Simple, rich, and deeply chocolatey
Ingredients (Makes 3 bars using this silicone mold)
If doubling the recipe, prepare in two separate batches. Combining a double batch at once may prevent the chocolate from setting properly.
- 1/2 cup cacao butter (or cocoa butter wafers)
- You can sub coconut oil, but cacao butter wafers gives a more classic snap
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or 1/2 cup raw honey (see notes below)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped nuts
- Freeze-dried raspberries
- Orange zest
- Espresso powder
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Melt the fat
Add the cacao butter (or coconut oil) to a heat-safe bowl.
Melt gently using a double boiler or in short intervals over very low heat. Do not boil.
- Whisk in cacao
Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and whisk in the cacao powder until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Sweeten
Whisk in maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and salt.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Mold & set
Pour into silicone molds, a parchment-lined loaf pan, or spread thin on a tray.
Optional: sprinkle toppings now.
- Chill
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.
Break or slice and enjoy.
Store in the fridge for best texture.
🍯 Maple vs Honey — Which Is Better?
Maple Syrup (My top recommendation)
Why it works best:
- Blends smoothly with cacao
- Neutral, warm sweetness
- Sets more predictably
- Vegan-friendly
- Doesn’t overpower the chocolate flavor
✔️ Best for a classic chocolate bar texture
✔️ Best if you want clean lines + easy slicing
Raw Honey
Pros:
- Beautiful floral notes
- More mineral-rich
- Slightly sweeter than maple
Things to know:
- Can seize or thicken if added when mixture is too hot
- Results in a slightly softer, more fudge-like chocolate
- Honey flavor is noticeable (which some people love)
✔️ Best if you want a soft, truffle-style chocolate
✔️ Feels very nourishing and grounding
My honest take
- Everyday snacking / gifting / pretty molds → Maple syrup
- A nourishing, almost medicinal chocolate → Raw honey
You honestly can’t go wrong — they just create different moods.
✨ Pro Tips
- For a firmer snap: stick with cacao butter, not coconut oil
- For extra depth: add ¼ tsp espresso powder
- For kids: reduce cacao slightly and increase sweetener by 1–2 tbsp
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