If you’re a chocolate lover, this recipe is a dream come true! These refined sugar-free chocolates are incredibly sweet and satisfying—you’ll hardly believe you made them yourself. With nourishing fats from coconut oil and caffeine-free carob powder, this is a perfect recipe for the whole family to enjoy, even the little ones. If you don’t have carob powder on hand, no worries! You can easily swap it with cocoa or cacao, just keep in mind that both contain caffeine. This treat is as wholesome as it is indulgent, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
What is carob powder?
Carob powder is a natural, caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder. It’s made by drying and grinding the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), which is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a sweet, mild chocolatey flavour but is not as bitter as cocoa. It’s often used in baking, smoothies, and as a base for making carob bars or carob-flavoured treats.
Carob powder is often considered a healthy alternative to cocoa powder for several reasons:
- Caffeine-Free: Unlike cocoa, carob is naturally free from both caffeine and theobromine, making it a great choice for children and those who are sensitive to stimulants.
- Rich in Fibre: Carob powder is packed with dietary fibre, supporting healthy digestion, maintaining balanced cholesterol levels, and helping you feel fuller for longer.
- Antioxidant Properties: Carob is a great source of antioxidants, which work to combat oxidative stress and shield the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
- Naturally Sweet: With its naturally sweet flavour, carob adds a touch of sweetness to recipes without the need for any added sugar.
- High in Calcium: Carob is an excellent source of calcium, essential for strong, healthy bones.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, carob is a wonderful option for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
- Low Glycemic Index: With a low glycemic index, carob causes a slower, more steady rise in blood sugar levels, making it a thoughtful choice over refined sugar or even cocoa.
Refined sugar-free chocolate hearts
These little chocolate hearts are a staple in my kitchen and are loved by the whole family. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and a hint of vanilla extract, they’re as wholesome as they are indulgent. I always choose 100% pure maple syrup, as it’s free from additives, artificial flavours, or preservatives. Its deep, rich flavour adds a beautiful complexity that makes this treat even more special.
For the vanilla extract, I really enjoy Simply Organic Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract. Madagascar vanilla is known for being one of the finest in the world, with its wonderfully rich, creamy, and subtly sweet flavour. It truly elevates the taste of these chocolates, making each bite a moment to savour.
This recipe is child-friendly, and it’s so simple that little hands can easily join in! It’s a great way to introduce your children to how easy it can be to make sweet treats from scratch with wholesome, natural ingredients. Combining coconut oil and carob powder creates a chocolate treat that’s lower in sugar and higher in healthy fats and fibre, making it a more nourishing snack.
Benefits of coconut oil:
Coconut oil is a powerhouse of healthy fats, packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that your body can quickly turn into energy, giving your metabolism a boost. This nutrient-rich oil also supports heart health by raising “good” HDL cholesterol levels. Plus, its polyphenols act as antioxidants, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Pro Tip! Since coconut oil melts at room temperature be sure to store these chocolates in the fridge or freezer and only take them out when you’re ready to enjoy them!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your beautiful creations! Tag me @moniquelahey on Instagram so I can celebrate your delicious, wholesome treats with you!
Healthy Chocolate Hearts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup carob powder (or organic cocoa/cacao powder)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey (or sweetener of your choice)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (I use Simply Organic Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes, almond butter, hemp seeds
Instructions
- Prepare your molds: Use silicone heart-shaped molds for easy release, or you can line a small tray or dish with parchment paper to create larger chocolate pieces.
- Melt the coconut oil: In a small saucepan, gently heat the coconut oil over low heat until fully melted.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, carob powder, maple syrup (or sweetener), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Optional add-ins: If you're adding nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes, etc, fold them into the mixture now.
- Pour into molds: Carefully pour the mixture into your molds. You can fill the molds halfway if you plan on adding a filling (like nuts) and then topping with more chocolate.
- Freeze: Place the filled molds in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once hardened, pop the chocolates out of the molds. Enjoy them immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep them solid.