Vegan Chocolate Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cocoa butter (use a good quality, vegan cocoa butter)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder for a raw option)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup (or adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for flavor)
  • 1-2 tbsp almond milk or any plant-based milk (to adjust consistency)
  • Optional add-ins: chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.), dried fruit (raisins, cranberries), or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick!

Instructions:

  1. Melt the Cocoa Butter:
    • Place the cocoa butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt it gently using a double boiler (place the bowl over a pot of simmering water) or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring in between, until fully melted.
  2. Mix in the Cocoa Powder:
    • Once the cocoa butter is melted, whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. You should have a rich, chocolatey base.
  3. Sweeten the Chocolate:
    • Stir in the maple syrup or agave syrup for sweetness, followed by the vanilla extract. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired for that extra depth of flavor.
  4. Adjust the Consistency:
    • If you prefer a creamier texture, add a tablespoon or two of plant-based milk to the mixture. This will help smooth it out and give it a silkier consistency.
  5. Add Optional Add-ins:
    • If you’re adding nuts, dried fruit, or spices, mix them in at this stage, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the chocolate.
  6. Set the Chocolate:
    • Pour the chocolate mixture into a mold or a lined baking pan. Spread it out evenly. You can also use ice cube trays for fun, bite-sized pieces.
    • Place the chocolate in the refrigerator or freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until it’s fully set.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once the chocolate is firm, break or cut it into pieces and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Storage: Store your homemade vegan chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep it from melting. It will last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level to your liking. If you prefer darker chocolate, you can reduce the amount of sweetener.
  • Flavors: For a fun twist, try adding orange zest, matcha powder, or a hint of cinnamon for unique flavors.
  • Molds: You can use any silicone mold, or even just a parchment-lined tray for larger chocolate slabs.

This homemade Vegan Chocolate is a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can feel good about enjoying a dairy-free, plant-based dessert!