Making Sugar Free Chocolate

I've done a pretty good job avoiding added sugar in my diet, but my tongue (and the gremlin within) demands something sweet on occasion.  Yeah, yeah - fruit is lovely, blah, blah, blah. (I really do love it.) But sometimes, you just need some chocolate! And by sometimes, I mean daily.

This is a simple recipe that I created as adaptations to other coconut oil based recipes I've stumbled across over the past several months. I use Splenda. Yes, I know its fake, but I have had no problems from the small amounts I consume. Feel free to sub in date puree, honey, coconut sugar or any other sweetener you prefer. The beauty of this creation is that you add can anything you like to your chocolate, or just have it plain and delicious. I love using peanut butter or bananas.

The basic recipe uses equal parts melted coconut oil and cocoa powder. 2/3 as much Splenda (adapt to taste) and a splash of vanilla extract.

Below:

3 cups melted coconut oil

3 cups cocoa powder

2 cups Splenda

2 tsp vanilla

I like to use a glass jar with a sealing lid to make melting and mixing easier. First, melt the coconut oil. It has a very low melting point, so in my Phoenix kitchen (even with the AC on), that means to leave it at room temp for a few minutes.

Add sweetener (Splenda), cocoa powder and vanilla. 

Shake it!

Time to add your favorites. I melt the peanut butter to make it easier to spread.

 Shake the chocolate one more time and then pour some over the peanut butter.
















Plastic ice cube trays make great chocolate molds. This one with sliced bananas.

Pour chocolate over bananas.

 The extra goes in this silicon mold that I found at Goodwill. 

 Carefully place them all in the freezer.
In a few hours, I'll take them out and break the sheet of chocolate and peanut butter into pieces. 

IMPORTANT: STORE EVERYTHING IN THE FREEZER. Serve directly from the freezer and eat right away, especially in warm weather. :) 

What's a gal to do with all the yummy remnants?

Look away, this is about to get messy...

What's your favorite companion to chocolate?
Ever tried bacon with chocolate? Would you?