9 Healthy Chocolate Recipes ❤️ To Celebrate Love

Valentine’s Day celebrates love, which we all need lots of. Chocolate is the ultimate sweet treat for Valentine’s Day. There is a reason it makes you feel soooo… good. Find out why and enjoy these 9 healthy chocolate recipes that love you back.

Why Is Chocolate Given on Valentine’s Day?

One of the reasons we love chocolate on Valentine’s day is chocolate actually promotes the brain chemistry of being in love.

Cacao has the highest concentration in any food of phenylethylamine, which is the chemical produced in the brain when a person is in love.  Phenylethylalanine promotes feelings of attraction, excitement and nervousness and is associated with the sensations we feel when falling in love.

Chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid used by the brain to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness. Chocolate enhances sexual pleasure by increasing the brain’s level of serotonin. Serotonin also plays a major role in positive mood, emotional health, proper sleep and balanced appetite.

Chocolate is a good source of magnesium which helps support a healthy cardiovascular system. It relaxes the veins and arteries, improving the natural flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It opens the heart and connects us to one another.

History of Chocolate and Love

Chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac food since the time of the Aztecs. Chocolate is said to contain substances that inflame desire and make the beloved one more open to romance. Sixteenth-century ruler Montezuma II  allegedly consumed chocolate in vast quantities in order to stoke his libido.

Mayan people appreciated the magic of chocolate. In religious ceremonies they drank a hot chocolate drink made by roasting cacao beans and then grinding them into a paste mixing it with chiles, cornmeal, and water. They were the first culture to make the connection between chocolate and love. Some Mayan wedding ceremonies included a ritual where the bride and groom ceremonially sipped chocolate.

Here are 9 of my favorite chocolate recipes you’ll enjoy making and sharing this Valentine’s Day. Click on the photo to get to the recipe.

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Red Velvet Cheesecake is a creamy dessert with an exquisite deep red color and rich chocolate flavor. Since it’s vegan, paleo and gluten free it will not only delight your senses, it will feel good in your body too! Get recipe here.

Easy Homemade Chocolate Candy

This recipe tastes rich and decadent but is made with wholesome SUPER FOOD ingredients. The raw cacao based chocolate recipe has only 5 ingredients and is gluten free, paleo and vegan. And you can make lots of variations! Get recipe here.

Bittersweet Chocolate Tart

This Bittersweet Chocolate Tart is decadently rich and creamy. It’s super easy to make. There are only 7 ingredients and no baking required. Paleo, vegan. Get recipe here.

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Brownies

These brownies are rich and fudgy. They taste like the traditional brownies of my childhood but, they are paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free. Get recipe here.

Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake

This is one of the creamiest, smoothest, richest, chocolate mousse cakes you’ll ever eat. It has a chocolate brownie crust with a coconut cream and avocado chocolate filling. It tastes as good as a traditional mousse cake (maybe even better) but it’s paleo, gluten-free, vegan. Get recipe here.

Raw Chocolate Mousse

If you’re looking for a creamy, silky, chocolate mousse you can make in just 10 minutes this is the recipe for you. Serve immediately or refrigerate. It has only 5 ingredients but is elegant enough for dessert or healthy enough for breakfast. Get recipe here.

Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Candy

These candies are easy to make and you can choose the nut butter filling you like best. I found cashew butter the creamiest but almond butter is also good. My grandson likes peanut butter. Paleo, Vegan. Get recipe here.

6 Ingredient Chocolate Candy with Cacao Nibs

The best thing about this candy is it’s super delicious. I use cacao nibs in this candy because I want it to be nut free and still have some crunch. Made with SUPER FOOD ingredients that will make your heart sing. Get recipe here.

Easy Chocolate Chia Pudding

This is a simple recipe with only 5 ingredients. It’s incredibly chocolaty, super creamy and packed with nutrients. Get recipe here.

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy these delicious healthy chocolate recipes this Valentine’s Day. Love is sweet! It’s not just about romantic love either. Give the gift of chocolate to your friends and family too! Happy Valentine’s Day!