Description
Make your own rich and creamy homemade chocolate bars with just a few natural ingredients. This simple recipe uses cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and a touch of sweetness to create smooth, customizable chocolate bars. Add nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for a healthy treat or gift!
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base
- 1 cup cocoa butter, chopped
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder for raw chocolate)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped nuts
- Dried fruit
- Shredded coconut
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Melt Cocoa Butter: In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chopped cocoa butter while stirring until smooth and fully liquid.
- Mix Ingredients: Remove the bowl from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth with no lumps.
- Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the chocolate mixture into silicone chocolate bar molds or a parchment-lined baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle any desired add-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or sea salt on top, pressing them gently into the chocolate for better adhesion.
- Chill to Set: Place the molds or baking dish into the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until the chocolate bars are completely firm and set.
- Remove and Serve: Once set, carefully pop the chocolate bars out of the silicone molds or slice the chocolate if set in a baking dish into bars of your preferred size.
- Storage: Store the chocolate bars in an airtight container at room temperature for softer texture or refrigerate for a firmer bite. Consume within 2 weeks for best freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup if you prefer a natural liquid sweetener instead of powdered sugar, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder or raw cacao powder for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Be careful not to overheat the cocoa butter; keep the water at a gentle simmer to avoid scorching.
- Customize your bars with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or sprinkles for variety.
- Store bars in a cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent melting or blooming.
