Are you a vegan baker, a healthy chocolate lover, or a person on a keto diet? If yes, you already know how difficult it is to get a chocolate snack that satisfies your needs. One bowl, healthy, vegan, sugar-free, flavour-packed, and so damn easy. The good news? Yes, you can whip up your homemade vegan, sugar-free chocolate in the comfort of your kitchen! All you need is a handful of ingredients.
Jump to RecipeWhy I Love Vegan Chocolate
Vegan chocolate is not dairy-free chocolate. A tasty mini bite showcasing cacao’s rich flavour with no trade-offs. Combine this with natural sweeteners and plant-based ingredients. Then, anyone can enjoy chocolate without guilt. And, of course, it beats the store-bought types; it is much more satisfying to make and way cheaper.
Make your chocolates! You can personalize them. Whether they are dark bars, creamy truffles, or crunchy bark doesn’t matter. We have the recipe here to get you started.
Difference Between Vegan and Regular Chocolate
Unlike regular chocolate, vegan chocolate skips the milk powder and animal products. Instead, it incorporates something like coconut, almond, or cashew cream. These subversions replicate the silky, creamy mouthfeel we adore. They make vegan-friendly chocolate, which is safe for those with dietary restrictions and can give a more robust flavour.
Vegan chocolate usually has no refined sugar, making it an excellent choice for reducing sugar or unwanted ingredients. A few brands want to be sustainable, so they use ethical practices and sustainable methods to source their cacao.
Comparing Homemade and Store-Bought Vegan Chocolate
Health Benefits of Homemade Chocolate
You control it all by picking the best ingredients and the sweetness level. There is no refined sugar or artificial ingredients. Coconut sugar and monk fruit are natural choices for better blood sugar control.
Cost-Effectiveness and Customization
Store-bought vegan chocolate can be pricey. Making your own is cheaper. Plus, you can try out flavours like orange zest or cinnamon.
Vegan Sugar-Free Chocolate
Course: DessertCuisine: Healthy, Vegan6
servings30
minutes120
kcal30
minutesIndulge guilt-free with this rich and creamy Vegan Sugar-Free Chocolate! Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients and naturally sweetened, this decadent treat is perfect for health-conscious chocolate lovers. Easy to customize with your favorite flavors—enjoy a delicious, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free delight in just minutes!
Ingredients
½ cup cacao butter
¼ cup cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
2-4 tbsp monk fruit or stevia sweetener to taste
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt
Instrctions
- Melt the cocoa powder in a double boiler over a water bath.
- Melt the cocoa powder in a double boiler over a water bath.
- Whisk in cacao powder, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into moulds or onto parchment paper. Add toppings if desired.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until set.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Please remember that this chocolate starts to melt at room temperature. To keep it solid, store it in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cacao butter
- ¼ cup cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 2-4 tbsp monk fruit or stevia sweetener to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Melt the cocoa powder in a double boiler over a water bath.
- Whisk in cacao powder, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into moulds or onto parchment paper. Add toppings if desired.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until set.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~120
- Fats: ~10g
- Net carbs: ~2g
Add-Ons & Customizations
Flavoring Options
- Vanilla extract
- Mint extract
- Orange or almond extract
Add Some Crunch
- Chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts)
- Seeds (chia or pumpkin)
- Dried fruits (cranberries or apricots)
Create Fun Shapes
Using silicone chocolate moulds can enhance the look and taste of your treats. You can create everything from dark chocolate truffles to bars and chips.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Chocolate Seizing: Add a teaspoon of warm coconut oil if your chocolate stiffens after adding sweetener. Whisk it in to make it smooth again.
- Improper Setting: Store chocolate in a cool place to prevent melting or tackiness.
The Importance of Tempering Chocolate
Tempering ensures your chocolate has a glossy finish and snaps when broken. Check the temperature of your chocolate with a thermometer. Dark chocolate should be between 88-91°F.
Flavor Variations
- Vanilla Powder or Mint Oil for a refreshing twist.
- Espresso Powder for coffee lovers.
- Add crunch with puffed quinoa or chopped almonds!
Exploring Flavor Profiles
Dark vs. Milk Chocolate
Add coconut butter or coconut milk. This will give the chocolate a smoother texture while keeping it dairy-free. You’ll end up with creamy, milk-like vegan chocolate.
Adjusting Sweetness Levels
Do you prefer your chocolate on the darker side? Use less sweetener and add more cacao powder for a bold chocolate taste with a strong kick.
FAQs about Vegan Sugar-Free Chocolate
Will my chocolate not set right?
If your chocolate is not hardening, refrigerate it for longer. Humidity matters a lot in this setting. Make sure your environment is cool and dry. If it’s too hot and humid, you risk melting it.
So, is it possible to substitute coconut oil for cacao butter?
Can I use coconut oil instead of cacao butter? However, it can change the texture and firmness of the chocolate. Cacao butter makes it firmer, while coconut oil adds softness.
How long do homemade chocolates stay fresh?
Store homemade chocolates in an airtight container. This way, they will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. Refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer. Wrap them up to stop fridge smells from getting in.
How do I remove melted chocolate from the tools?
If you are dealing with a tool touched with broken chocolate, wipe it up with a wet tissue first. We all know that warm water dissolves the residue faster than cold water. Use no cold water because it serves to harden the chocolate and then stick.
Is this a recipe for white chocolate?
You can use vanilla powder or another light powder instead of cocoa powder to create white chocolate. You might also have to increase the sweetener by a hair to achieve the right flavour balance.
Which type of moulds work best for chocolates?
Chocolate fares better in silicone moulds. They are easy to use and release chocolates easily. You can spread it on a parchment-lined baking tray and break it into bark.
Are these chocolates free of nuts?
These chocolates can be nut-free if you omit all nuts or nut-based ingredients. This makes them an allergen-free treat for anybody with a nut allergy.
Can I use this for baking?
Absolutely! This is baking chocolate, not fun-eating chocolate. Use it as chocolate chips, a drizzle, or in dessert recipes. Sweetness adjusts based on your usage.
How do you fix your chocolate if it has gone grainy?
Use powdered sweeteners instead of granulated ones. This helps prevent grainy chocolate. You want it blended thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture, but it can heat up rapidly and seize.
How can cacao products not be found unethical?
Check for certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance on cacao packaging. These show that the cacao comes from ethical sources, which means that fair labour and sustainable methods are used to make the product.
Final Thoughts
Making vegan, sugar-free chocolate at home is easier than you think. It’s a tasty alternative to store-bought options. You can make a dark chocolate bar, vegan truffles, or a piece of bark. This recipe is versatile, satisfying, and guilt-free.
If you want to try more vegan chocolate recipes, bookmark this guide.