Bittersweet Chocolate Recipe - Kosher, Parve
A rich, glossy, deeply flavored bittersweet chocolate recipe that can be used for molding, dipping, shaving, or incorporating into desserts. This version is parve, dairy-free, and suitable for kosher kitchens when prepared with certified kosher ingredients.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 12 (based on 1 oz portions)
Yield: Approximately 12 oz finished chocolate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Cooling/Setting Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (requires attention to temperature control)
Cooking Vessel: Double boiler (or heatproof bowl over saucepan), candy thermometer, silicone spatula, chocolate molds or parchment-lined baking sheet
Ingredients
Ensure all ingredients are labeled kosher-certified.
1 cup (120g) unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality, alkalized or natural)
½ cup (110g) refined coconut oil (neutral flavor)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (or superfine sugar for smoother texture)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
1. Prepare Double Boiler
Fill a saucepan with 1–2 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom does not touch the water.
2. Melt the Fat
Add the coconut oil to the bowl and allow it to melt completely over low heat. Do not overheat; target temperature should remain between 110–120°F (43–49°C).
3. Incorporate Cocoa
Whisk in the cocoa powder gradually to prevent lumps. Stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Add Sweetener
Add sugar and continue stirring until dissolved as much as possible. (Note: granulated sugar will not fully dissolve without conching; superfine sugar improves texture.)
5. Flavor and Balance
Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly.
6. Mold or Spread
Pour chocolate into silicone molds or spread evenly onto parchment paper for bark-style chocolate.
7. Set
Refrigerate 1–2 hours or until fully hardened. Once firm, remove from molds and store in an airtight container at cool room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per 1 oz serving – Approximate)
Calories: 150
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Values vary depending on sweetener and cocoa brand.
Dietary Adaptations
Vegan / Parve: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Sugar-Free: Substitute granulated sugar with powdered erythritol or monk fruit blend (ensure it is kosher-certified).
Keto-Friendly: Use powdered allulose or erythritol.
Refined Sugar-Free: Replace sugar with coconut sugar (texture will be slightly grainier).
Tips & Troubleshooting
Chocolate Is Grainy
Use powdered or superfine sugar.
Sift cocoa powder before mixing.
Maintain gentle heat; overheating can cause texture issues.
Chocolate Is Too Bitter
Increase sugar slightly (1–2 tablespoons).
Add a small amount of maple syrup (reduce heat immediately to prevent seizing).
Chocolate Looks Dull
For glossy finish, temper properly by cooling to 82°F (28°C) then gently reheating to 88–90°F (31–32°C) before molding.
Chocolate Melts Too Easily
Store below 70°F (21°C).
Increase cocoa powder slightly for firmer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Break into shards and serve with fresh berries.
Dip dried fruit (apricots, dates, figs).
Shave over dairy-free ice cream.
Incorporate into mousse, ganache, or brownie batter.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before setting for a gourmet finish.
Storage
Store in airtight container at cool room temperature (60–70°F).
Avoid humidity.
Shelf life: Up to 3 weeks.
Notes
This is a compound-style chocolate, not traditional couverture, as it uses coconut oil instead of cocoa butter.
For authentic European-style bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao), substitute melted cocoa butter for coconut oil and use finely powdered sugar for smoother results.
Always check certification symbols (e.g., OU, OK, Star-K) to maintain kosher integrity in mixed kitchens.
