Description
This recipe for Homemade Chocolate Bars offers a simple and customizable way to create delicious, creamy chocolate at home. Made with cocoa butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and your choice of sweetener, these chocolate bars can be tailored with optional add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or sea salt. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a cleaner, homemade treat without preservatives or artificial ingredients.
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 the Cocoa Butter: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, gently melt the chopped cocoa butter while stirring continuously until it becomes smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the melted cocoa butter from the heat. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Pour into Molds: Pour the smooth chocolate mixture into silicone chocolate bar molds or a parchment-lined baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent thickness.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle your choice of optional add-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, or a light dusting of sea salt onto the surface. Gently press them into the chocolate to help them adhere.
- Chill to Set: Place the molds or baking dish into the refrigerator and let the chocolate bars chill for 1-2 hours, or until they are completely firm and set.
- Unmold or Slice: Once set, carefully pop the chocolate bars out of the silicone molds. If you used a baking dish, slice the chocolate into bars of your preferred size.
- Store Properly: Store the homemade chocolate bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a softer texture or refrigerated for a firmer bite.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa butter and cocoa powder for the best flavor and texture.
- Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener instead of powdered sugar for a vegan option.
- If you don’t have silicone molds, a parchment-lined baking dish works well for shaping.
- Adjust sweetness according to your preference by increasing or decreasing powdered sugar or maple syrup.
- Store bars in a cool, dry place to prevent melting and preserve freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chili flakes or espresso powder for unique flavor twists.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International