Craving something sweet, nutty, and keto-friendly? These keto chocolate-covered almonds are the perfect quick snack! With only a few ingredients, they come together easily and can satisfy any chocolate craving.
Introduction
For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and compliant snacks can sometimes be a challenge. Store-bought chocolate-covered almonds can be loaded with carbs, making them unsuitable for a keto lifestyle. However, making your own keto-friendly version at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the ingredients. These keto chocolate covered almonds are not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making them an ideal treat.
Why Almonds are Keto-Friendly
Almonds are a fantastic choice for a keto diet. They are low in carbs and packed with protein, making them a filling and nutritious snack. Some studies even suggest that almonds, with or without dark chocolate, can improve cholesterol levels in overweight adults.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Chocolate Coating
- Lily’s chocolate chips (or any low-carb chocolate)
- Coconut oil
For the Almonds
- Whole almonds or sliced almonds
- Optional: Sea salt
Optional additions
- Vanilla extract or other flavored extracts
- Chopped roasted seeds
- Toasted unsweetened coconut
- Cocoa nibs
Making Keto Chocolate Covered Almonds
Option 1: Quick & Easy Chocolate Covered Almonds
This method uses Lily's chocolate chips for a simple and fast treat.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt Lily’s chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Pour and Stir: Add the almonds to the melted chocolate and stir until they are completely coated.
- Chill: Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-covered almonds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator until the chocolate is solid.
- Store: Once set, store the chocolate almonds in an airtight container. If your house is warm, store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Option 2: Keto Chocolate Almond Clusters
This recipe uses cocoa powder and baker's chocolate for a richer flavor.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Toast the Almonds: If using sliced almonds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This enhances their flavor and adds a bit of crunch.
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, combine cocoa powder, sweetener (like Swerve), coconut oil, and baker's chocolate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until the chocolate is almost fully melted. Continue stirring until completely smooth.
- Combine and Mold: Pour a little of the liquid chocolate into silicone mini muffin molds, filling them about halfway. Add the toasted almonds.
- Add Salt (Optional): Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt over the top to bring out the sweetness.
- Freeze: Freeze until solid. Once frozen, pop the chocolates out of the mold and store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the freezer.
Option 3: Keto Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt and Almonds
This recipe creates a bark-like treat with a salty-sweet flavor.
- Prep the Almonds: In a saucepan, combine sweetener (like Swerve) and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 minutes, watching carefully. Stir in the almonds and sea salt. Spread the almonds out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool.
- Make the Chocolate Mixture: Set a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Combine cocoa butter and unsweetened chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in the powdered sweetener, then stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the Almonds: Break up the almond mixture so the pieces aren't sticking together, and then add most of them to the chocolate mixture. Stir until the almonds are well coated.
- Spread and Chill: Spread the mixture out onto the same parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping the nuts in a single layer. Sprinkle with the reserved almonds and additional sea salt, if desired. Chill until set, 1 to 2 hours.
- Break and Store: Use your hands to break the bark into irregular pieces. This sweet chocolate treat should be fine on the counter for several weeks, assuming you don’t live in a very hot environment.
Tips and Tricks
- Preventing Seized Chocolate: Be careful not to let any water get into the melting chocolate, as this can cause it to seize up and become gritty. If this happens, try adding a tablespoon of coconut oil at a time, melting it, and stirring vigorously.
- Choosing Your Chocolate: Lily’s Dark Chocolate Premium Baking Chips are a popular choice for keto chocolate treats due to their low carb content. You can also use any dark chocolate bar that is low in carbs or sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference. Remember that some sweeteners, like erythritol in Lily’s chocolates, should be subtracted from the total carb count.
- Nut Variations: While this recipe focuses on almonds, you can easily substitute other low-carb nuts like cashews or peanuts.
- Toasting Nuts: Toasting the almonds before coating them in chocolate enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
Why Make Your Own?
Store-bought chocolate-covered almonds can contain a significant amount of net carbs, sometimes taking up your entire daily carb allotment on a strict keto diet. By making your own, you control the ingredients and can ensure they fit within your macros.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these keto chocolate-covered almonds as a quick and satisfying snack.
- Serve them as a dessert after a meal.
- Add them to homemade trail mix for a boost of healthy fats and protein.
- Use them as a topping for keto-friendly ice cream or yogurt.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover chocolate almonds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- For longer storage, keep them in the freezer.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto