Keto Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans: A Recipe for Energy and Indulgence

Chocolate espresso beans are a delightful treat, offering a satisfying combination of sweetness, crunch, and a caffeine kick. This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating your own keto-friendly version of this classic snack, perfect for those following a ketogenic or Trim Healthy Mama (THM) lifestyle.

Introduction

For those seeking a quick energy boost or a delicious sugar-free dessert, keto chocolate-covered espresso beans are an excellent choice. This recipe addresses the challenges of working with sugar-free chocolate and provides tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Why Keto Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans?

These treats offer several benefits:

• Energy Boost: The caffeine from the espresso beans provides a noticeable energy lift.
• Keto-Friendly: This recipe uses sugar-free chocolate and sweeteners, making it suitable for ketogenic diets.
• THM-Friendly: The recipe can be adapted to fit within the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) S (Satisfying) setting.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily modified to suit individual taste preferences by using different types of chocolate and flavorings.
• Great Gift: Homemade chocolate-covered espresso beans make a thoughtful and appreciated gift for coffee lovers.

Key Ingredients and Considerations

• Espresso Beans: Espresso beans are preferred over regular coffee beans due to their less bitter flavor. The roasting process also results in less caffeine.
• Sugar-Free Chocolate: Lily's Chocolate and Trim Healthy Mama chocolate products are popular choices. Lily's is more readily available, while THM chocolate provides another option. Be mindful of ingredients like dextrin, which is present in Lily's chocolate and should be consumed in moderation on THM.
• Sweetener: Granulated non-GMO erythritol or birch xylitol can be used as sweeteners. Powdering granulated sweeteners ensures a smooth consistency.
• Flavorings (Optional): Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, butter, or pumpkin flavorings can enhance the taste. Trim Healthy Mama flavorings are highly recommended.

Tips for Success

• Use Espresso Beans: Opt for espresso beans instead of regular coffee beans for a less bitter taste.
• Microwave Chocolate Carefully: If microwaving chocolate, use 15-second intervals to prevent scorching.
• Consider Chocolate Squares: Instead of individually coating beans, create chocolate-covered squares for a simpler process.
• Add Flavorings Slowly: Gradually add flavorings and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
• Smooth Drizzle: Add a small amount of coconut oil to the drizzle to create a smoother finish.
• Protect Silicone Mats: Avoid using new knives on brand-new silicone mats to prevent damage.
• Temperature Control: Refrigerate coffee beans briefly before coating to help the chocolate adhere. Store the finished product in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain the chocolate's integrity.

Recipe: Keto Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

This recipe provides instructions for both individual beans and chocolate squares.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cacao butter, melted
• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup whole coffee beans
• 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated non-GMO erythritol or birch xylitol (powdered)
• Sugar-free chocolate (Lily's or Trim Healthy Mama)
• Optional flavorings (butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, etc.)
• 1/2 tablespoon butter, unsalted USDA
• 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder, unsweetened USDA
• 1/4 cup espresso beans
• 1 bar Atkins Endulge Crunchalicious Bar

Instructions

Preparation

1. Prepare Coffee Beans: Refrigerate the coffee beans for 5-10 minutes.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
3. Powder Sweetener (If Necessary): If using granulated sweetener, pulse it in a blender until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.

Melting the Chocolate

1. Double Boiler Method: In a double boiler, bring water just to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Place chocolate (broken into smaller pieces) and butter (if using) in the top pan to melt while stirring, about 2 minutes.
2. Microwave Method: Place chocolate chips (or broken chocolate bar) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.

Combining and Coating

1. Combine Ingredients: Remove coffee beans from the refrigerator and add to the chocolate mixture. Stir to coat each bean in chocolate.
2. Add Flavoring (Optional): Gently stir in your chosen flavoring.
3. Coat Espresso Beans: Stir in espresso beans until evenly coated.

Creating Individual Beans

1. Transfer to Baking Sheet: With a fork, lift each bean from the chocolate and place on the prepared baking sheet, being careful not to let them touch.
2. Dust with Cocoa Powder (Optional): Dust the tops of the beans with cocoa powder.

Creating Chocolate Squares

1. Spread Mixture: Spread the chocolate and espresso bean mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Drizzle (Optional): Drizzle a top layer of melted chocolate (with a touch of coconut oil for smoothness) over the mixture.

Cooling and Setting

1. Cool: Allow to cool in pan for about 5 minutes, until chocolate is beginning to set.
2. Refrigerate/Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 3-5 minutes to harden the chocolate.
3. Cool Completely: Let beans cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely set.

Cutting (For Squares)

1. Cut into Squares: Once the chocolate is set, cut the mixture into 1-inch bars or desired size squares.

Storage

Store the chocolate-covered espresso beans in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Nutritional Information

• Nutritional values are estimates only and depend on the specific ingredients used.
• Online nutritional calculators can provide estimates.
• Consider that a single chocolate-covered espresso bean can contain up to 12mg caffeine with a dark chocolate shell, or as little as 7mg caffeine with milk chocolate. You just need 7 to 10 espresso beans for the same amount of caffeine as the average cup of black coffee (95mg caffeine).

Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Type: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or chili-flavored dark chocolate.
• Flavorings: Use various flavorings to create unique combinations.
• Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped nuts or seeds to the chocolate mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Spices: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a unique twist.

Common Questions

• Do chocolate espresso beans give you energy? Yes, the caffeine from the coffee beans and chocolate provides an energy boost.
• How many chocolate-covered coffee beans equal a cup of coffee? Approximately 7-10 espresso beans.
• Can I gift this dessert? Yes, these make a great homemade gift.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #chocolate #covered #espresso #beans #recipe