bar sizes. You can even find silicone molds in a chocolate bar shape if you want to be really authentic!
I’m gifting little jars of homemade heart chocolates for Easter this year. They’re great for Christmas, St. Nicholas Day, and other holiday gifts too! You can easily find silicone molds that match any holiday theme (or just make bars).
Different Flavor Options For Homemade Chocolate
Our family prefers the taste of dark chocolate over milk chocolate so the chocolate recipe isn’t overly sweet. If you prefer a bittersweet bar then reduce the honey to 1/4 cup for a more intense chocolate flavor. It’s easy to add a variety of different flavors and mix-ins to create a specialty taste.
Here are some flavor options to try!
- Mix in dried fruit
- Add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mix for a sweet and salty taste
- Add chopped-up marshmallows to the molds before pouring the chocolate in
- Try some healthy trail mix sprinkled on top
- Add coconut flakes or chopped nuts
- Use herbs like lavender or rose petals
- Flavor it with peppermint, orange, lemon, almond, or vanilla extract
- Add a teaspoon of brewed espresso for a mocha bar
Healthy Homemade Chocolate Recipe
A simple and delicious homemade chocolate that’s GAPS, paleo, and kid-approved! Customize the recipe to make your favorite flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Cooling Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Calories 529kcal
Author Katie Wells
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Servings
5 bars
Equipment
Silicone chocolate bar mold (or other mold of choice)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cocoa butter about 96 wafers
- 1 cup cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
- ½ cup raw honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, or other flavors to taste)
Instructions
In a double boiler on the stovetop, melt the cocoa butter over medium-low heat. You can also use a glass bowl on top of a small pan with a few inches of water in the bottom. Be sure the boiling water doesn’t get into the bowl!
Once the cocoa butter is melted, remove from heat and add cocoa powder, vanilla, and other flavor extracts.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly. When it’s the same thickness as the honey you’re using, stir in the honey. If using a solid raw honey, melt with the cocoa butter.
Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth. Be careful not to get any water or moisture in the chocolate recipe or it will get grainy!
Pour the chocolate into silicone molds or a glass pan to harden. You can also pour it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Let chocolate harden for several hours at room temperature until firm and remove from the molds. You can also stick it in the refrigerator to harden more quickly.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Homemade Chocolate Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 529Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 27g169%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Monounsaturated Fat 15.4g
Sodium 5mg0%
Potassium 280mg8%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 28g31%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 24mg2%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notes
- These chocolates will stay fresh for over a week at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer. They can also be frozen.
- The nutrition data is for 1 chocolate bar but will depend on the size mold you use and how much of the bar you eat.
Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!
More Chocolate Recipe Tips
You can use coconut oil instead of cocoa butter. This makes a really healthy chocolate, but it won’t be as thick or creamy (but it’s still very good!). If you use coconut oil, I recommend hardening and storing them in the fridge. This is one easy way to add coconut oil and magnesium to your daily diet!
I’ve melted the mixture in a small pan on very low heat and haven’t had a problem, but it’s not as reliable as the double boiler method.
Looking for More Homemade Chocolate Recipes? Try:
- Simple Homemade Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs (Keto Friendly)
- Nutella Recipe: How to Make Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- Fudge Avocado Brownies
- Healthy Hot Cocoa Recipe
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
Have you ever made chocolate at home? What are your favorite flavors? Share below!
