Homemade Vegan Chocolate Bars

Homemade Vegan Chocolate Bars

Today we are making Homemade Vegan Chocolate Bars! This easy recipe is studded with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit – these are the ultimate dark chocolate bars. It has no inspirational roots – I decided to mix together everything I saw. I’ve been making coconut oil chocolate for many months now (major chocolate cravings and using just a few simple ingredients for the base chocolate, I always had homemade chocolate on hand). When I first heard about making raw vegan chocolate bars at home, I thought “can it be? Can I REALLY make HEALTHY chocolate?” Turns out, yes!

Healthier (almost) than even the vegetables on your dinner plate, because this chocolate bark incorporates Goji Berries, which contain 18 amino acids, 21 minerals, and more beta-carotene than any other food on earth.  They also (allegedly) have tons of vitamin C and antioxidants. 

Chocolate Lovers?

Back to the topic of chocolate. So one year, in French class, we did a chocolate tasting experiment, where there were 20-30 different flavors, and we tried the ones we wanted, at the end writing a paragraph about it in French.

I was pleased to know that I had done very well on that assignment (I wonder why?) The strangest flavor was wasabi chocolate (would you like horseradish with that?) I tried all the dark chocolates, because any other kind (milk/white) is, (to me at least) not my favorite.

Everyone can be divided into three different categories based on their chocolate desires (actually, five-but the last one isn’t a plausible option)-there’s the lovers of either white, milk, or dark chocolate – they turn their head away at any kind, other than the one they hold on that golden pedestal. Then there’s people that eat any type.

Lastly, the option that isn’t really an option – you have the people that despise all things chocolate. I’m glad to say nobody in my family hates it – they just haven’t found their favorite type of chocolate – until today. Dismayed by the bitterness of dark chocolate, the over-milkiness of milk chocolate, and the flavor of white chocolate, my mom isn’t the biggest chocolate lover. When she tasted this bark though, all those other thoughts flew out the window, replaced by hearts in her eyes. Today, a light has shone down from up above, and it’s telling you to go try this today!

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Vegan Chocolate Bars

Indulging in these homemade chocolate bars comes with a myriad of health benefits. The recipe incorporates an array of nuts, seeds, and antioxidant-rich cacao powder, making it a sweet treat that nourishes your body. The inclusion of nuts and seeds provides an abundant supply of essential nutrients and healthy fats.

Health Benefits of Nuts

Nuts, such as roasted peanuts, pecans, and almonds, offer a wealth of nutritional goodness. They are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular well-being. Additionally, nuts are rich in antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals and protect your cells from oxidative damage. Pecans, in particular, boast high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin E, which helps bolster your immune system and promotes vibrant skin.

Health Benefits of Seeds

The presence of seeds, such as hemp seeds and roasted pumpkin seeds, further enhances the nutritional profile of this dark chocolate bar. Hemp seeds are a complete protein source, meaning they provide all nine essential amino acids required by the body. They are also abundant in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, which contribute to brain health, cardiovascular function, and inflammation regulation. Roasted pumpkin seeds, on the other hand, offer an excellent source of minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc. These minerals play vital roles in supporting various bodily functions, including energy production, immune system strength, and hormone regulation.

Health Benefits of Cacao

Complementing the nutty goodness, cacao powder steals the spotlight with its remarkable health properties. Cacao powder is loaded with antioxidants, surpassing even blueberries and green tea. These antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being. Furthermore, cacao powder contains flavonoids, which have been linked to cardiovascular health benefits, including improved blood flow and lowered blood pressure. Additionally, it provides essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium, supporting various physiological processes such as muscle function, oxygen transport, and electrolyte balance.

Easily Customizable

One of the fantastic aspects of this homemade vegan chocolate bar recipe is its high level of customizability. You have the freedom to tailor the ingredients to your preferences and dietary needs. The assortment of nuts can be easily substituted with another nut or seed of your choice, allowing you to create unique flavor combinations. Whether you opt for more almonds, swap pecans with cashews, or include pistachios instead, the possibilities are endless. You can also experiment with the quantities of each ingredient to create a personalized balance of flavors and textures.

Moreover, if you’re looking for a pure chocolate experience, you have the option to omit the nuts and seeds altogether. Simply focus on the velvety smoothness and rich taste of the cacao powder. This flexibility ensures that these homemade vegan chocolate bars can be enjoyed by individuals with various dietary preferences and restrictions.

By making your own chocolate bars with this versatile recipe, you can relish the delectable taste while knowing that you are treating your body to a wealth of health benefits. Say goodbye to store-bought dark chocolate and revel in the satisfaction of creating your own customizable vegan chocolate bars that cater to your unique cravings and nutritional goals.

Substitutions: Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil: Melted cacao butter (which is the fat that comes from cacao beans) has a similar consistency to melted coconut oil and can be used as a substitute in chocolate recipes. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the chocolate, and is what regular dark chocolate bars would use for the actual “chocolate bar” taste, since cacao comes from the cacao bean itself.

It may be harder to find cacao in grocery stores, so I opted to make this recipe with coconut oil. If using coconut oil, make sure to use refined coconut oil – it shouldn’t smell like coconuts!

If looking for a truly raw recipe, then cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil is the way to go. This type of oil has a strong coconut smell and taste. Personally, I don’t like the raw flavor of coconut when using unrefined oil in this recipe, because the entire chocolate bar tastes like a raw oily coconut.

Aside from cacao butter (cocoa butter) and coconut oil, you can try to substitute half of this with tahini, almond butter, cashew butter or even peanut butter (for a peanut butter cup flavor). This might will make the texture more like fudge and less like a hard chocolate bar, but it’ll still taste fantastic!

Substitutions: Cacao & Maple Syrup

Raw Cacao Powder: This is raw, unprocessed version of cocoa powder. You can also used regular unsweetened cocoa powder, or even carob powder. Carob is a caffeine-free alternative to cacao powder and has a naturally sweet flavor.

For cacao, I love the brand Organic Traditions, or check out the natural aisle of your local grocery store.

Maple Syrup: When it comes to natural sweeteners, agave syrup is one with a similar consistency and sweetness as that of maple syrup. If using maple syrup, make sure to only choose a bottle where it’s one ingredient – pure maple syrup! Also, look for Grade A syrup, as it is the lightest in maple flavor. To keep it all raw ingredients, you could find raw date syrup online (or make your own using a recipe). This would also work as a liquid sweetener, and be raw unlike maple syrup.

Substitutions: Add-Ins

Pumpkin Seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar crunchy texture and are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and various minerals like magnesium and vitamin E.

Cacao Nibs: Dark chocolate chips can be a substitute for cacao nibs, as they also provide a rich chocolate flavor and a satisfying crunch inside the chocolate bar. Did someone say antioxidant properties?!

Goji Berries: Dried cherries or cranberries offer a similar chewy texture and add a tart flavor.

Dried Cranberries: Dried blueberries, raisins or cherries have a similar texture and provide a slightly sweet and tangy taste. You can also use freeze-dried strawberries. Check the ingredients and choose the dried fruit that does not have refined sugar added, to keep this recipe refined sugar-free.

Hemp Seeds: Chia seeds are a great alternative due to their nutty flavor and small crunchy texture. Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.

Pecans: Walnuts have a similar rich and buttery taste with a slightly bitter note.

Almonds: Cashews and macadamia nuts have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

Peanuts: Hazelnuts offer a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, similar to peanuts. You can also try roasted pistachios.

Homemade Vegan Chocolate Bars Notes

• To make it nut-free, substitute with more seeds instead or omit the nuts completely.
• I didn’t use a chocolate bar mold, but you can totally use one here. Or, use candy molds to make a different shape like chocolate hearts!
• Add some pure vanilla extract or freshly scraped vanilla bean for a vanilla-chocolate bar!
• Sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate before freezing for a sea salt dark chocolate flavor.
• Coconut oil can melt at room temperature, especially if it’s spring or summer. Make sure to keep these bars in the freezer!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

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Raw Chocolate Bar Recipe (Oil-Free)

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Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

Raw Dark Chocolate Superfood Clusters

3-Ingredient Flourless Fudgy Brownies

If you make these Homemade Vegan Chocolate Bars, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!