Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this cocoa bar! It’s like a little slice of chocolate heaven that you can whip up in no time. I can’t get enough of its rich chocolate flavor, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become a go-to treat in my house. Whether I’m hosting friends or just looking for a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, this cocoa bar fits perfectly into any occasion. It’s no-bake, so you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven, and it’s packed with the goodness of nuts that add just the right crunch. Seriously, you won’t be able to resist these decadent bars—they’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients List
- 200g dark chocolate – I recommend using good quality chocolate for that rich flavor.
- 100g cocoa powder – This adds a deep, chocolatey taste that’s just irresistible.
- 50g almonds, chopped – These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to use your favorite nuts!
- 50g walnuts, chopped – They bring a slightly bitter contrast that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 100g honey – For natural sweetness; it balances the bitterness of the chocolate.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates all the flavors beautifully.
- Pinch of salt – Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor.
How to Prepare the Cocoa Bar
Alright, let’s get into the fun part! Making this cocoa bar is super simple, and I promise it’ll be a delightful experience. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be snacking on your homemade bars in no time!
Step 1 – Melt the Dark Chocolate
First things first, we need to melt that luscious dark chocolate! Grab a heatproof bowl and place it over a pot with simmering water—this is called a double boiler, and it keeps the chocolate from burning. Stir it gently as it melts, and keep a close eye on it; it usually takes about 5-7 minutes to melt completely. You want it smooth and glossy, not scorched! Oops, and remember to be careful of steam when you lift that bowl off!
Step 2 – Mix in Cocoa Powder and Honey
Once your chocolate is melted and looking fabulous, it’s time to add in the cocoa powder, honey, and that lovely splash of vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently until it’s all combined and smooth—this is where the magic happens! You’ll get that rich, chocolaty aroma wafting up, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
Step 3 – Add Nuts
Now, let’s fold in those chopped almonds and walnuts. Gently mix them into the chocolate mixture so every bite has that delicious crunch. It’s like a little surprise in each bar! Make sure they’re evenly distributed so you get a nutty flavor throughout.
Step 4 – Pour and Set
Time to pour this delicious mixture into a lined baking tray! Make sure to smooth the top with a spatula, so your cocoa bar looks nice and even when it sets. Pop it in the fridge and let it chill for about 2 hours. This is the hardest part—waiting! But trust me, it’ll be worth it when you sink your teeth into it.
Step 5 – Cut and Serve
Once it’s set, take it out of the fridge and lift it from the tray. Now, use a sharp knife to cut it into bars—how big is up to you! I like them bite-sized for easy snacking. Serve them as they are, or get creative with toppings like a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt. Enjoy your delicious cocoa bar; you deserve it!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor—your cocoa bar will thank you!
- Let the chocolate melt gently to avoid burning; if it starts to seize up, just remove it from the heat immediately.
- If you’re nut-free or want a different texture, feel free to substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots into the mixture!
- Store your cocoa bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars wrapped individually; just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for a single cocoa bar, which is super helpful if you’re keeping track of your intake. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust accordingly.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 4g
This cocoa bar is not just a treat; it’s packed with some good stuff too! Enjoy every bite and feel good about indulging in something delicious.
FAQ Section
Can I use chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely, you can use chocolate chips if that’s what you have on hand! Just keep in mind that chocolate chips contain stabilizers, which can affect how smoothly they melt. I recommend mixing them over low heat and stirring gently to ensure they melt thoroughly and evenly. If you find they aren’t melting to your desired consistency, you can add a tiny bit of coconut oil or butter to help smooth things out!
How long does the cocoa bar last?
Your cocoa bar will last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to keep it fresh even longer, you can also freeze individual bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months—perfect for those chocolate cravings that hit out of nowhere!
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! This cocoa bar is super versatile. You can add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a touch of sweetness and chewy texture. If you want to switch up the nuts, go for pecans, hazelnuts, or even some seeds like chia or flax for an extra crunch. Get creative and make it your own—there are no rules here!
Why You’ll Love This Cocoa Bar Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of hands-on time, plus chilling time, making it a breeze to whip up!
- No baking required: You won’t need to turn on the oven, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your creation.
- Deliciously rich flavor: With a combination of dark chocolate and cocoa powder, each bite is a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make it your own!
- Perfect for sharing: Cut these bars into bite-sized pieces and watch them disappear at parties or family gatherings.
- Healthy indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients, this cocoa bar can satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Cocoa Bar: 5 Tempting Steps to Chocolate Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cocoa bar made with rich chocolate and nuts.
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate
- 100g cocoa powder
- 50g almonds, chopped
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- 100g honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl over simmering water.
- Stir in cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Add chopped almonds and walnuts to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a lined baking tray.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours until set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute nuts with your choice of seeds.
- Add dried fruits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cocoa bar, chocolate, dessert, no-bake
