If there's one guilty pleasure that all moms enjoy, it's chocolate! Fortunately, there is a way to justify the indulgence 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 complete control over the ingredients (and maybe even lick the spoon!). This recipe only requires a few ingredients. Melt on the stove, pour into molds and… there you have it! The best chocolate that is also healthy.
Why a homemade chocolate recipe is the best
It turns out there are biological reasons why women crave chocolate. It could be for the magnesium boost (yes, chocolate contains magnesium). Or it could be for the release of serotonin and dopamine which helps with mood and sleep.
All chocolate is not created equal, and most brands of store-bought chocolate contain much more than cocoa powder. High fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, I am lecithinartificial flavoring and carrageenan make the list of unpleasant ingredients in many commercial brands.
Then there's the sugar content, which is a problem…just 1/3 of a Cadbury bar has 22 grams of sugar. This is not to mention the white chocolate which is made with milk powder, cocoa 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 Cranberries. Sweetened only with dates (no refined sugars!) and they have delicious flavors like lavender rose, pear and ginger and mixed berry.
However, making your own is cheaper and you can easily control the ingredients.
You can stock up on a few ingredients needed to make chocolate (as well as some silicone candy molds to make fun shapes). It's a delicious way to make a healthy batch of chocolate!
How to make chocolate at home
Looking for one Friendly GAPS (and gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.) healthy chocolate, I knew I wanted to make my own. This homemade version is soft and delicious. You can avoid artificial ingredients when you make your own chocolate from scratch.
Some recipes simply involve melting semi-sweet chocolate chips, but then you'll need to look for a healthy chocolate to start with. Instead, I chose unsweetened cocoa powder as a base.
If this is 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 of water). Next, you will pour the chocolate recipe into molds to harden.
Choosing a form
I used these silicone heart molds to make fun bite sized chocolates (great gift idea!). it mini loaf pan it's great for bar sizes. You can also find silicone molds in a chocolate shape if you want to be really authentic!
I'm giving away little jars of homemade heart chocolates for Easter this year. They are great for Christmas, St. Nicholas Day, and other holiday gifts! 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 is not too sweet. If you prefer a bitter herb, 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 mixes to create a specialty flavor.
Here are some flavor options to try!
- Mix with dried fruit
- Add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture for a sweet and salty taste
- Add chopped marshmallows into the molds before pouring the chocolate
- Try some healthy trail mix sprinkled on top
- Add coconut flakes or chopped nuts
- Use herbs like lavender or rose petals
- Flavor them with mint, orange, lemon, almond or vanilla extract
- Add a teaspoon boiled espresso for a mocha bar
Healthy homemade chocolate recipe
A simple and delicious homemade chocolate bar that is GAPS, paleo and kid approved! Customize the recipe to make your favorite flavor.
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In a double boiler on the stove, melt the cocoa butter over medium-low heat. You can also use a glass bowl over a small pan with a few inches of water in the bottom. Make sure the boiling water does not get into the bowl!
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Once the cocoa butter has melted, remove from heat and add cocoa powder, vanilla and other flavoring extracts.
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Allow the mixture to cool slightly. When it is the same thickness as the honey you are using, stir in the honey. If using a solid raw honey, melt it with the cocoa butter.
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Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth. Be careful not to get water or moisture into the chocolate recipe or it will become grainy!
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Pour the chocolate into silicone molds or a glass pan to harden. You can also throw it on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
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Let the chocolate harden for a few hours at room temperature until hard and remove from the molds. You can also put it in the refrigerator to harden faster.
Nutrition facts
Healthy homemade chocolate recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 529
Calories from fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2 g3%
Saturated fat 27 g169%
Unsaturated fat 1.4 g
Monounsaturated fat 15.4 g
Sodium 5 mg0%
potassium 280 mg8%
Carbohydrates 38 g13%
Fiber 6 g25%
Sugar 28 gr31%
Protein 3 g6%
Vitamin C 0.2 mg0%
Calcium 24 mg2%
Iron 3 mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- These chocolates will stay fresh for over a week at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer. They can also be raised.
- The nutrition information is for 1 bar of chocolate, but will depend on the size of the mold you use and the amount of grass you eat.
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 still very good!). If you use coconut oil, I recommend you harden them and store them in the fridge. This is an easy way to add coconut oil and magnesium to your daily diet!
I've melted the mixture in a small pan over very low heat and had no 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 are your favorite flavors? Share below!
