How to make the best vegan chocolate

Oh, you're in for a treat! Making vegan chocolate is like creating a little piece of heaven. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cocoa butter (not to be confused with coconut oil, though both are fab)

• 1 cup cocoa powder (the good stuff, unsweetened)

• 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (sweetness without the bee drama)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (because vanilla is the Beyoncé of flavors)

• A pinch of sea salt (optional, but it makes the chocolate sing)

Instructions:

1. Melt the Cocoa Butter: Chop up the cocoa butter into small pieces so it melts faster. Pop it in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir until it's completely melted and smooth.

2. Add the Cocoa Powder: Gradually whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This is where the magic happens!

3. Sweeten the Deal: Pour in the maple syrup or agave nectar. Stir well to combine. Taste it—if you have a sweet tooth, you might want to add a bit more.

4. Flavor Town: Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.

5. Pour and Set: Pour the chocolate mixture into molds or a lined baking dish. You can get creative here—add nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

6. Chill Out: Pop the molds or dish into the fridge for about an hour, or until the chocolate is set.

7. Enjoy: Once set, remove from the molds or cut into pieces. Try not to eat it all at once (or do, I won't judge).

And there you have it! Delicious, creamy, and totally vegan chocolate. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or just indulging because you deserve it. Enjoy! 🍫🌱

Now, let's talk about some delicious dishes you can make with your vegan chocolate:

1. Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients:

• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk (chilled)

• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate (melted)

• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Scoop out the solid part of the chilled coconut milk into a bowl.

2. Whip it until fluffy.

3. Fold in the melted chocolate and maple syrup.

4. Chill for an hour and serve.

2. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegan butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream together the vegan butter and sugars.

3. Add vanilla extract.

4. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips.

6. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

3. Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas

• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp baking soda

• A pinch of salt

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mash the bananas in a bowl.

3. Mix in the melted coconut oil, sugar, and vanilla extract.

4. Add the baking soda and salt.

5. Mix in the flour until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes.

4. Vegan Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegan chocolate (melted)

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

2. Stir in the coconut milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Serve with fruits, vegan marshmallows, and pretzels for dipping.

5. Vegan Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana

• 1/2 cup almond milk

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Toppings: granola, fresh berries, coconut flakes, and vegan chocolate chunks

Instructions:

1. Blend the frozen banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, almond butter, and maple syrup until smooth.

2. Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings.

There you go! Five delicious ways to enjoy your homemade vegan chocolate. Dive in and let your taste buds dance! 🌱🍫