6 Easy Chocolate Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

Most weight loss diets will tell you to avoid chocolate, often because chocolate bars and other chocolate products can be high in sugar and calories. But eating well doesn't mean you have to never eat the foods you love, and chocolate can absolutely have a place in a healthy, balanced diet.

It's also common to have strong cravings for chocolate in the days leading up to your period. Changes in appetite and food cravings are common around this time of the menstrual cycle.

Cacao is one of the richest natural plant-based sources of magnesium which can reduce the intensity of period cramps as it helps to relax smooth muscle tissue. Quality dark chocolate also contains plant-based (non-heme) iron which is particularly important to help replenish lost iron stores through menstrual bleeding too. 

So whether you're craving chocolate pancakes for breakfast, peanut butter energy balls for an afternoon snack or an indulgent chocolate heart after dinner, you don't have to choose between enjoying chocolate and eating well. Here are six easy chocolate recipes to try for yourself!

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Energy Balls

These no-bake energy balls are perfect for when you know you’re going to have a busy week and limited time to make healthy snacks each day. They take about 5 minutes to make, and last a few days which means you can grab and go!

Makes: 18 energy balls

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 170g oats
• 185g peanut butter
• 50-60g chocolate protein powder
• 65g honey
• 2 tablespoons of chocolate chunks 

Method: 

1. Mix all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add a couple of tablespoons of cold water until the mixture binds together.
3. Take a small amount of mixture and using the palms of your hands, roll into a ball.
4. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used up to make your protein energy balls.
5. Place in the fridge for 2 hours to set – these will last for a week or so for you to enjoy whenever you fancy a snack!

Amy's Tip: Add a mix of white, milk and dark chocolate chunks either together or in three separate batches for different flavours to enjoy during the week. 

2. Cacao Chocolate Milkshake

One of the best post-workout drinks you can have is a chocolate milkshake because it has a great carbohydrate to protein ratio, helping to replensish depleted glycogen stores and support muscle recovery.

But rather than relying on the high sugar, high calorie, ultra-processed versions, try this super easy cacao version using just three very basic ingredients. Not only is it kinder to your gut microbiome, but it helps to hydrate you properly after exercising too. 

Serves: 1 

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 250ml dairy or plant-based milk
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon of cacao chocolate powder

 Method: 

1. Pour 250ml of milk into a blender.
2. Slice up the banana and add to the blender.
3. Add 1 tbsp of raw cacao chocolate powder.
4. Blend for 10-15 seconds until fully combined.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Amy's Tip: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds on top for a hit of healthy fats.

3. Chocolate Protein Pancakes

Personally, I love having these chocolate protein pancakes after a hard strength training session in the gym. The added protein powder isn't something I usually have in my diet personally, but having a minimally processed version can be a great way to get your protein into a more indulgent and filling breakfast. 

Serves: 1 

Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil 
• 60g of oats 
• 2 eggs 
• 1 sliced banana
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate protein powder 
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 2-3 tablespoons of Greek yoghurt 
• 1 handful of crushed nuts or granola mix 
• 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate to grate on top

Method: 

1. Blend the oats, cracked eggs, banana, protein powder and baking powder until a consistent smooth texture.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a non-stick frying pan on a medium heat.
3. Pour about a quarter of the mixture into the hot pan. Cook on one side for about 30-60 seconds, or until golden brown (there’s a fine line between burning the mixture!) Using a spatula, flip the pancake over and cook the other side.
4. Remove from the pan and add to a plat once both side are nice and golden. Repeat until you have four pancakes plated up.
5. Now for your toppings! Pour over the Greek yoghurt, crushed nuts or granola and shave over some dark chocolate curls.

4. Cacao Yoghurt Bowl 

This is the easiest and quickest snack you'll ever need to make! I rely on this when I need something between meals that will keep me nice and full but also satisfies my craving for chocolate. 

Serves: 1

Time: 1 minute

Ingredients: 

• 140g full-fat Greek yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon of organic cacao powder 

Method:

1. Add the Greek yoghurt to a bowl and stir in the cacao powder. 
2. Mix well to combine and enjoy!

Amy's Tip: Grate dark chocolate on top for extra texture or add a smidge of honey if you prefer to sweeten the flavour as cacao is quite bitter. 

5. Chocolate Hearts

These heart-shaped chocolates are perfect for whenever you want something that feels more indulgent. They also make a great gift to give someone if you make a bigger batch!   

Serves: 1 

Time: Approx 1 hour (includes setting time)

Ingredients: 

• 60ml of coconut oil 
• 30ml of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 60g of organic cacao powder 
• Pinch of Himalayan sea salt 

Method:

1. In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil until it's a complete liquid. 
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey and vanilla extract, stiring well to combine. 
3. Add in the cacao powder and salt, and mix well until there are no lumps. 
4. Carefully pour the mixture into the heart moulds. Pop into the fridge for about 30-45 minutes or until they've completely set. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks or keep in the freezer and take out on the day you plan to eat them!

Amy's Tip: Add frozen raspberries to the chocolate mix for added flavour and antixoxidants. 

6. Creamy Chocolate Chip Ice-Cream

If you love having dessert and want to include healthier versions in your week, this is one for you to try! I also love having this in the freezer for when you randomly just fancy a few scoops of ice-cream or even for when you've got friends and family round for a bit of an afternoon treat!

Serves: 1 

Time: 2-3.5 hours (includes freezing time)

Ingredients: 

• 3 ripe bananas 
• 3 tablespoons of organic cacao powder 
• 2 tablespoons of honey 
• 2-3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips

Method:

1. Peel and slice up the bananas and pop in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until frozen.
2. In a high-speed food blender, add the banana slices along with the cacao powder and honey. Blend until well combined until it becomes a thick, creamy texture. 
3. Pour in the dark chocolate chips and stir well to space them out evenly. 
4. Store in a tight container in the freezer and scoop out portions as and when you want some chocolate ice-cream!

Which chocolate recipe will you make first? Send me a photo of your creations on Instagram @amy.lee.jackson as I would love to see what you make 🤍 

Cheering you on, always,