Organic Extra Dark Chocolate Chips (75% Cacao, Dairy-Free)
Guittard's extra dark chocolate chips are already quite clean, containing only cacao beans, sugar, sunflower lecithin (an emulsifier, not a seed oil), and vanilla. The main improvement is upgrading to organic cacao mass and coconut sugar while maintaining the rich 75% cacao content and dairy-free profile.
Based on: Extra Dark Chocolate Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips
· Makes approximately 30 servings (450g total)
· Serving: 30 pieces (15g), matching commercial product
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Extra Dark Chocolate Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips from Guittard often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Extra Dark Chocolate Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Acts as natural emulsifier to bind ingredients smoothly and prevent bloom on finished chips
Organic vanilla extract
5ml (1 teaspoon) · Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
Enhances chocolate flavor complexity and rounds out any bitter notes from the high cacao content
Instructions
Step 1. Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (water should not touch the bottom of the bowl). Chop the cacao mass (270g) into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife — this ensures even melting. Add the chopped cacao mass to the bowl and melt slowly, stirring every 2-3 minutes with a wooden spoon. This process takes 8-12 minutes; never rush with high heat as cacao burns easily and becomes bitter.
Step 2. Once the cacao mass is 75% melted with just small lumps remaining, add the cacao butter (90g) piece by piece, stirring constantly. The residual heat will finish melting the cacao while the butter melts smoothly. Remove from heat when completely liquefied and glossy. The mixture should reach about 110-115°F (use a candy thermometer for precision) — this temperature ensures proper crystal formation later.
Step 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar (75g) and sunflower lecithin (3g or 1 teaspoon) until evenly distributed. Lecithin powder clumps easily, so whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes to break up all lumps. Gradually add this dry mixture to the warm chocolate, whisking constantly to prevent grittiness. The coconut sugar will dissolve into the warm chocolate, creating a smooth, glossy mixture.
Step 4. Add the vanilla extract (5ml or 1 teaspoon) and whisk for another 30 seconds until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth, glossy, and flow easily from a spoon. If it seems too thick, it may have cooled too much — return briefly to the double boiler, stirring until it reaches the proper consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (up to 15g additional coconut sugar).
Step 5. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a piping bag or small spoon, create chip-sized portions (about 0.5g each, roughly the size of a mini chocolate chip). Work quickly as the chocolate will begin to set. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even setting. If the mixture becomes too thick to work with, briefly rewarm over the double boiler until workable again.
Step 6. Refrigerate the formed chips for 15-20 minutes until completely set and firm to the touch. For best results, allow them to come to room temperature before final storage — this prevents condensation. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months, or refrigerate for up to 6 months. Use in baking or enjoy as-is. Each serving is approximately 30 pieces (15g total) providing the same nutrition profile as the commercial version.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature (65-70°F) for up to 3 months. Avoid temperature fluctuations which can cause bloom. Refrigerate for up to 6 months, but allow to come to room temperature before use to prevent condensation.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.44
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.65
Savings32%
Initial investment of $74 covers ingredients for multiple batches. Bulk buying organic ingredients provides long-term savings while ensuring superior quality without refined sugar or industrial processing.