Recipe

4 Sweet Recipes You Can Make With Dark Chocolate

By Alexandra Capello at Dalhousie University

Do you find dark chocolate bitter? Too boring? That’s because you’re not experiencing dark chocolate the way it’s supposed to be.

Buying a 90% cocoa chocolate bar won’t get you hooked. You have to develop a taste for dark chocolate in order to enjoy the full essence of this addicting chocolate. You can start by combining flavours and being a little creative (very little, I promise) to truly make the most of your dark chocolate experience. 

These 5 recipes are SUPER easy and guaranteed to get you hooked on dark chocolate in no time. The hardest part is waiting for the chocolate to harden (which is always optional).

Better Than Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 6 large cups
  • Easy
Ingredients
  • 3.5 oz dark chocolate (70%)
  • 6 tablespoon peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, both delicious)
  • 6 muffin tin liners

Step 1

Break dark chocolate into small pieces and melt in the microwave for 20 seconds; remove the bowl from the microwave and stir chocolate. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 2

Scoop 1 tablespoon melted chocolate into the muffin liners and spread evenly to form a shallow base layer.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 3

Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Step 4

Once the chocolate has hardened, place 1 tablespoon peanut butter on the layer of chocolate.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 5

Add another tablespoon melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter layer.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 6

Return to the freezer until the chocolate has set (about 15 minutes).

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Frozen Dark Chocolate Banana Bites

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 47 minutes
  • Servings: 10 bites
  • Easy
Ingredients
  • 3.5 oz dark chocolate (70%)
  • 2 large bananas (ripe but firm)
  • 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts (optional)

Step 1

Slice bananas into 1 inch sections and freeze until firm (about 30 minutes).

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 2

Break chocolate into small pieces then microwave for 20 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir chocolate. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 3

Dip the frozen banana pieces into the chocolate using a toothpick.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 4

Add desired toppings (coconut, crushed nuts, etc.) before chocolate has set.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 5

Freeze until the chocolate has set (about 15-20 minutes)

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Sweet 'n Salty Dark Chocolate Popcorn

  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 1 large bowl
  • Easy
Ingredients
  • 3 oz dark chocolate (70%)
  • 1 bag plain microwaveable popcorn
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Step 1

Follow directions for popping your popcorn, then spread evenly on a cookie sheet.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 2

Break dark chocolate into small pieces and melt in the microwave for 20 seconds; remove the bowl from the microwave and stir chocolate. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 3

Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn, then top with a pinch of sea salt.

Step 4

Let the popcorn sit until chocolate hardens. 

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Fully Loaded Dark Chocolate Clusters

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 6 clusters
  • Easy
Ingredients
  • 3 oz dark chocolate (70%)
  • 1/2 cup pistachios
  • 1/2 cup craisins
  • 1/2 cup puffed quinoa (rice crispies work too)
  • 6 muffin tin liners

Step 1

Break dark chocolate into small pieces and melt in the microwave for 20 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir chocolate. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 2

Measure out 1/2 cup pistachios, craisins, and puffed quinoa.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 3

Mix dry ingredients into the melted dark chocolate.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 4

Scoop spoonfuls of mixture into muffin liners. Let the clusters sit until chocolate hardens.

#SpoonTip: Put in the freezer to speed up the hardening process.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Healthier Terry's Chocolate Oranges

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: Approx. 20 slices
  • Easy
Ingredients
  • 2 oz dark chocolate
  • 2 clementines
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Step 1

Break dark chocolate into small pieces and melt in the microwave for 20 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir chocolate. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 2

Peel and separate clementines.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 3

Dip the ends of orange slices into the chocolate, then place on a plate or cookie sheet.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 4

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the oranges.

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Step 5

Freeze until the chocolate has set (about 15-20 minutes).

Photo by Alexandra Capello

Sweet tooth still wanting more? Check it out: