It’s the week of love and I’m sharing something sweet and chocolate with you all. When you think of Valentine’s Day, what’s the first thought that comes to mind? Is it romance? Maybe it’s a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Many times, we think of sweets and chocolates. I am not much of a “sweet’s person” but I do enjoy some dark chocolate from time to time. That’s one of the reasons why I love this Sweet and Healthy Valentine’s Chocolate recipe. It’s simple to make, packs a sweet taste and provides healthy benefits.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s guilt free, easy to make and stores well. One batch makes plenty to share too! want more, double up the recipe. ?❤️
Instead of over indulging with a box of chocolates and hitting a sugar crash, try this cleaner and healthier option. You may find yourself keeping these staples in your pantry. I find myself making this recipe more than once a year. In fact, I add peppermint to it during the holidays. It makes for a yummy and festive treat or gift.
This recipe is very flexible, so add ingredients that spark your taste buds. If you want some peppermint, throw in some peppermint extract. If you want more crunch, chop up some raw or toasted nuts and add them into the melted chocolate mixture.
To learn more about the health benefits of Dark Chocolate, click here: 8 Awesome Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
sweet and healthy valentine’s chocolate
INGREDIENTS:
1- 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (I used extra dark and organic)
4 Tbsp organic coconut milk
1- 1/2 cups organic coconut oil (melted)
Handful of shredded organic coconut (unsweetened)
Handful of dried organic berries (of your choice), chopped
*Optional: A pinch of Himalayan or Sea Salt
*Note: Raw nuts (chopped) would be yummy in this recipe too! If you decide to add peppermint, add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the melted chocolate.
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with parchment paper. The paper should cover the bottom of the pan and all four sides.
On your stove top, heat the chocolate in a double boiler (or sauce pan over a pot of simmering water). Continue stirring while the chocolate melts. Add in the coconut milk. Stir until you have a thinner and creamy chocolate texture. If you choose to add peppermint, salt or nuts, add it in now.
Spread the melted chocolate evenly across the bottom of the pan. Freeze your chocolate until it sets. I’ve discovered the freezer is a better (and less time consuming) option than the refrigerator.
When your chocolate is ready to come out of the freezer, start to melt your coconut oil in a clean dish. Once heated, coconut oil turns into a liquid texture rather quickly. If your oil still has some lumps in it, continue stirring until all of the lumps are gone.
Pour the melted coconut oil over your chilled chocolate. It will spread very easily. Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped berries over the melted oil. Chill in the freezer or fridge until the oil sets. It will have a pretty white top once it’s done.
Once both layers have chilled and set, remove them from the fridge or freezer. You can add more coconut and berries, if you choose. I like to do it while the oil is still warm because it molds the toppings into the bark.
Remove the bark from the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Place your prepared bark on a cutting board and chop into pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Note: If you want to store your bark for longer shelf life, I recommend storing it in the fridge or freezer. Room temperature may melt the bark and make it softer. You can also use coconut butter instead of coconut oil. Coconut butter is usually found in most health food stores. You can also make your own. To do so, blend an entire package of unsweetened shredded coconut in your food processor or high speed blender. The flakes turn into a creamy, buttery texture. Both options are delicious, so choose whichever one you prefer.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this healthy, sweet treat! If you have any suggestion about other ingredients that you like, I welcome you to comment below.
For additional health (and self love tips), check out my post here: https://kimwilson.me/love-yourself-to-better-health/
Happy Valentine’s Day, Beauties! ❤️