Cacao Pod to Chocolate Bar | How to Make Chocolate from Cocoa Beans

condensed milk

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Coconut cream is lower in sugar and fat.

milk chocolate

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: semi-sweet chocolate

Dark chocolate has less sugar and more antioxidants.

hazelnuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: peanuts

Walnuts are a healthier nut option.

dried apricots

🥗Healthier: fresh apricots

💰Cheaper: raisins

Fresh apricots reduce sugar content.

Cut open cacao pods lengthwise or crack them with a mallet to extract cacao beans.

Remove the beans from the pods and place them in a bowl.

Cover the beans with a clean cloth and let them ferment for 5 to 7 days.

After fermentation, spread the beans on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.

Preheat the oven to 300° F (150° C) and roast the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours until dry.

Once roasted, remove the shells from the beans to get the nibs.

Measure out 70 g of cacao nibs for dark chocolate preparation.

Melt 5 g of cacao butter using a microwave or double boiler.

Add 25 g of powdered sugar to the cacao nibs and blend them together.

Add the melted cacao butter to the blended mixture and continue blending until smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a food processor if needed for a finer consistency.

Pour the chocolate mixture into a mold and tap to remove air bubbles.

Place the mold in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to set.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens