Carob Bar from Scratch (Vegan and Gluten Free)

This delicious Carob Bar is chocolaty, rich, and super delicious. It's made from scratch with only 5 ingredients and is way better than store-bought chocolate. Carob bars are the perfect treat when you're craving something sweet!

Carob chocolate is a delicious alternative to regular chocolate with the benefit of being caffeine-free. If you want to avoid caffeine without giving up chocolate, then you are going to love this recipe. It has the flavor of cacao, but with a naturally sweet touch and no caffeine.

Homemade carob bars make a great gift for anyone. You can package them up and share them with friends and family. Or make a batch and enjoy them as a sweet treat throughout the week.

Try this recipe and make your own vegan carob bars at home in a few simple steps! Or if you're looking for another on-the-go sweet treat, try my gluten free alfajores.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unique, caffeine-free flavor: Unlike traditional cocoa chocolates that are available everywhere, carob bars have a unique naturally sweet flavor. Caffeine-free and with many benefits, you can't miss trying this alternative to a traditional chocolate bar.
• Healthier alternative to standard chocolate: Unlike the vast majority of store-bought chocolate, it contains no sugar, lecithins, emulsifiers or hydrogenated fats. It's made with 5 natural ingredients!
• Quick and easy to make: It's made with just a few ingredients In less than 20 minutes!
• Fully customizable: Create your own unique bar by customizing the recipe to add your favorite ingredients, such as nuts, spices or dried fruit.

Carob vs Cacao

Carob flour is one of my favorite must-have ingredients. Due to its texture and color, it is very similar to cacao powder and is a great substitute for cacao in many recipes for those who prefer to avoid caffeine. Carob is distinguished from cacao by being naturally sweeter, which means it requires less sweeteners compared to bitter cacao powder.

Carob is a great option for both kids and adults!

Ingredients for Carob Chocolate

The best thing about this homemade chocolate is that the natural ingredients are very simple and full of flavor.

• Cacao Butter: This gives the chocolate that smooth, silky texture that we love so much. Real cacao butter is the base for any chocolate, including carob chocolate.
• Carob Flour: This ingredient is the star of this recipe. You can find carob flour at any health food store.
• Agave Syrup (optional): This is optional and adds sweetness to the chocolate. If you like chocolate with a high percentage of cacao, then you will probably want to skip the sweetener. If you don't have agave syrup, you can use maple syrup or another sweetener. Taste the chocolate mixture before placing it in the mold to adjust the sweetener to taste.
• Plant-Based Milk (optional): If you prefer a creamier chocolate, add a small amount of milk. You can use whatever milk you prefer, such as almond milk or coconut milk. I recommend making your own homemade milk to ensure it's free from preservatives and sugar. Even without milk, the carob chocolate turns out great!
• Vanilla Bean (optional): For a delicious touch of flavor and a fresh vanilla aroma. You can substitute with vanilla extract or vanilla powder. Do not use vanilla essence as it is artificial. You can omit the vanilla, if desired, or substitute it with other flavors like almond extract, mint or orange peel.

Equipment Needed

For authentic looking chocolate bars, I use chocolate bar molds. They are easy to use and the result will be a delicious chocolate bar with a store-bought look.

If you don't have a chocolate mold, you can use a small baking pan or dish lined with parchment paper.

How to Make a Carob Bar

The process itself is very simple but it is important to follow the instructions so that it turns out perfectly. You can find the full recipe instructions and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

1. Mix the base: Melt the cacao butter in a double broiler. While it melts, you can sift the carob powder if you didn't do this already. Sifting is an essential step. Use a spoon to break up the carob pieces in the strainer. Once the butter melts, add the carob little by little, using a whisk or spatula to mix well to ensure no lumps. Adding the carob pieces a little at a time but quickly is essential to create a smooth carob bar.
2. Sweeten and flavor the chocolate: Add the agave syrup and the milk (if using.) Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean and add it to the mixture, stirring well until smooth.
3. Assembly and cooling: Pour the mixture into chocolate mold of your choice or a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or until the chocolate has completely set. Remove from the mold and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste. The options for customizing are endless. Here are some ideas for you to experiment with and create your own carob chocolate.

• Chocolate with nuts: Add almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the mixture before placing in the mold. This will add a delicious crunchy texture.
• Spiced chocolate: You can add a pinch of cinnamon, sea salt or chili powder to give it a more exotic touch.
• Chocolate with dried fruit: Raisins, blueberries or pieces of dried mango can also add texture to your chocolate.

Storage Instructions

This carob bar keeps very well in the refrigerator. You can store it in an airtight container and enjoy it within 7 to 10 days. If you prefer, you can also store it in the freezer, just take it out a couple of minutes before eating so that it regains its texture.

Frequently Asked Questions