If there’s one guilty pleasure that all moms love, it’s chocolate! Thankfully, there’s a way to justify a little chocolate indulgence, as chocolate (like wine) has some fantastic health benefits. The key is to choose quality chocolate from the right source…or make your own homemade chocolate recipe.
It’s quick and easy, and you have complete control over the ingredients (you might even be able to lick the spoon!). This recipe only requires a few ingredients. Melt on the stove, pour into molds, and… you’re done! The best chocolate is also healthy.
Why Homemade Chocolate Recipes Are the Best
It turns out there’s a biological reason why women crave chocolate. This is probably to replenish magnesium (yes, chocolate contains magnesium). Or maybe it’s for the feel-good release of serotonin and dopamine, which aids mood and sleep.
Not all chocolate is created equal, and most store-bought chocolate brands contain more than just cocoa powder. High fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, soy lecithin, artificial flavors and carrageenan are all listed as objectionable ingredients in many commercial brands.
Then there’s the sugar content, which is an issue… only 1/3 of the Cadbury chocolate bar contains 22 grams of sugar. Not to mention white chocolate, which is made from milk powder, cocoa butter, and lots of sugar.
Thankfully, more and more brands are making healthy chocolate options using less sugar and quality ingredients. One of my favorites is Spring and Mulberries. It’s sweetened only with dates (no refined sugar!) and comes in delicious flavors like Lavender Rose, Pear & Ginger, and Mixed Berry.
It’s cheaper to make your own and you can easily control the ingredients.
You can stock up on a few of the ingredients you need to make chocolate (and some silicone candy molds for making fun shapes). Here’s a delicious way to make a healthy batch of chocolate!
How to make chocolate at home
While looking for healthy chocolate that was GAPS friendly (and gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.), I realized I wanted to make my own. This homemade version is smooth and delicious. When you make your own chocolate from scratch, you avoid artificial ingredients.
Some recipes just involve melting semisweet chocolate chips, but you still need to find healthy chocolate to start with. Instead, I chose unsweetened cocoa powder as the base.
If this is your first time making chocolate, follow these steps.
Making chocolate at home requires melting cocoa butter, cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract on the stove. I use a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl of water over a saucepan). Next, you will pour the chocolate recipe into the mold to allow it to set.
Select shape
I used these silicone heart molds to create fun bite-sized chocolates (great gift idea!). This mini loaf pan is perfect for bar size. If you want to get really authentic, you can even find silicone molds in the shape of chocolate bars!
This Easter I will be giving away small jars of homemade heart-shaped chocolates. They’re also perfect for Christmas, St. Nicholas’ Day, and other holiday gifts! You can easily find silicone molds to suit any holiday theme (or just making bars).
Choice of different flavors of homemade chocolate
Our family prefers the taste of dark chocolate to milk chocolate, so the chocolate recipe isn’t too sweet. If you like your bars bittersweet, reduce the honey to 1/4 cup for a richer chocolate flavor. It’s easy to add a variety of flavors and blends to create specialty flavors.
Here are some flavor options to try!
- Add dry fruits and mix well
- Add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture for a sweet and salty flavor
- Place the chopped marshmallows into the mold and pour the chocolate
- Try topping it with some healthy trail mix
- Add coconut flakes or chopped nuts
- Use herbs like lavender or rose petals
- Flavor with mint, orange, lemon, almond or vanilla extract
- Add a teaspoon of brewed espresso for a mocha bar
Healthy Homemade Chocolate Recipes
An easy and delicious homemade chocolate recipe that’s GAPS, Paleo, and kid-approved! Customize recipes to create your favorite flavors.
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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 saucepan with a few inches of water in the bottom. Make sure boiling water doesn’t get into the bowl!
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Once the cocoa butter has melted, remove from the heat and add the cocoa powder, vanilla and other flavor extracts.
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Let the mixture cool slightly. When it’s the same thickness as the honey you used, add the honey and stir. If using solid raw honey, melt it with the cocoa butter.
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Make sure all ingredients are well mixed and smooth. Be careful not to get any water or moisture in the chocolate recipe or it will become grainy!
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Pour the chocolate into a silicone mold or glass dish and allow to harden. You can also pour it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Let the chocolate harden at room temperature for a few hours until firm and removed from the mold. You can also place it in the refrigerator to harden faster.
nutrient content
Healthy Homemade Chocolate Recipes
Serving size (1 serving)
Calories Chapter 529
Calories in Fat 18
% Daily Value*
fat 2 grams3%
Saturated fat 27 grams169%
Polyunsaturated fat 1.4g
Monounsaturated fat 15.4g
sodium 5 mg0%
Potassium 280 mg8%
carbohydrate 38 grams13%
6 grams of fiber25%
28 grams of sugar31%
protein 3 grams6%
Vitamin C 0.2 mg0%
calcium 24 mg2%
iron 3 mg17%
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- These chocolates stay fresh for over a week at room temperature and even longer in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen.
- Nutritional data is for 1 bar but depends on the size of the mold you use and how many bars you eat.
More Chocolate Recipe Tips
You can use coconut oil instead of cocoa butter. It’s a very healthy chocolate, but it won’t be as thick or creamy (but it’s still really good!). If you use coconut oil, I recommend hardening it and storing it in the refrigerator. Here’s an easy way to add coconut oil and magnesium to your daily diet!
I’ve melted the mixture in a small saucepan over very low heat without any problems, but it’s not as reliable as the double boiler method.
Looking for more homemade chocolate recipes? try:
Have you ever made chocolate at home? What’s your favorite flavor? Share it below!