There are some things in life that we might consider a little bit naughty. Drinking coffee, eating chocolate and secretly watching your favorite daytime TV when you should be working!
In this post, we're going to talk about combining two of those devilish treats! So, turn off gadget and head to your kitchen. I'm going to show you how to make the best chocolate coffee. This is a recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth and give you an energy boost, all in one recipe!
Chocolate Coffee Vs Mocha
"I've tried chocolate coffee before, and the technical term is actually a mocha!"
This is something I come across whenever I rave about chocolate coffee. It's somewhat correct, a mocha is just like a chocolate coffee! They're actually very different, though, and here's why.
Chocolate coffee | Mocha |
|---|---|
 The chocolate flavor is added just after the roasting period. We coat the roasted coffee beans in white, milk or dark chocolate. |  We add the chocolate flavor to the brewed coffee. Brew the coffee as normal and pour it into a cup of milky hot chocolate. Alternatively, you can add a spoonful of cocoa to your coffee. |
You can eat them whole! No need for a kettle or French press. You can buy a bag of the best chocolate covered coffee beans and pick at them like a snack. | Mocha comes as a drink form. Coffee beans don't taste as good when they're not smothered in chocolate. |
Because you're eating them whole, you take in more caffeine. An average chocolate coffee bean contains around 3-5 mg of caffeine. | An 8 oz. cup of mocha contains around 100 mg of caffeine. It's still pretty high but is nothing compared to eating the beans whole. |
An espresso with nothing added is virtually calorie-free. The chocolate accounts for the extra calories we take in when eating the beans. 28 beans covered in dark chocolate will provide you with 216 calories and lots of energy. | Mocha tastes best when made with full-fat milk and there are a few calories in the cocoa powder. A medium-sized mocha is filled with 394 calories. It's also made up of 68% carbs. |
All About Chocolate Coffee Beans
Where did this unusual, tasty treat begin? And who makes the best chocolate coffee? I think it's time to delve a little deeper into the history of these chocolate-covered beans.
In 1965, Harold Alexander came up with the idea of covering coffee beans in chocolate. At the time, he was experimenting a lot with chocolate. He created a range where he covered gummy bears - and even lentils! - in chocolate.
Since the 60's, foodies have come up with some variations on Alexander's idea. To mix things up, you can choose between milk, dark or white chocolate. If you can't decide, there are bags available with all three options. For a fruity twist, you can buy chocolate raspberry coffee. Now, that sounds like a flavor I want to try!
Sellers use premium, estate Arabica beans. For the best results, they should be smothered in high-quality chocolate. The result is a rich, velvety taste and a crunchy texture. You can pop these chocolate coffee beans like sweets. They're ideal for long road trips for some extra energy, or to give as a gift.
Read on to find out how to make chocolate coffee at home.
How to Make the Best Chocolate Coffee
Making your own coffee beans coated in chocolate is a simple but rewarding task. You can gift them to that friend that loves both coffee and chocolate! A personalized, homemade gift is always rewarding. Here's the only chocolate covered coffee beans recipe you need.
The recipe is so simple, you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before! You can buy a clear bag and tie it up with a ribbon for beautiful packaging. Otherwise, eat them straight from the table! You can also use the beans to decorate milky coffee drinks or add them to a trail mix or frozen yogurt.
You will need:
- Arabica coffee beans (1 cup)
- Chocolate chips of your taste (4 oz)
- Cocoa (3 tbsp)
- Baking tray
- Waxed paper
- Microwave or saucepan (to melt chocolate)
| The Method |
|---|---|
1. | Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. |
2. | Lay out the coffee beans evenly on a baking tray. Roast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Take them out and allow them to cool. |
3. | Melt the chocolate. You can add the pieces to a bowl and place the bowl over a saucepan of boiling water. Otherwise, use a microwave. If using a microwave, heat for 30 seconds at a time and stir regularly to avoid burning the chocolate. |
4. | Add the coffee beans into your creamy melted chocolate and stir to coat. |
5. | Remove the beans with a spoon. Take your time and let excess chocolate drip off. Place the beans onto waxed paper to cool. |
6. | Before the chocolate completely dries, take each bean in your hand and roll it. You want to form round, soft little balls here. Roll each bean in cocoa powder and allow it to harden. They're ready to eat! |
Health Benefits of Chocolate Coffee
Chocolate and coffee both used to have a bad reputation in the health world. Only recently, we heard that chocolate has some benefits. Recently, Harvard University told us that we can reduce the risk of a common heart condition, by eating 6 bars of chocolate per week!
We also know that a cup of coffee a day does us some good, too. Most Americans get the majority of their daily antioxidants from their cup of coffee.
What other benefits can this chocolate flavored coffee give us?
- There are antioxidants in both chocolate and coffee beans. Antioxidants deal with the harmful compounds in your body. Left alone, these compounds can cause inflammation and increase your risk of illness.
- For an extra health boost, choose dark chocolate coffee beans. Dark chocolate has more flavonoids, the antioxidants found in chocolate. Flavonoids lower your blood pressure, raise your good cholesterol and improve your vascular system.
- Coffee is linked to a lower cancer risk. A 2011 study found that coffee decreases the risk of developing prostate cancer. It can also lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Feeling down? We all feel a little low once in a while. Luckily, both chocolate and coffee can improve your mood. Coffee does this by working with the dopamine chemical. Chocolate increases the levels of serotonin in your brain. The effects are short-term, though, and can't guarantee a lifetime of happiness!
The Bottom Line
The best chocolate coffee isn't hard to make. In fact, it's a fun and simple process that will leave you with a tasty treat! Always use fresh, premium coffee beans and good quality chocolate for superior results.
Chocolate and coffee have always been a magical mix. With its rich flavors, energy boosting qualities, and health benefits, what more can you ask for? With chocolate covered coffee beans, there's no need to brew! Just pop them in your mouth and chew to enjoy the benefits.
