Raw chocolate bars

SOY FREE II GLUTEN FREE II DAIRY FREE II VEGAN II PALEO II SESAME FREE

Raw chocolate is an absolute delight for the taste buds. Vegan chocolate just got a makeover, and it's great for allergy-restricted diets. Using only 4 ingredients its a quick and delicious treat all the family can enjoy, with so many versatile variations.

Its decadent flavour is incredibly rich, velvety, and smooth, awakening the senses with every melt-in-your-mouth bite. The unique combination of bitter and sweet notes in raw chocolate creates a tantalizing taste experience that is simply unparalleled.

With its intense cocoa flavour, raw chocolate showcases the pure essence of the cacao bean, offering a profound depth that lingers on the palate. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into various desserts, the taste of raw chocolate is truly exceptional, making it an irresistible treat for all chocolate lovers. Plus, it is super healthy. Only using minimally processed ingredients and no refined sugar, raw chocolate is the healthier choice.

Notes on ingredients

Coconut oil/ cacao butter

I used coconut oil for this recipe, but you can use cacao butter, which you can find in most health food stores. Using coconut oil means it’s a little creamier and doesn’t have the hard snap regular chocolate has. I prefer coconut oil because the chocolate tastes a little coconutty, and I LOVE coconut.

Toppings

When it comes to elevating the taste of raw chocolate, the options for toppings are endless. From indulgent classics to adventurous combinations, the art of choosing the perfect toppings lies in your hands.

• Puffed rice

• Puffed spelt ( not gluten-free)

• Puffed amaranth

• Coconut

• Bee pollen ( not vegan)

• Crushed biscuits, try Rhythm 108 biscuits

• Salted caramel swirls - Try my recipe here.

• Edible gold flakes

• Dried berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries

• Pistachios or caramelised hazelnuts

• Cacao nibs

Sweetener

There are also many sweeteners you can use. I generally use maple syrup, raw honey, or coconut blossom nectar if I can get it. You can buy these online and in health food shops.

Cacao powder

Cacao powder, derived from the cacao bean, is a rich and versatile ingredient widely used in the culinary world, with a deep, earthy flavour profile. Cacao powder is known for its high content of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense choice. Beyond its health benefits, cacao powder serves as a key component in creating indulgent chocolate desserts, adding depth and intensity to cookies, cakes, and brownies.

Buy in health food stores (or at the grape tree at a fraction of the cost.)

Ingredients

What exactly is raw chocolate?

Raw chocolate, also known as raw cacao, is a pure and unadulterated form of chocolate that has gained popularity for its health benefits. Unlike conventional chocolate, which undergoes a processing method that involves roasting and refining, raw chocolate is made from raw cacao beans that are fermented and dried at low temperatures.

This minimal processing technique helps preserve cacao's natural nutrients and antioxidants, making raw chocolate a powerhouse of health-promoting compounds. The intense flavour of raw chocolate is deep and rich, and it boasts a slightly bitter taste profile often tempered with natural sweeteners and enhancers.

Whether enjoyed in its pure form, used as a decadent ingredient in desserts, or blended into smoothies, raw chocolate offers a guilt-free indulgence that is delicious and nourishing. You read that right chocolate that’s healthy and free of the top 14 allergens. Yay!

Is raw chocolate healthier?

Due to the minimal processing it undergoes, raw chocolate retains more of the natural nutrients found in cacao beans than conventional chocolate. As a result, it’s high in antioxidants like flavonoids, as well as other nutrients such as magnesium, iron, potassium, and fibre. So there is a god! Chocolate that’s healthy. YAY!

However, while raw chocolate does have health benefits, it should still be consumed in moderation. This is because it is calorie-dense and can be high in fat and sugar, especially if sweeteners are added.

Is raw chocolate allergy-friendly?

Raw chocolate is dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, vegan and top 14 free. Making it suitable for a wide range of people following restricted diets. Always consult with your allergist or doctor before trying something new. Always check on the packaging that the ingredients used are manufactured in allergy free environments.

Where can I buy chocolate moulds from?

I bought the chocolate mould from Amazon, you could get similar from Lakeland for triple the price ( but better quality). Many companies sell these types and other moulds, so worth checking out. You could use a flat baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper, pour the chocolate onto the tray, and sprinkle on various toppings if you don’t want to purchase moulds. I have lots of other ideas of how you can adapt this recipe using different methods on my Pinterest board.

Storage tips!

Your raw chocolates are untempered, so they must be kept in the fridge for the best experience. If you don't, they will go grainy, so trust me, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge!

When you do, they will keep for up to 4 weeks (even longer in the freezer), though we doubt they will last as long as you’ll enjoy them. nom nom!

Other chocolate recipes you might like:

• Raw chocolate box

• Cranberry, Orange and Pecan Raw Chocolate

• Raw chocolate bounty bars

Makes 6 bars 1.5 hours prep time

Step by step

Recipe

Raw chocolate

• 2 Cups cacao powder

• 1.5 Cups coconut oil/ cacao butter

• 1/3 Cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings

• Any nuts chopped

• Rose petals ( from Waitrose)

• Coconut shaved or desiccated

• Dried fruit

• Toasted buckwheat

• Mixed seeds/ goji berries

• Freeze-dried fruit I used raspberries

• Freeze-dried fruit powder I used raspberry

Method

1. Melt the coconut oil or cacao butter on a low heat. Once fully melted, take off the heat, add the rest of the ingredients and whisk.

2. Place your moulds on a flat tray so it is easier to transfer in and out of the fridge; spoon in the chocolate, flattening and levelling the chocolate with a palette knife

3. Sprinkle over the topping of choice and chill the chocolate till set. I popped them in the freezer as I only have a couple of moulds. This just speeds up the process, so once set, pop in the fridge to store.

4. Step four is to eat and enjoy!

Food shopping tips

Are you looking to save money on your FREE FROM ingredients without shopping in several places just to save a buck? Take a look at well easy they have made it well easy to shop for healthy free from allergy-specific ingredients. Find everything you need all in 1 place with over 50 filters. You will be sure to find food for your dietary restrictions that are healthy too!

And it’s cheaper than the health stores or supermarkets, don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself here. Check out my curated shopping list of all my recommended healthier ingredients that I love to cook with. Here’s the link. Use my code KAM10 for £10 off your first order ( £50 minimum order for the first shop).

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links. I have personally vetted and used all the products that I recommend.

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