This chocolate has an incredible texture – a real chocolate “crunch”. It's the cacao butter that gives it that texture and crunch. Cacao has an interesting taste to it – I can only explain it as being a bit liquor-like, but if you're looking for a healthy alternative to the garbage-ladened chocolate bars you find in the corner store than this is your best bet. It's more of a dark chocolate taste so if you're a fan of dark chocolate this will hit the spot. I love to add macadamia nuts to this chocolate as they give it a more creamy taste. I highly recommend you try the macadamia nuts in it however, you can use whatever toppings you wish. You can also leave out the peppermint extract or add a different extract such as vanilla or orange even – it's up to you! This chocolate couldn't be easier to make. I hope you enjoy it!
Ingredients
For the chocolate:
- 130 grams cacao butter
- 3 TBS grass-fed, organic butter
- 4 TBS maple syrup
- 1 TBS raw cacao powder (you can use 2 TBS for a more chocolatey version)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp peppermint
Topping suggestions:
- Macadamia nuts (enough to cover the top of the chocolate)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Coconut flakes
- Goji berries
- Chopped dried fruits such as apricots
Instructions
- Line a pan or baking tray with parchment paper.
- Using a double boiler, melt the cacao butter. It's important you don't let the cacao butter get too hot, otherwise the final texture won't be a smooth consistency. Instead, keep it on a low simmer. I like to take my metal bowl off the saucepan from time to time whilst continuing to whisk the cacao butter, to make sure it never gets too hot.
- Once the cacao butter is melted remove it from the heat and add the butter to melt it too.
- Add the maple syrup, cacao powder and salt and whisk to combine well.
- Add the peppermint extract, whisk to combine.
- Pour into your parchment paper lined pan or baking tray.
- Sprinkle your toppings of choice over the top then place back in the freezer for at least an hour until the chocolate completely hardens.
- Take out of the freezer, break into “bark” pieces and enjoy!
