Are you vegan or lactose intolerant but crave the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate? Look no further! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can easily make your own vegan milk chocolate at home. In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step, so you can enjoy this delectable treat guilt-free.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before embarking on your vegan milk chocolate-making journey, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup cacao butter
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup creamy plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Melt the Cacao Butter
Start by melting the cacao butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop using a double boiler. Gently heat it until it becomes completely liquid.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
Once the cacao butter is melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the raw cacao powder, maple syrup or agave nectar, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Tempering the Chocolate
Tempering the chocolate is a crucial step to give it that smooth and shiny texture. This process involves heating, cooling, and reheating the chocolate. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour the chocolate mixture into a heat-resistant bowl.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan filled with simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. This indirect heat will gently melt any remaining solid particles and help maintain the temper.
- Stir the chocolate constantly until it reaches a temperature of around 115°F (46°C).
- Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool to around 82°F (28°C). You can speed up the process by stirring the chocolate or placing it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Once it reaches the desired temperature, reheat the chocolate to 88°F (31°C) to be ready for molding or coating.
Molding and Setting the Chocolate
Finally, it’s time to mold or coat your vegan milk chocolate to achieve that classic chocolate bar shape. You can use silicone chocolate molds or pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for a more rustic look. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until it becomes firm.
Enjoy Your Homemade Vegan Milk Chocolate!
Once your vegan milk chocolate has hardened, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Break off a piece, savor the velvety sweetness, and revel in the fact that you made this delightful treat from scratch. Store any remaining chocolate in an airtight container in a cool place.