15-Minute Sugar-Free Maca Chocolate DIY Energy Bar Recipe

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This sugar-free maca chocolate recipe is a clean, energizing treat that you can whip up at home in just 15 minutes or less. If you haven’t heard of it yet, maca powder is dubbed the ‘superfood of the Andes’ or the ‘Peruvian ginseng’.

It’s made from a plant called (funnily enough) maca, a small root vegetable that grows underground in the Peruvian Andes. For centuries, it’s been used for various medicinal purposes and is known to support natural energy and vitality.

Jump to Recipe

Combining maca with cacao and a handful of other superfood ingredients makes this an indulgent yet guilt-free snack that’s satisfyingly creamy and packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, dinner parties, or simply a delicious homemade dessert when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. 

Make this recipe during the weekend when you have more leisure time to indulge in a fun cooking project. Or, prepare a large batch for the busy week ahead so you can have healthy treats on hand whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Keep reading for the full recipe details. Don’t forget to browse our collection of homemade chocolate recipes for more guilt-free dessert ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sugar-free maca chocolates are what I affectionately call my ‘medicinal chocolates.’ If you’re thinking about trying maca for the first time, this is the perfect recipe for you. Here’s why:

• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Amazing flavors: Creamy and nutty, with a uniquely malty flavor from the maca powder.
• Short prep and cooking time: Ready to enjoy in 15 minutes or less.
• Budget-friendly: Cheaper compared to store-bought varieties; making it at home lets you have control over the ingredients and choose more inexpensive options.
• Basic kitchen equipment: Uses common kitchen tools like a double boiler, whisk or spatula, mixing bowl, and chocolate mold.
• Easy-to-follow directions: Follow 3 simple steps, from preparing the mixture to shaping the chocolates.
• Minimal cleanup: Uses tools that are easy to clean, especially if you use silicone molds to prevent sticking.

Want more tasty chocolate ideas? Besides these energizing sugar-free maca chocolates, there’s more to be had in The Ketogenic Edge Cookbook.

How to Make Sugar-Free Maca Chocolates

With just 15 minutes to prepare using a handful of clean, wholesome ingredients, who would’ve thought that making your own chocolates would be so easy?

With maca’s butterscotch-like flavor that complements the richness of cacao, these nutrient-packed chocolate bars are the perfect way to jumpstart your day and positively improve your mood.

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions to make these sugar-free maca chocolates.

Ingredients You Need

Sugar-free maca chocolate is a particularly special recipe because not only is it easy to make, it also helps reduce stress and fatigue. I like to keep things simple, so I use whatever I have on hand, plus a couple of ingredients that are readily accessible in health food stores and online shops. Here’s what you need:

• Salt
• Coconut oil
• Vanilla extract
• Maca powder: Always choose organic, high-quality brands, like maca from Mountain Rose Herbs, to ensure potency and purity. It’s available in different colors (yellow, red, black) based on their processing method but for this recipe, I used the more popular yellow powder.  
• Cacao paste: This is the base of the recipe.
• Macadamia nut butter: The naturally buttery taste and smooth consistency is perfect for making chocolates.  
• Grass-fed collagen powder: Acts as a binding agent and gives the chocolates a nice, crisp pop to each bite while preventing them from melting easily.
• Sugar substitute: Use natural sweeteners like liquid stevia for a clean, sweet taste without a bitter aftertaste.

It’s easy to put a spin and add even more nutrient density to this versatile maca chocolate recipe. So go ahead and get creative with your add-ins or substitutes! Below are some ideas to get you going:

• If you don’t have stevia extract, use other sugar substitutes like monkfruit sweetener.
• Put a twist on the flavor by replacing macadamia butter with other nut or seed butter like almond butter, coconut butter, or sunflower seed butter.
• Add dried fruits, seeds, or nuts like shredded coconut, almonds, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or a small amount of sugar-free cranberries for a more textured chocolate bar.

Step-By-Step Instructions

With only 10 minutes of prep time and another 5 minutes for molding, these sugar-free maca chocolates are so easy to make and absolutely melt in your mouth. You can prepare this as a make-ahead snack or a special treat for a cozy night in. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Melt and combine ingredients. In a double boiler, melt coconut oil and cacao paste over low heat. Once fully melted, mix in the butter, powders, and sugar substitute until thoroughly combined.
2. Let cool and shape the mixture. Once smooth, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool before pouring into the chocolate mold. Place in the freezer until firm.

Psst! You might also enjoy this Sugar-Free Chocolate Recipe with Almonds.

How to Store This Recipe

These sugar-free maca chocolates can be stored for up to 2 to 3 weeks, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. To store leftovers, place them in a tightly sealed container or resealable bag and keep them in the refrigerator. 

If you’re stacking the chocolates, place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together or transferring flavors. For long-term storage, freeze the chocolates in a freezer-safe container. 

Frozen maca chocolates can last for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.

What to Serve with Maca Chocolate Bars

I love to slice up my maca chocolates into bite-sized squares, but you can always serve them in larger bars if you prefer. They make healthy on-the-go snacks or tasty petit fours after dinner when you need a palate cleanser. Here are more ways to enjoy your maca chocolates:

• Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot for an elegant pairing.
• Pair with soothing herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint.
• Serve with a bowl of freshly sliced strawberries or raspberries.
• Crush into smaller bits and add to your shakes, chocolate chip cookies, and other baked goods.
• Enjoy with some walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.

More Keto Chocolate Recipes to Try

• Nutella Fat Bombs
• Mint Chocolate Bar
• Keto Peanut Butter Cups
• Thin Mint Chocolate Pudding
• Shilajit Chocolate Bites with Reishi

If you make this sugar-free maca chocolate recipe, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and comment!