How to sweeten unsweetened chocolate

In this article, we will answer the question of how to sweeten unsweetened chocolate. We will discuss simple techniques with which we can easily turn unsweetened chocolate into a sweet one.

How to sweeten unsweetened chocolate

To sweeten unsweetened chocolate there are two most commonly used methods, one is the double boiler method and the other is the microwave method in which you melt the chocolate and mix sugar into eat.

Unsweetened chocolate often is made of 100% cacao, it is usually used in baking. 100% cacao can be available in the form of powder or a bar form, the cocoa butter is a part of the cacao bean so many beans which have cocoa butter content in them can be made into chocolate bars. when it comes to cacao powder it has all the butter content removed. 

So if you have a cacao bar you would first need to melt the bar and then add the sweetener of your choice. The sweetener could be granulated white sugar, maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. The melting of the cacao bar and mixing the sweetener can be done in two ways.

Double boiler method

This is a popular method to melt chocolate and is often used in baking. All you need is a pan, a bowl, sugar, chocolate, a wooden spoon or a plastic spatula, and water.

• Put the pan on the stove and add water to it and wait until the water boils, slow the stove flame once it gets boiled. Now keep the boiler bowl in the boiling water
• Grate the chocolate into the boiler bowl and stir it well with a wooden spoon or a plastic spatula
• Now add sugar to the melted chocolate as per your taste. Mix the sugar and chocolate well to avoid any lumps and continue stirring until both the sugar and chocolate melt and mix well with each other 
• Now that you have mixed the sugar with chocolate and have a perfectly smooth texture transfer it to a plate or chocolate mold. place the chocolate in the fridge to let it sit and cool until it solidifies naturally.

This is an easy way of sweetening unsweetened chocolate but be careful while melting the chocolate and ensure the flame is not too high or the chocolate might get burnt.

Microwave method

This method is easier compared to the double boiler method.

• All you need is a microwave-proof bowl. Transfer the grated chocolate into the bowl and heat it in the microwave for a minute
• Now check for any lumps and their consistency
• Once you see no lumps and the chocolate has perfectly melted add the sweetener of your choice 
• Put the bowl back in the microwave for another 30 seconds
• Take the bowl out of the microwave mix the chocolate and sweetener 
• Put it back in the microwave to ensure a final mix of chocolate and sweetener
• The last step is to transfer the melted chocolate and sugar mixture into a plate or a chocolate mold and refrigerate it until it gets solidified and is ready to be consumed.

The microwave method is quicker than the boiler method, so this method comes in handy when you are in a hurry and need a quick fix to your unsweetened chocolate.

Benefits of dark chocolate

A 100% dark chocolate may not taste very good so you can sweeten unsweetened chocolate in such a way that it has a good taste as well as the health benefits dark chocolate provides. You can make 90%, 80%, or 70% dark chocolate to find a balance between taste and health.

Can improve blood pressure

Dark chocolate is loaded with biologically active organic compounds and functions as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavonols, and catechins, among others.

The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Can decrease cholesterol

Dark chocolate improves several important risk factors for disease. It lowers the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative damage while increasing HDL and improving insulin sensitivity.

Protect skin damage

Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage.

Improves brain function

Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.

Dark Chocolate Boosts Your Immune System

Cocoa can modulate the inflammatory response of your immune system. Inflammation is tissue’s response to pathogens, chemicals, wounding, or infections. Flavonoids are generally associated with anti-inflammatory properties and chocolate is filled with them.

Nutrient content 

A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa contains

11 grams of fiber

67% iron

58% magnesium

89% r copper

98% for manganese

It also has potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. 

Other FAQs about Chocolate that you may be interested in.

Can cats die from chocolate?

Which is the best Swiss chocolate?

What is the best time to eat dark chocolate?

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed how we can sweeten unsweetened chocolate using two simple methods. 1. Double boiler method and 2. Microwave method. We also discussed the benefits of eating dark chocolate. 

References

1. https://tapcibo.com/how-to-sweeten-unsweetened-chocolate/
2. https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/blog/chocolateknowledge/how-to-grate-and-chop-chocolate.html
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9
4. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/dark-chocolate/