Sometimes you just need some chocolate. When a craving for the gooey goodness kicks in, it’s definitely OK to indulge. That’s especially true when you’re digging into dishes like the ones below, which pack in other nutritious ingredients and cut back on sugar, preservatives and fat. Plus, chocolate itself provides some disease-fighting antioxidants and heart health-promoting compounds.
Thanks to these slimmed down chocolate recipes, you can always feel good about getting your fix. Whether you want to start your day with a cocoa-rich meal, sip the sweet treat or enjoy a classic chocolate chip cookie, we have the recipe for you. Dessert for dinner, anyone?
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26 Healthy Chocolate Recipes You’ll Want Right Now
Chocolate Recipes for Breakfast
1. Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Waffles
Sunday brunch just got a lot sweeter. These low-carb, high-protein and gluten-free waffles will please everyone with their indulgent flavor and fluffy texture. Top ‘em off with berries, toasted nuts or whatever tickles your taste buds. Photo and recipe: Carolyn / All Day I Dream About Food
2. Low-Sugar Chocolate Hazelnut Homemade Granola
Making granola at home has many advantages, but an important one: much less added sugar. This recipe calls for maple syrup and cocoa powder to control the sweet stuff, without skimping on flavor. Toss the ingredients together, pop it in the oven and you have the perfect topping for your morning yogurt. Photo and recipe: Evan Thomas / Life by Daily Burn
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3. Healthy Protein Cocoa Puffs
You’ll definitely go crazy for these cocoa puffs! Oat flour, almond meal and cocoa powder (or chocolate protein powder, if you prefer) come together to make these mini crisps. The cereal’s healthy upgrade will make you feel good about having chocolate for your morning meal. Photo and recipe: Ali / Veggies by Candlelight
4. Chocolate Banana Protein Pancake
These filling flap jacks contain a whopping 22 grams of protein. Plus, they only require seven ingredients to whip up and two come in at under 300 calories. For anyone with a food allergy, they’re also dairy-, soy- and gluten-free. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
5. Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips
Don’t let the zucchini fool you! This bread is still super decadent. In fact, the veggie just adds more moisture, as does the applesauce, which slashes fat too. Eat a slice warm and the gooey chocolate chips will skyrocket the goodness even more. Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
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Protein-Packed Bars and Bites
6. Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
Why not treat yourself to some chocolate post sweat sesh? Make these no-bake bars ahead of time. Then store them in a zip-lock bag so you can eat your protein and carb snack on the go. Feel free to sub in your favorite nut butter to personalize the flavor. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Chocolate and peanut butter are a true match made in food heaven — and they shine in these satisfying bars. All you need is six ingredients and one hour to make ‘em. Breakfast, snack or dessert — done! Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
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A combo of two classics: a chocolate chip cookie and a brownie. This paleo recipe clocks just 184 calories so you can feel good about every bite. Better yet, they take less than 30 minutes to bake. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
9. Gluten-Free Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
Yes, you can have your cake and eat protein, too. This gooey chocolatey cake includes a fraction of the calories and a third of the fat compared to regular lava cake. Plus, using a mug or ramekin helps you stick to a single serving and it only takes five minutes to put together. Photo and recipe: Perry Sanatanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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Decadent Cocoa-Rich Desserts
10. Single-Serve Microwave Chocolate Cake Muffin
If this doesn’t cure your chocolate craving, we’re not sure what will. The microwavable dessert has a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a peanut butter chocolate sauce that just puts it over the top. And it’s made in a single serving so you won’t go overboard. Photo and recipe: Lee / Fit Foodie Finds
11. Coconut Chocolate Energy Truffle
Nature’s candy, aka dates, create the sweetness in these truffles, while providing energy-enhancing B vitamins, fiber, iron and potassium. Ideal for your mid afternoon snack, the almonds will also keep you full. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
12.
Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Chocoholics, rejoice! You’ll love this rich chocolate dessert that uses avocado to create a creamy texture. Don’t worry, though, you won’t taste the greens, only the chocolate. So throw the six ingredients into a food processor and viola! Your go-to post-dinner treat, complete. Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by Daily Burn
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13. Chocolate Frozen Banana Sushi
We’re talking dessert sushi, that is. A true crowd-pleaser, you simply coat a banana with dark chocolate and nut butter (a combo you’ll love) and top with your favorite mix-ins. In this recipe: hemp seeds, chia seeds and bee pollen. Photo and recipe: Alexa Schirm / Life by Daily Burn
14. Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Cups
Goodbye Reese’s. Hello homemade peanut butter cups! At just 85 calories per piece, you don’t have to feel guilty for nibbling on a few. The recipe eliminates not-so-good ingredients by calling for coconut oil in place of butter and honey and Stevia subbed in for sugar. Guilt-free candy at its finest. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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Good-For-You Choco Cookies
15. Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Bananas become a star ingredient in these cookies by adding some sweetness and moisture, while cutting back on the fat content. Oats also provide healthy carbs that keep you satisfied. The end result: that soft, chewy cookie texture everyone dreams about. Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
16. Chocolate and Zucchini Cookies
You’ll skip the oil and butter in this recipe. Instead, zucchini, applesauce and a touch of maple syrup bind these yummy fall treats. Cinnamon and cloves also perk up the flavor so you won’t miss the fat. Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
17. Acorn Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
So simple, yet so delicious! Peanut butter becomes the glue that holds the butterscotch, vanilla wafer and the Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Kisses with Almonds together. This yummy combo is a stand-out party treat. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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18. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mason Jar Cookies
Looking for a present to give a hostess or a friend who loves to bake? Or just want to treat yourself? Add this homemade, edible present to the list. The jar of oatmeal chocolate chip cookie ingredients yields about 25 to 30 treats, so it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn
19. Fudgy Double Dark Chocolate Black Bean Cookies
Munch on one of these cookies and you’ll definitely feel satisfied, courtesy of the fiber-filled black beans. They taste extra chocolatey for those who like a rich flavor. And they’re good for those with food allergies, considering they’re nut- and gluten-free, as well as vegan. Photo and recipe: Lauren / Oatmeal with a Fork
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Frozen Chocolatey Treats
20. Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt Sandwich
You can eat three of these mini ice cream sandwiches while still consuming under 200 calories. (They’re just 52 calories each!) The frozen yogurt substitution also saves on fat, but you still get the extra sweet taste from vanilla wafers and chocolate chips. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanochote / Life by Daily Burn
21. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
You don’t need a fancy machine to make this ice cream — just five ingredients and a food processor. Frozen bananas provide the sweet creaminess, while almond milk, peppermint extract and cocoa powder make up the flavor. A little protein powder will help fill you up, too. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
22. Delicious Chocolate Fudge Paletas
Cool down after a hot workout with a nutritious take on fudgsicles. Avocados amp up the creaminess, while coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup and espresso powder combine to make the treats oh-so-tasty. Photo: Katie Newburn, Recipe: McKell Hill / Nutrition Stripped
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Sweet Chocolate Sips
Our idea of a perfect chilly night: curling up by the fire and sipping on this soothing Spanish hot chocolate. It might skimp on the cream, but it definitely does not skimp on the deliciousness. It just might get you excited for winter. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
24. Chocolate Brownie Batter Protein Shake
If you need a pick-me-up after your morning workout, we found the smoothie for you. It’s basically a brownie in a glass — except with more body benefits. The recipe includes brewed coffee for energy and protein powder to fill you up and repair your muscles. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
25. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Your favorite smoothie, found. This mix includes chocolate protein powder, almond milk, a banana, peanut butter and some ice cubes. Easy, healthy and filling? Check, check, check! Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn