Homemade Frozen Chocolate Bars: A Luxurious Sugar-Free Treat
Ingredients
For the Cream Filling
- 300g (10.5 ounces) cottage cheese or cream cheese
- 40g (3 tablespoons) coconut/cocoa/classic butter
- 40g (2 tablespoons) honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 20g (2 tablespoons) cocoa powder
For the Coating
- 160g (5.6 ounces) dark chocolate
- 40g (3 tablespoons) vegetable oil
- 40g (1/4 cup) peanuts
Detailed Instructions
Preparing the Creamy Center
- Start with room temperature cheese for the smoothest results
- Melt your chosen butter (coconut, cocoa, or classic) until just liquid
- In a food processor, combine:
- Cheese
- Melted butter
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- Process until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed
- Test consistency – it should be thick but spreadable
Creating the Perfect Shape
- Select your silicone mold – ice pop molds work perfectly
- Fill each cavity carefully, tapping to remove air bubbles
- Smooth tops with an offset spatula
- Insert popsicle sticks if your mold allows
- Freeze for minimum 3 hours, preferably overnight
Mastering the Chocolate Coating
- Prepare peanuts:
- Chop to desired consistency
- Toast lightly if desired for enhanced flavor
- Create chocolate coating:
- Chop chocolate into uniform pieces
- Melt using double boiler method
- Stir in vegetable oil until glossy
- Add chopped peanuts
- Maintain chocolate temperature around 90°F (32°C) for best results
Assembly Process
- Work quickly with frozen bars:
- Remove one bar at a time from freezer
- Dip in chocolate mixture
- Let excess drip off
- Place on parchment-lined sheet
- Return to freezer immediately after coating
Pro Tips
- Use full-fat cheese for the creamiest texture
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- Keep tools and workspace cool
- Have everything ready before starting
- Work in small batches when coating
Storage Guidelines
- Keep frozen in airtight container
- Best consumed within 2 weeks
- Let sit 2-3 minutes before eating
- Avoid repeated thawing and freezing
Nutritional Information
Per bar (serves 8):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 8g
- Healthy Fats: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Natural Sugars: 8g
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Variations
- Swap peanuts for any preferred nuts
- Try different extract flavors (mint, almond)
- Use white chocolate for coating
- Add dried fruit to the coating
- Experiment with different cheese combinations
This recipe proves that healthy desserts can be absolutely delicious and impressive. The combination of creamy filling and crunchy chocolate coating creates a professional-quality frozen treat that no one will believe is homemade, let alone sugar-free!
Remember, temperature control is key to success – keep everything cold and work quickly when coating. With a little practice, you’ll be making these incredible frozen bars like a professional confectioner. They’re perfect for entertaining, special occasions, or whenever you want a sophisticated yet healthy frozen treat!