Vegan chocolate is typically made from high-quality cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and a sweetener such as coconut sugar or maple syrup. This results in a rich, smooth, and indulgent product that can satisfy any sweet tooth. Vegan chocolates are healthy as they are high in antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals in the body. Additionally, vegan chocolate can improve heart health, boost mood, and enhance cognitive function due to its flavonoid content.
This World Chocolate Day 2024, make vegan chocolates at home. Making vegan chocolate at home is an excellent idea as it’s free from preservatives, artificial flavours, and unnecessary additives. You can easily customize chocolates as per your preferences. You can also add various mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or spices to create unique and exciting flavours. You can easily make delicious chocolates, and it is perfect for gifting too, making exciting combinations and adding customizations. Here are simple steps by which you can prepare vegan chocolates at home:
Ingredients
100g Cocoa Butter
50g Cocoa Powder.
50g Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Method
Melt Cocoa Butter
Start the process, start with melting the cocoa butter by using the double boiler method. Take a bowl add water. Place a bowl into the water with 100g of cocoa butter. This method allows the steam to melt the butter without direct heat. Don’t use high heat as it can cause burn and make the butter taste bad. Patiently melt the butter and enjoy the process of making chocolates, as it helps in nice texture and smooth consistency.
Add In Cocoa Powder
Once the cocoa butter is fully melted, remove it from the heat and gradually add 50g of cocoa powder. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This process ensures that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed, giving the chocolate a uniform texture and flavour.
Add Sweetener
Now, to make the chocolate sweeter, add your preferred sweetener or incorporate 50g of coconut sugar or maple syrup into the mixture. Mix well to ensure the sweetener dissolves completely and is evenly distributed. Adjust the sweetness to your preference, Coconut sugar adds a caramel-like flavour, while maple syrup imparts a subtle sweetness. Both options are healthier alternatives to refined sugar.
Add Flavours
To make your vegan chocolate more flavourful, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the chocolate’s flavour. For that additional flavour, you can add vanilla extract, or other flavourings like orange zest, mint extract, or almond extract. These ingredients can create unique flavour profiles, catering to different taste preferences. Vanilla extract rounds out the chocolate's flavour, making it more aromatic and enjoyable.
Set The Chocolate
Now pour the chocolate mixture into moulds. Smooth the surface as it will ensure smooth texture and thickness. Place the moulds in the refrigerator and let the chocolate set for 1-2 hours. Once set, remove the chocolate from the moulds. You can freeze chocolates in your desired moulds, this will give new shapes and make chocolates look more appealing.
So, what are you waiting for this World Chocolate Day, make desired chocolates at your home, which are vegan too. You can create various flavours, use plant-based milk for milk chocolates and decorate as per your wish. This chocolate-making process is fun and a nice activity that gives a personal touch if you want to gift handmade chocolates to your loved ones.