Raw Chocolate Desserts

Indulging in chocolate doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. In fact, raw chocolate desserts can actually be good for you! Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants and essential minerals that support your overall health and well-being. Plus, it’s delicious! So if you’re looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your healthy eating habits, look no further than these mouth-watering raw chocolate dessert recipes. From truffles to cheesecake, we’ve got everything you need to enjoy the decadent taste of chocolate while maintaining a nutritious diet.
The Health Benefits of Raw Chocolate
Raw chocolate, also known as raw cacao, is a superfood that has been consumed for thousands of years. It’s loaded with antioxidants and essential minerals that offer numerous health benefits. Here are some advantages to incorporating raw chocolate into your diet:
Read more: Raw Vegan Desserts (No Sugar)
High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from free radicals – unstable molecules that cause damage to cells and contribute to aging and disease. Raw chocolate contains flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that can neutralize these harmful free radicals.
Contains Essential Minerals
Raw chocolate is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese – all important minerals needed for optimal health. Magnesium alone plays a vital role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body including muscle function, energy production and bone development.
Boosts Brain Function and Mood
Consuming raw chocolate can have positive effects on brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain which may enhance cognitive performance such as memory recall or retention. Furthermore, it can stimulate the release of endorphins—the “feel-good” hormones—that promote feelings of happiness and pleasure.
Read more: Healthy Raw Desserts
Lowers Blood Pressure And Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease
Research suggests that consuming raw chocolate regularly may help lower blood pressure levels due to its high content of flavanols—plant compounds found naturally occurring within cocoa beans—which can improve circulation throughout the body thereby reducing strain on heart muscles.
Incorporating just small amounts of this rich-tasting culinary delight into your daily routine could be beneficial for overall health!
Raw Chocolate Dessert Recipes
The beauty of raw chocolate desserts is that they are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy and easy to make. Here are some mouth-watering recipes for you to try at home:
Raw Chocolate Truffles
- 1 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.2. Chill the mixture for an hour or until it hardens.3. Scoop out small spoonfuls and roll into balls.
Raw Chocolate Brownies
- 2 cups walnuts (soaked overnight)
- 2 cups medjool dates, pitted
- 3/4 cup raw cacao powder
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions: 1. Blend the walnuts in a food processor until finely ground.2. Add the remaining ingredients and blend well.3. Press the mixture into a pan lined with parchment paper.4. Freeze for one hour before slicing.
Raw Chocolate Cheesecake
For crust: – 2 cups almond flour – 8 Medjool Dates, pitted and chopped fine
For filling: – 3 Cups cashews soaked overnight or boiled for about an hour until soft
– ½ Cup lemon juice
– ¾ Cup Maple Syrup
– ¾ Cup Coconut Cream
– ⅔ Cup Cacao Powder
– Pinch Sea Salt
Instructions:
Crust-1) In a large mixing bowl mix together almond flour and chopped dates till combined thoroughly.2) Take your springform pan and press this mixture down onto its bottom as evenly as possible to form crust layer.
Filling -1) Combine all filling ingredients except cacao powder in a high-speed blender till smooth consistency obtained then add Cacao Powder and blend well.2) Pour this mixture over your prepared crust layer.3) Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.4) Cover it with plastic wrap and freeze it overnight.
Raw chocolate desserts are a perfect way to indulge without guilt!
Tips for Making Raw Chocolate Desserts
Making raw chocolate desserts can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect raw chocolate treat:
Choosing the Right Ingredients
- Always use high-quality, organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Opt for unrefined sweeteners like maple syrup, honey or dates instead of white sugar.
- Choose pure cold-pressed coconut oil or cacao butter instead of vegetable oil.
Proper Equipment and Tools
Having the right tools makes a big difference when it comes to making raw chocolate desserts. Some essential equipment includes: – A food processor or blender – Mixing bowls in various sizes – A silicone spatula for scraping down batter
Storage and Shelf Life
Raw chocolate desserts tend to have a shorter shelf life than traditional baked goods. Here are some tips on how to store them properly: 1) Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to one week; freeze if needed beyond that time frame. 2) Let frozen dessert thaw before serving by refrigerating overnight.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and healthy raw chocolate desserts with ease!
Where to Buy Raw Chocolate Ingredients
When it comes to making raw chocolate desserts, using high-quality ingredients is key. Here are some places where you can find the best raw chocolate ingredients:
Online Retailers
- Amazon: A great place to buy organic cacao powder and other raw ingredients in bulk.
- Thrive Market: An online marketplace that offers organic and non-GMO products at a discounted rate for members.
- Vitacost: Offers a wide variety of health food products, including raw cocoa nibs.
Health Food Stores
Local health food stores often carry a variety of high-quality, organic ingredients suitable for creating your own decadent treats!
Some popular chains include: – Whole Foods Market – Sprouts Farmers Market – Natural Grocers
Check out their baking aisles or ask an employee for assistance locating the items needed.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets offer locally grown produce as well as artisanal goods such as honey and maple syrup – perfect sweeteners when preparing your gourmet chocolates!
By utilizing these options you’ll have access to all the necessary components required for crafting deliciously nutritious desserts right from home.
Conclusion
Creating raw chocolate desserts is a simple and delicious way to indulge in sweets without sacrificing your health. Here are some key takeaways from this post:
Health Benefits of Raw Chocolate
- High in antioxidants, essential minerals, and nutrients.
- Boosts brain function, mood, and improves cardiovascular health.
Raw Chocolate Dessert Recipes
- Raw chocolate truffles, brownies or cheesecake can be prepared with minimal ingredients.
- All recipes require no baking but only chilling/ freezing time before serving.
Tips for Making Raw Chocolate Desserts
- Choose high-quality organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Have the necessary equipment (food processor/blender/mixing bowls) on hand and store your finished product properly to increase its shelf life.
Where to Buy Ingredients
Options include online retailers such as Amazon or Thrive Market; local health food stores like Whole Foods; farmers’ markets featuring locally grown produce & artisanal goods!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make delicious raw chocolate desserts at home – perfect for indulging while maintaining a healthy lifestyle!