An irresistible collection of 13 chocolate lovers recipes to make you fall in love. Ideas for healthy breakfast, snacks and decadent desserts with chocolate!
Hey there Chocolate Lovers! As you know, February has been dedicated to romance and guilt free chocolate consumption. Did you know these dark sweets have some amazing benefits? Beyond making you instantly happy with your first taste, the addicting luscious texture, and delicious flavors have some interesting nutritional perks, within moderation of course!
I’m sharing 13 recipes that will make you melt. Whether you’re making some special treats for Valentine’s Day or just need your daily fix, I’ve got healthy breakfast and snacks, plus decadent desserts recipes to get you inspired!
Benefits of Eating Chocolate
If you need a little extra convincing to add a little bit of chocolate into your day, here are some benefits of chocolate that you are going to L-O-V-E!
- Heart Health: Not only does chocolate make you feel happy due to the stimulation and release of endorphins, they contain plant nutrients called flavonoids from the cocoa beans that may help to protect your cardiovascular system. These flavonoids contain antioxidants that help stabilize and later destroy free radicals in cells and tissues caused by natural metabolism processes and environmental toxins. There are a generous amount of flavonols, anthocyanidins, and epicatechin’s found in cacao beans, which are roasted, ground and used in chocolate products. There is also research on potential influence on lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the brain and heart.
- Nutritional Benefits: One ounce of raw cacao powder contains 9 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein and especially rich in magnesium, about 76 milligrams. There is also some calcium and iron contained in the beans. For maximum flavonol benefit, try to select dark chocolate and cocoa/cacao powder that is less processed, so it retains the most plant nutrients.
I like to add cacao powder to my meals like oatmeal, in my smoothies, teas, and desserts for a tasty added nutritional boost!
#1) Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie
If you are a fan of Nutella, this smoothie incorporates the flavors of hazelnuts and chocolate for a healthier beverage twist! The perfect way to satisfy that sweet tooth without all of the empty calories. Sip and indulge!
#2) Superfood Pomegranate Chocolate Chia Pudding
This nutritious breakfast of snack can be made ahead for time for an easy meal packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Grab a spoon and dig into each pudding layer of tart pomegranate and sweet chocolate!
#3) Chocolate Almond Aztec Popcorn with Strawberries
Who doesn’t love a snack that’s got chocolate, strawberries, and nuts? This cocoa covered popcorn snack adds fiber, protein, antioxidants, and fruit into each handful.
#4) Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic chocolate chip cookies recipe. Crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, with gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips. You are going to fall in love with this recipe!
#5) Browned Butter Chocolate Pecan Cookies
If you like rich toffee flavors in your cookie, this recipe will make you swoon. The combination of browned butter, generous amounts of chocolate chips and crunchy pecans is a cookie dream!
#6) Triple Chocolate Truffle Cookies
This cookie takes chocolate obsession to the next level! Chocolate is mixed into every crumb, for the ultimate portable chocolate experience.
#7) Soft Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
For the times when you don’t want to have to choose, you can have white, semi-sweet and dark chocolate all at once! Taking the traditional chocolate chip cookie a step for those who want it all.
#8) Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
These shortbread style cookies have a special surprise center! The tasty soft chocolate ganache filling paired with the crunchy hazelnuts is a match made in heaven.
#9) Classic Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes
You won’t believe how easy it is to make these fancy chocolate cake right at home. You can even prepare the cakes a few days or hours before, then just pop them in the oven for a freshly baked treat!
#10) Gluten Free Nutella Chocolate Lava Cakes
This gluten free lava cake has a homemade Nutella filling that you can keep using once the dessert disappears! The creamy chocolate hazelnut center mixed with the cake and ice cream is pure bliss!
#11) Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart
Sweet and salty is an irresistible combination! The pastry crust is filled with dark chocolate ganache and topped with honey roasted peanuts and a homemade salted caramel sauce.
#12) Coconut Caramel Bars
An easy, indulgent treat made to share! Layers of sweet coconut crumble crust, chocolate filling, and homemade caramel will have you going back for another nibble.
#13) Chocolate Covered Strawberries
You can’t possibly celebrate any special occasion without chocolate covered strawberries! Learn how to customize your strawberries for a festive fruit and chocolate treat.
Bonus) Tutorial – How To Properly Melt Chocolate
Find out how to melt different types of chocolate for molded candies, truffles and other desserts in this essential chocolate melting guide.
Are you drooling yet? I have an insatiable need for some chocolate! What are your favorite ways to use chocolate in your recipe creations? I hope these recipe ideas have you ready to head to the store and load up your cart with multiple bags of chocolate. If you make one of these recipes, I’d love to hear what you think!
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