OMG, aren’t you totally stoked right now? It’s chocolate freaking FONDUE for crying out loud!
Can we just skip the dipping and pour it directly into our mouths? (Hey, if you do, I promise I won’t tell anyone. *wink*)
That’s how I felt when I found out I was making this at a recent herbal class- I was literally as giddy as a kid in a candy store. It was so fun to spend the afternoon learning about chocolate as a healing medicine, and how we can make sure we are getting the vitamins we need with a little help from the dark stuff.
It also made me think that Willy Wonka’s chocolate river had real potential before that kid fell into it (way to blow it for everyone Augustus!).
All joking aside, pairing chocolate with your favorite herbs is a great way to get the benefits of plant medicine, especially for children.
Vegan chocolate fondue that’s infused with healing lavender
Using chocolate in your recipes can actually provide you with a good source of magnesium, antioxidants, polyphenols, calcium, and potassium. It also can act as a carrier for other not-so-yummy herbs, such as bitters.
I highly recommend trying out different herbs for your chocolate and seeing what you enjoy the most. I have also tried this recipe with chamomile, and that was SO LOVELY.
But for this recipe, I decided to use some wonderful lavender for my chocolate fondue, because it’s a great starter herb for those new to herbalism.
Lavender is so beneficial to your body, helping bring you to a relaxed and calm state. Using it in chocolate is a wonderful way to stabilize your mood at the end of a long day! There are no limits to making this deliciously simple chocolate fondue!
How to use this healthy chocolate fondue
Here are a few ideas for foods to dip in your fondue:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Oranges
- Potatoes
- Celery
- Red Bell Pepper
- Cauliflower
- Rice Cakes
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Vanilla Cake
- A Spoon!
If you don’t want to mix up a batch of fondue at the end of your work day, consider making this ahead of time and freezing them into chocolate bites instead, for an after work stress-reliever.
Below I’m pouring my fondue into a candy frogs mold, as seen on my Harry Potter Vegan Chocolate Frogs (with Chamomile!) recipe post.
Or you can choose a beautiful flower mold, like this:
To make these into your own lavender flower bites, simply use this flower chocolate mold. To fill an entire tray, double this recipe, carefully pour into molds, and pop them into the freezer. They should harden up pretty quick, in about 20-30 minutes. I like to keep mine in the freezer, but you can certainly keep them in the refrigerator if you don’t want them to be as hard.
Now what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and make some fondue!
Allergy-Info & Substitutions
- This chocolate fondue is 100% vegan, meaning it is dairy-free and egg-free. It is also naturally nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free (when using Enjoy Life! chocolate chips).
- The amount of lavender that you use is entirely up to you! If you want a subtle taste, use less than a tablespoon, and if you want a strong lavender flavor, use more. When I made this, I used about 2 tablespoons, and it was strong, but YUMMY. The dominance of the herb flavor also depends on if you are freezing or using immediately- I noticed when I froze my chocolate, the lavender taste was less than when heated.
- And if you can’t get loose dried lavender? Use teabags instead, as demonstrated in this recipe: Harry Potter Vegan Chocolate Frogs with Chamomile.
- For another delicious herbal chocolate recipe, check out my post for Sleepy-time Men by clicking here.
Be your own Willy Wonka and make this HEAVENLY vegan chocolate fondue, which is infused with healing lavender. Great for stress relief, anxiety, or just for kicks. This fondue is 100% vegan, and naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free.
Lavender Infused Vegan Chocolate Fondue
Ingredients
- 1/2 C unrefined organic coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp dried lavender (see Allergy-Info & Substitutions section for more on this.)
- 10 oz vegan chocolate chips one package of "Enjoy Life"
- Cheesecloth for straining
Instructions
- Using the double boiler method, melt coconut oil over medium heat. Add lavender, and allow to infuse for 30 minutes-1 hour. You will start to smell a strong lavender aroma during the end of your infusion time. Remove from heat.
- Line a bowl with your cheesecloth, and pour in your melted coconut/lavender mixture. Strain, carefully pushing down on the cheesecloth with your hands (remember, this is HOT, so you may have to let it cool for a moment!). Remove cheesecloth and discard herbs.
- Add the chocolate chips, and stir until melted. If your coconut oil is too cool, you may have to return it to the stove to melt. Serve as fondue OR pour into chocolate mold and freeze.
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Thank you for taking the time to invest in your health and happiness!
I want to swim in a vat of it please – thanks for sharing with Pin Worthy Wednesday Randi
Hey, if you do, I won’t tell lol.
I haven’t had fondue in years. Love the idea of infusing it with lavender. Lavender is my favorite smell and I rarely use it in my cooking. Thanks for the inspiration
Yes I love Lavender as well!!! It is so yummy, if you like lavender and you like chocolate, then I’m sure you’ll love this:)
Hi Randi,
My friends and family will love these healthy and delicious lavender infused chocolate fondue treats–and so will I. I have to make this delectable recipe soon! Thanks for sharing this at the Plant-Based Potluck Party. I’m pinning and sharing!
Hi, I’d love to make this for my food allergy kiddo (& his two brothers!) Maybe a silly question; but do you think it would be ok to use organic lavender & Chamomile tea bags and skip the cheesecloth?? Thank you!
That’s not a silly question! Of course you can! I’ve done that in the past when I don’t have loose herbs on hand (and I’m feeling a little lazy lol). If you need a good example, check out this post- I use chamomile tea bags for the same process: Harry Potter Vegan Chocolate Frogs with Chamomile
Thanks so much for stopping by:) I’d love to hear how it turns out!
This sounds like an interesting combination! I love those 2 flavors but have never had them together before.
Giiiirrrl, if you like lavender and chocolate, you are going to LOVE them together! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you get to try this- you won’t regret it lol!
I am going to have to start visiting your blog more regularly. I am loving everything that I see everytime that I come here.
Thanks so much Elise! I’m really glad you are enjoying yourself:)
oooh, you could make hot chocolate for bedtime with it too –I just want a big bowl of it and my home-grown strawberries. That would be healthy, right?
Of course lol! I love the idea of using it for hot chocolate, thanks so much for your input Amber!
Hi Randi. I liked the pour it right in comment. No middleman. Or take a spoon. That means this stuff must be seriously good. Love fruit dips everyone is always happy to see it served. Thanks for the recipe.
LOL, thanks Leanna! This stuff is SOOO good- I’ve made it on multiple occasions and I enjoy it every time. Hope you get a chance to try it!
Could we Substitute dried lavender for lavender essential oil?
Hi Lesley-May, good question! While you COULD melt coconut oil and add a couple drops of food-grade lavender essential oil, personally I don’t recommend it. I’m a firm believer in using essential oils sparingly, and keeping them to topical use for the most part. If you are stuck to find dried lavender, a good option is to buy lavender tea bags to use. You can see an example of this by checking out my post on Harry Potter Vegan Chocolate Frogs with Chamomile. I hope that helps, and thanks for commenting!