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 see me finishing lunch with something a little sweet; I usually dip it in my container of chocolate. Nothing cleans the palate like dark chocolate! Plus, dark chocolate (the high quality kind) is packed with antioxidants, so it’s nutritious! 😉
With Valentine’s Day this week, you might have chocolate on your mind. I also have something sweet for my children.
I’ve rounded up 10 healthy (and very delicious!) chocolate recipes, including some from some of my fellow healthy living bloggers. So whether you’re having a date night at home this weekend, treating 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. Almond, Chocolate and Blueberry Clusters
I love the crunch of whole almonds in this recipe. These sweet little clusters are the perfect way to finish a meal and you can easily adjust them to be as big or small as you like.
The base of this recipe is simply walnuts and dried fruits, but the clusters are seasoned a little with cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of cayenne, and a pinch of sea salt, which is the key!
2. Chocolate and coconut truffles
Like protein balls (because they contain some protein powder), the texture of these truffles is more of a chocolate ganache (yum!) than a protein bar. The only sweetness comes from the dates, which are the base of the recipe, so they can become your everyday real food truffles.
3. Salted Almond Chocolate Bark
I love any kind of sweet and savory combination. This crust is, as the title suggests, on the savory side. You can adjust the recipe to your liking!
It’s also super easy to make. I used the microwave for a minimum of time, but you can also use a double boiler. Tip: Cut the crust into large pieces. and small pieces so you have options when the chocolate craving hits.
4. Chia, chocolate and mint pudding
Mint and chocolate: is there a better combination? I love it even more when the chocolate flavor comes from raw cocoa powder packed with antioxidants! This pudding is a wonderful breakfast, snack, or even dessert.
5. Clementines dipped in chocolate
White chocolate: do you 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! Change the sprinkles to celebrate different occasions!
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites via Eating Bird Food
Brittany has tons of amazing healthy chocolate recipes including homemade versions of Snickers and Twix! These Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Frozen Banana Bites are the perfect healthy treat. Keep a batch in the freezer for easy snacking – they’re fun to make for the kids, too!
7. Healthy Twix Bars via Rachael’s Good Eats
These Twix bars are made with just a fraction of the ingredients of the store-bought version. Crispy shortbread cookies + chewy “caramel” + dark chocolate! I might have to do them first this weekend.
8. No Bake Superfood Brownies via Ambitious Kitchen
What happens when you put together a bunch of superfoods, healthy nuts, dates and cocoa powder? Magical no-bake sweet chocolate energy bites that taste exactly like brownies! How beautiful are these?
8. Healthy Chocolate Granola via Erin Lives Whole
This healthy chocolate granola recipe is a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, and snack! It is made with oats, walnuts, cocoa powder and maple syrup. Look at that chocolate melllllltttttt…
10. Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Brownies via Making Thyme for Health
These easy-to-make, flourless dark chocolate almond butter brownies – look at that gooey texture!
What is healthy about chocolate?
Dark chocolate is often considered a healthier option compared to milk chocolate due to its higher cocoa content. Ideally, choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. Here are some reasons why dark chocolate is considered healthy if consumed 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 can help improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure and have a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
- Nutritional content: Dark chocolate contains several essential nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
- Mood improvement: Dark chocolate contains serotonin precursors and endorphin-releasing compounds, which can help improve mood.
- Brain function: The flavonoids in dark chocolate may have positive effects on brain function. They can improve cognitive function and protect the brain from age-related decline.
What is your favorite chocolate recipe? I have to know!
How about this for breakfast tomorrow? Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with Banana
