Aside from showing love to your partner, friends, or family members- Valentine’s Day is all about the chocolate! Who doesn’t love chocolate? Sure, there are so many excellent chocolate bar companies, both non-vegan and vegan, but there’s just something special about homemade chocolate. Whether you make it for your valentine or with them as a Valentine’s Day activity, you must know the secrets to indulgent vegan chocolate.
Coconut Oil
The purpose:
Coconut oil helps band the chocolate together and creates the smooth chocolate texture we’re used to.
The taste
The taste depends on whether you use extra virgin or not. If you like the coconutty taste, opt for regular coconut oil! Otherwise, if coconut oil isn’t your thing, use extra virgin to omit the coconut taste.
The benefits
Coconut oil is an excellent source of healthy fats, including MCTs (medium-chain triglyceride). As a result, it provides the body and brain a boost of energy. It is also known for its detox capabilities.
Cocoa Butter
The purpose
Similar to coconut oil, cocoa butter helps create a smooth chocolate texture. You can use both, but if you are going to use only one, we’d suggest going with the cocoa butter.
The taste
Cocoa butter tastes very similar to chocolate, making it a perfect addition to your vegan chocolate recipe.
The benefits
Like coconut oil, cocoa butter is an excellent source of healthy fats. Also, it can help boost your mood. According to Wild Mountain Chocolate, cocoa butter increases dopamine and serotonin levels and may reduce anxiety.
Nut Butter
The purpose
Any nut butter such as almond, cashew, and peanut helps to create a fudgy texture.
The taste
Adding nut butter adds a dense, nutty taste to your chocolate. Tip: Adding peanut butter will remind you of a peanut butter cup, and adding hazelnut butter will give you a yummy Nutella taste.
The benefits
Nut butter is not only a source of healthy fat, but it also adds some fiber and protein to your chocolate.
Cinnamon
The purpose
Sometimes, chocolate can be so predictable. Why not change it up and add a little cinnamon twist!
The benefits
Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar- perfect for counteracting any sweetener you may add to your chocolate.
Sea Salt
The purpose
It’s kind of a known fact. Sea salt helps add a POP to your chocolate.
The benefits
Salt gets a bad rep. If you choose sea salt over table salt and enjoy it in moderation, there are actually benefits for your health. Real sea salt can be an excellent source of minerals and electrolytes to give you energy.
Cocoa Powder (Not so secret…)
The purpose
Duh! The key ingredient to making chocolate is cocoa powder. Hence the not so secret.
The benefits
Cocoa powder is a great natural source of fiber, magnesium and is loaded with antioxidants! Yup, chocolate is actually good for you.
Check out our Chocolate Covered Nut Clusters & Strawberries recipe!
