Homemade chocolate bars look fancy, taste incredible, and yet cost a fraction of what you'd pay for boutique chocolate — especially at Christmas.
By making your own gifts, you're:
• Saving money
• Avoiding unnecessary packaging
• Giving something healthier and additive-free
• Creating gifts that feel personal and thoughtful
• Stepping away from the endless cycle of "buy, buy, buy"
And honestly? Making chocolate at home is fun and far more enjoyable than hunting for last-minute gifts at packed shopping centres.
Once you've experienced the rich taste, health benefits, and satisfaction that come with your homemade chocolate, those shiny supermarket wrappers will lose their allure. Making this switch can lead to substantial long-term benefits, such as improved energy levels, fewer cravings, and an overall healthier lifestyle.
Embracing this simple change isn't just about a better snack—it's about making mindful choices that prioritise your well-being. So go ahead, fire up your Thermomix, and savour the bliss of truly healthy, homemade chocolate. It's a sweet step towards a healthier, happier you!
Benefits of Homemade Chocolate vs. Store-Bought
1. Dairy-Free and Refined Sugar-Free: Store-bought options often use dairy and refined sugar to enhance flavour and shelf life. These ingredients can lead to inflammation and further sugar cravings. Our homemade version is free from these, allowing your body to maintain stable energy levels.
2. No Artificial Additives: Preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial flavours in processed chocolate can impact gut health and overall well-being. By making your own, you control exactly what goes in.
3. Lasting Satisfaction: With high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients, homemade chocolate satisfies both your taste buds and hunger. No more mindless snacking or cravings for more!
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Cacao Powder or Paste: As highlighted, cacao is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and mood-enhancing compounds. Using raw cacao powder or cacao paste (you can purchase this from the Healing Breath) ensures that you're getting all these benefits without the nutrient loss that occurs in the production of standard cocoa powder.
- Cacao Butter: This natural fat derived from cacao beans is rich in healthy fatty acids. Cacao butter not only gives the chocolate its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture but also contributes to skin health and hydration from within, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
- Sweetener of Choice (Maple Syrup, Agave, Honey): These natural sweeteners are excellent alternatives to refined sugar. They provide a gentle sweetness while offering a lower glycaemic impact. Maple syrup contains minerals like manganese and zinc, while raw honey offers enzymes and antibacterial properties. Agave is a good choice for a mild, plant-based sweetness.
1. Add cacao butter into the mixing bowl. 6 MIN / 60°C / REVERSE / SPEED 0.5.
2. Add cacao powder, maple/agave, optional nut butter and pinch of salt. MIX / 2 MIN / 50°C / SPEED 4.
3. Pour into your tray or moulds of choice. Add any optional toppings (see notes) Place in the freezer to set for at least 30 minutes, then it can be stored in either the fridge or freezer.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION MAKING IT MUCH CHEAPER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE:
To make this recipe much more affordable or if you have trouble accessing cacao butter, simply buy a 180-200g dark chocolate block, add the broken up squares into the mixing bowl along with 20g coconut oil and MELT / 5 MIN / 50°C / SPEED 0.5.
If the chocolate block is less than 70% cacao strength, you will not need to add any/much sweetener. If using 70% or higher, you may want to add a little sweetness, adjusting to taste.
Notes:
• For a christmassy vibe, I used 30g chopped pistachios, 30g dried cranberries and a sprinkle of shredded coconut as my topping of choice.
• The granola recipe works well as a topping and gives a 'fruit and nut' feel.
This challenge is your opportunity to make healthier choices and commit to nutritious eating for 7 days - all with the help of your incredible Thermomix®.
