These homemade chocolate bars are rich, creamy, and completely customizable, offering a delicious indulgence that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this treat is easy to prepare and is a great alternative to store-bought chocolate. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack or a special dessert, these bars offer a satisfying taste experience that you can feel good about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only incredibly simple but also versatile. You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your personal preferences, whether that means adding a handful of chopped nuts, a sprinkle of dried fruit, or simply enjoying the pure cocoa flavor. The coconut oil adds a rich, smooth texture to the chocolate, while the maple syrup (or honey) adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s refined sugar-free and can easily be made vegan by using maple syrup. It's a decadent treat that you can whip up in no time!
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt for topping
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Dish: Line a small baking dish (8x4 inches or similar) with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the chocolate bars once they’re set.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and fully combined.
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Pour and Spread: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
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Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle your choice of toppings, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut, over the chocolate mixture for extra flavor and texture.
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Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
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Cut into Bars: Once set, remove the chocolate from the dish and cut it into bars or squares.
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Store: Store the chocolate bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: 180 kcal per bar
Variations
- Add-Ins: Customize your chocolate bars with your favorite mix-ins. You can add chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews), dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), or shredded coconut for texture and flavor.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for a different level of sweetness.
- Toppings: Top the bars with a pinch of sea salt, which enhances the flavor of the chocolate and adds a savory twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep your homemade chocolate bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Reheating: These bars don’t require reheating. Just take them out of the fridge and enjoy! If you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey, this recipe is naturally vegan.
Can I substitute coconut oil for another oil?
Coconut oil works best in this recipe, but you can try substituting it with other oils, such as avocado oil, although the flavor may vary.
How can I make the chocolate bars sweeter?
If you want a sweeter bar, you can add a little more maple syrup or honey, depending on your taste preference.
Can I use a different sweetener than maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or any sweetener of your choice.
How thick should the chocolate layer be?
The chocolate layer should be about ¼ inch thick for the best texture. If you prefer thicker bars, simply pour the mixture into a smaller dish.
Can I add milk chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer milk chocolate, you can substitute part or all of the cocoa powder with milk chocolate chips or melted milk chocolate.
How long do these homemade chocolate bars last?
They will last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make these chocolate bars nut-free?
Yes, you can skip any nut toppings or add-ins, making these chocolate bars nut-free and suitable for those with nut allergies.
Can I use sweetened cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
Using sweetened cocoa powder will make the bars sweeter, but you'll need to reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey to balance the sweetness.
Do I have to refrigerate these chocolate bars?
Yes, refrigeration is necessary for the chocolate bars to fully set and harden. Leaving them at room temperature might cause them to remain too soft.
Conclusion
These homemade chocolate bars are a delightful, customizable treat that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a decadent, guilt-free chocolate snack in no time. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with add-ins, these bars are sure to become your new favorite go-to indulgence. Enjoy!
Homemade Chocolate Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars
Description
These homemade chocolate bars are a decadent, customizable treat made with simple, wholesome ingredients. They're easy to prepare, refined sugar-free, and can be made vegan by using maple syrup. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with nuts, dried fruit, or coconut, these rich and creamy chocolate bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor. Indulge in these guilt-free chocolate bars for a satisfying snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt for topping
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dish: Line a small baking dish (8x4 inches or similar) with parchment paper for easy removal of the chocolate bars.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle your choice of chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut over the chocolate mixture.
- Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until the chocolate hardens.
- Cut into Bars: Once set, remove the chocolate from the dish and cut it into bars or squares.
- Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Customize your chocolate bars by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or coconut.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- These bars do not require reheating and should be eaten directly from the fridge or left out for a few minutes to soften.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
