It’s a pretty sweet day for all you chocolate lovers as today marks the celebration of World Chocolate Day.
If there was ever a day to indulge in your favorite velvety chocolate snack, it’s today.
We love the versatility of chocolate; whether that’s adding chocolate chips to your baked oats recipe, a yummy post-workout chocolate protein powder, nibbling a dark-chocolatey square in the evening, or enjoying a rich chocolate cake, chocolate most definitely has a place in our hearts… and in most of our kitchens.
Not to mention dark chocolate is a good source of iron and antioxidants!
So in honor of the universal sweet treat of choice, we’ve collated our favorite chocolate recipes we’ve shared over the years, so you can have a one-stop-shop for all your chocolate needs this World Chocolate Day.
The Recipes
Chocolate n Cherry Smoothie
Start World Chocolate day with the flavors of chocolate and cherry in a refreshing morning smoothie. The electrolytes from the coconut water make this smoothie a hydration station and as well as their anti-oxidant properties, cherries have been found to have the ability to support recovery [1]. We've coupled the cherries with chocolate protein powder to create that black forest gateau taste (because why not... it's World Chocolate Day).
Makes 1 Serving
INGREDIENTS
30g chocolate protein powder
200ml coconut water
100ml pomegranate juice
2g / 1⁄2 tsp super berry powder
100g frozen pitted cherries
METHOD
Simply blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving 243kcal, Total Fat 3.4g of which saturates 1.5g, Carbohydrates 30g of which sugars 28g, Protein 21g, Fibre 3.4g
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Vegan Dark Chocolate Torte (Vg)
Ultra-velvety in texture, this rich chocolate torte with dark chocolate is topped with raspberries for that sharp ending taste. A chocolatey almond crust creates the perfect chocolate slice alongside the smooth torte. If a sticky mouthful of chocolate taste is your kinda thing... this World Chocolate Day recipe is the one for you.
INGREDIENTS
Crust
2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
3 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp fine salt
Chocolate Filling
1 1/2 cups coconut milk*
450g/16oz dark chocolate*, roughly-chopped
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional topping: 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
METHOD
Crust: Stir together all crust ingredients in a bowl until it is evenly combined. Press mixture evenly into a 7inch tart pan. Optional to bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 175C/350°F. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Chocolate filling: Meanwhile, as the crust is baking, heat the chocolate gently in the microwave until melted. Stir through coconut milk and vanilla until smooth and combined. Pour the chocolate filling into the baked crust, and smooth the top with a spoon. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Serve sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
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Nutella Stuffed Banana Bread Recipe (Vg)
Take your banana bread to chocolatey new heights with this Nutella-stuffed banana bread recipe. Yes, that's right, you bite into your chocolate-drizzled slice of banana bread and are instantly met with oozings of homemade Nutella. This chocolatey banana bread is a sure winner for World Chocolate Day and is made vegan for you past Nutella lovers.
INGREDIENTS
Banana Bread
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
5 tbsp water
2 large ripe bananas, mashed - (around 1 cup full)
1/3 cup melted vegan butter OR coconut oil (70g) OR apple puree for low fat
1/4 cup almond milk (30g)
1 1/2 cup spelt flour (180g)
2/3 cup coconut sugar (150g)
1/2 cup vegan protein of choice (45g)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Healthy Nutella
3 cups hazelnuts (roasted, unsalted, skins removed)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup vegan dark chocolate (melted)
METHOD
Healthy Nutella
Blend the hazelnuts in a food processor or high-speed blender until a smooth, creamy butter is formed (about 8-10 minutes total, scraping down the sides as needed).
Add the vanilla and salt to the hazelnut butter and blend well. Slowly add in the melted chocolate and blend again until thoroughly mixed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or vanilla if desired.
Banana Bread
Preheat the oven to 175 C / 350 F and grease a loaf pan.
In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water and set aside to thicken into a flax ‘egg’.
In a food processor mash the bananas, butter/oil/apple puree, almond milk, and newly made flax eggs. Blend in the flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until just combined, making sure you don’t over-mix.
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, then add a layer of the Nutella mix into the middle of the loaf. Pour over the rest of the batter and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Leave to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer the banana loaf to a cooling rack and leave to cool entirely.
To Serve:
Drizzle extra Nutella on top.
Slice into 12 slices.
Enjoy!
Mocha Brain Boost
Research into the effects of dark chocolate on your brain function, and some studies have shown dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage to improve cognitive function such as mood and neuroplasticity [1].
This creamy high-protein smoothie contains lions-mane mushroom which has been studied for its ability to support neuron health and growth and boost your immune system [2]. So if you're looking for a nutritious chocolatey recipe with all the added benefits this World Chocolate Day, this one's a no-brainer.
Makes 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
30g chocolate protein powder
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon
1tbsp almond nut butter
1 tbsp xylitol, erythritol, or honey to taste
2 tsp lion’s mane mushroom powder or medicinal mushroom powder or 1⁄2 tsp tincture
150ml hot or cold brewed organic coffee, yerba mate or green tea
150ml almond milk
METHOD
Simply blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
You can serve this warm using hot coffee if you wish.
Nutrition per serving 210kcal, Total Fat 13g of which saturates 2.7g, Carbohydrates 19g of which sugars 0.8g, Protein 8.1g, Fibre 5.1g
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[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180424133628.htm
[2] https://examine.com/supplements/lionsmane/research/#interactions-with-neurology_cognition
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