Best Raw Chocolate Recipe
For Valentine's day I am posting my favourite and essential raw chocolate recipe. It is often made weekly in our house and in the days when my daughter was younger it was even breakfast on some days (not that I'm suggesting that but when you don't always have time to eat, it is better than nothing and even has some wonderful health benefits!). If you are craving chocolate it is wonderful option as it is loaded with healthy fats, polyphenols (antioxidants ), several minerals including magnesium and free of refined sugar. If you need any additional reason to enjoy good quality chocolate check out some of the health benefits below:
Health Benefits of Raw Cocoa
- Contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and manganese.
- Contains healthy saturated fats which have been associated with lowering LDL (cholesterol)
- Improved blood circulation and cardiovascular health
- Eating chocolate during pregnancy may even benefit fetal growth and development and lower blood pressure
Best Raw Chocolate Recipe
Author: Stephanie || Prep time: 10 mins || Total time: 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cocoa butter
- 1/2 raw cocoa powder
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup (You can alter depending on the sweetness preferred. You can even completely omit if you like a really dark tasting chocolate as the nut butter does add a natural sweetness.)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of almond butter or we often use sunflower seed butter
- 1 tsp. pure organic vanilla extract or 1/8 tsp. vanilla powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped raisins or cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped raw walnuts or almonds (optional)
- sprinkle of sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Line a small container (depends on the thickness your looking for) I use 4x6 usually and line it with parchment paper.
- Slowly melt coconut oil, cocoa butter, and nut butter using the double boil method on low heat, stirring occasionally (You don't want to cook at a high temperature or the ingredients won't incorporate properly).
- Once melted add the rest of the ingredients and stir until smooth and fully mixed.
- Pour into container and let set in the freezer for 15-30 minutes.
- Take out for five minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
- Make sure to store in the freezer or fridge as it will melt if left at room temperature for too long.
Notes
The addition if the dried fruit and nuts are completely optional. You can use the rest of the recipe on its own for a great basic raw chocolate or feel free to add whatever you would like!