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From salted almond chocolate bark and superfood brownies to truffles and Twix bars, I’m sharing 10 healthy chocolate recipes that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you need a sweet treat.
Celebrating Chocolate Week!
Most days you’ll catch me finishing lunch with something a little sweet – usually I dip into my chocolate container. Nothing cleanses the palate like dark chocolate! Plus, dark chocolate (the high-quality stuff) is packed with antioxidants – so it’s nutritious! 😉
With Valentine’s Day this week, you might have chocolate on your mind. I have a little something sweet for my boys, too.
I rounded up 10 healthy (and very delicious!) chocolate recipes, including a handful from some of my fellow healthy living bloggers. So if you’re doing date night at home this weekend, gifting to your “galentines,” or just need a sweet treat, there’s something for everyone… well, unless you don’t like chocolate (gasp!).
10 Healthy Chocolate Recipes
1. Cranberry Chocolate Almond Clusters
I love the crunch of the whole almonds in this recipe. These sweet little clusters are the perfect way to wrap up a meal, and you can easily adjust these to be as large or small as you’d like.
The base of this recipe is simply nuts and dried fruit, but the clusters are spiced up a bit with cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of cayenne, and a sprinkle of sea salt, which is key!
2. Chocolate Coconut Truffles
Similar to protein balls (because they do have some protein powder in them), the texture of these truffles is more of a chocolate ganache (yum!) than a protein bar. The only sweetness comes from dates, which are the base of the recipe, so they can be your everyday real food truffles.
3. Salted Almond Chocolate Bark
I loooooove any kind of salty-sweet combo. This bark is, as the title suggests, on the salty side. You can adjust the recipe to your taste!
It’s also super simple to make. I used the microwave for minimal time, but you can also use a double boiler. Tip: cut the bark into big and small pieces so you have options when the chocolate craving hits.
4. Mint Chocolate Chia Pudding
Mint and chocolate – is there a better combination out there? I love it even more when the chocolate flavor comes from antioxidant-filled raw cacao powder! This pudding makes for a wonderful breakfast, snack, or even a dessert.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Clementines
White chocolate: love it or hate it? People have strong opinions! I made this recipe with the kids a few years ago and they loved the process.
White chocolate-dipped clementines are the perfect balance of healthy and sweet! Switch up the sprinkles to celebrate different occasions!
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites via Eating Bird Food
Brittany has a ton of amazing healthy chocolate recipes including homemade versions of Snickers and Twix! These frozen chocolate-covered peanut butter banana bites are the perfect healthy treat. Keep a batch in the freezer for easy snacking – these are fun for kids to make, too!
7. Healthy Twix Bars via Rachael’s Good Eats
These Twix Bars are made with only a fraction of ingredients of the store-bought version. Crispy shortbread + chewy “caramel” + dark chocolate! I might have to make these first this weekend.
8. No Bake Superfood Brownies via Ambitious Kitchen
What happens when a bunch of superfoods, healthy nuts, dates and cocoa powder come together? Magical no-bake fudgy chocolate energy bites that taste exactly like brownies! How gorgeous are these?
8. Healthy Chocolate Granola via Erin Lives Whole
This Healthy Chocolate Granola recipe is a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, and snacking! It’s made with oats, nuts, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Look at that chocolate mellllllttttt…
10. Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Brownies via Making Thyme For Health
These Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Brownies and flourless and easy to make – look at that gooey texture!!
What’s so healthy about chocolate?
Dark chocolate is often considered a healthier option compared to milk chocolate due to its higher cocoa content. Choosing dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content is ideal. Here are some reasons why dark chocolate is considered healthy in moderation:
- Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that dark chocolate may have cardiovascular benefits. It may help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and have a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
- Nutrient Content: Dark chocolate contains various essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
- Mood Enhancement: Dark chocolate contains serotonin precursors and endorphin-releasing compounds, which may help improve mood.
- Brain Function: The flavonoids in dark chocolate may have positive effects on brain function. They may improve cognitive function and protect the brain from age-related decline.
What’s your favorite chocolate recipe? I have to know!
How ’bout this for breakfast tomorrow: Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with Banana
