On my quest to avoid sugar I've found that desserts and candies were the first, most logical thing to exclude. Though there are times where I still crave something dessert-like. Chocolate is definitely one of my weaknesses.

In the past, I've tried buying darker the chocolate because the higher the cocoa percentages contain less sugar. But when buying chocolate that is 90%+ it starts to taste a little like chalk to me. Not to mention, there are always so many ingredients, and you can rarely find one which doesn't contain dairy.

So I set out to figure out a way to make sugar-free, but still delicious, raw chocolate for when I'm feeling like a treat. This is also dairy free, gluten free and vegan friendly!

My favourite part is how incredibly easy it is to make. It comes together in about 5 minutes ! (and has no hard to pronounce ingredients)

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools

The 3 base ingredients are so simple, I often have them on hand to make about a mason jar (500ml) of chocolate.

You will need:

1 generous tbsp Cocoa powder (note: check the ingredients to ensure its dairy free)
4 tbsp of your favourite nut butter (e.g. peanut, almond, or whatever you have)
2 tbsp Coconut oil
A 500ml mason jar or similar container
A tablespoon (tbsp)

Optional ingredients:

Honey or your favourite sweetener (note: honey may not be suitable for vegans)
Any of your favourite flavours (e.g. cayenne, mint etc.)

If you want a bigger batch and want to increase the recipe just keep the proportions consistent: 1 part cocoa, 4 parts nut butter, and 2 parts coconut oil.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the next step you want to combine the ingredients. I've found good success with doing it in this order:

Warm your 2 tbsp coconut oil until softened (this is only needed, if is solid)
Add the 4 tbsp nut butter to coconut oil and combine.
Next, put in your 1 heaping tbsp of cocoa powder, and stir well to ensure you remove any powder lumps.

Once well mixed, you can give it a taste to decide if you want to add any sweetener. You can put as much, or little honey/sweetener, as you like! Personally, I find the flavours of the coconut and almonds to be pretty tasty on their own and so I do not add anything else. Though, when I make this to share with others I include a small amount of honey (or agave).

Optional:

You can also add other ingredients to flavour your chocolate like you see in the store. Popular choices might be to add mint or cayenne pepper!
If you are making this as a gift and really want to dress it up, you can pour the mixture into fancy chocolate moulds. Ice cube trays would also work for easy portioning.

Once you're satisfied, put chocolate in the fridge for about 2 hours.

Step 3: Wait, Wait, Eat!

This really is the hardest part - the waiting...

Be patient though, it really is worth it. The flavours really become more complementary after they've had time together. Plus the texture is more chocolate-like when chilled.

Once it's ready - take it out and enjoy! That's it, it's that simple!

I suggest keeping any left overs refrigerated (that is, if you have any!). It will keep well for at least week.

I hope you enjoy. Please share your favourite chocolate flavour combinations - I'm always looking to try a new one!