Vegan Peppermint Hearts

These cute hearts are sure to delight all the senses…and just in time for Valentine’s day! They’re very simple to make too…not mention delicious ;) Make them and impress your love for valentine’s or guests at your next gathering.

Vegan Peppermint Hearts     Yields: 12 hearts

Chocolate:

2C Enjoy Life Mega Chunks/dairy free semi-sweet chocolate chips

1Tbsp coconut oil

Filling:

1/4C coconut oil, softened

1Tbsp cornstarch

1Tbsp coconut milk

1C icing sugar, sifted

1tsp peppermint oil (should be available at your local bulk store in your area)

12 heart (or any shape) silicon moulds

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1. First start off by melting the chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat.

Tip: incase you aren’t familiar with how a double boiler works, make sure you put a small amount of water in the pot to ensure water doesn’t touch the bowl and seize the chocolate. Place a heat proof bowl over top pot and you have a double boiler :)

2. Once chocolate melts, add coconut oil and stir continuously until ingredients come together. Turn stove off and set aside.

3. using a tablespoon measuring spoon, pour a tablespoon worth of melted chocolate into each mould, ensuring bottom is fully covered. Place on a tray and let chill in the fridge for 10 minutes. While the chocolate is setting, prepare the inner peppermint layer.

4. Using a hand mixer, or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine coconut oil, cornstarch, and coconut milk on high speed until fully incorporated.

5. Add sifted icing sugar, and beat on low to start and increase speed to medium once sugar is mixed with the other ingredients. You may need to scrape the bowl down once and re-beat the filling.

6. Add peppermint oil and continue beating for 30 seconds more.

7. Using a small teaspoon, drop 2 teaspoonfuls of the peppermint filling into each mould and using either the back of the spoon or your finger, gently spread the filling but keep it away from the edges – as shown.

Tip: I opted to make thicker peppermint hearts, however if you prefer less peppermint, place 1 teaspoon into each mould.

8. Finally, top off with remaining chocolate, about a tablespoon per mould. Return to the fridge to chill and set, approximately 1 1/2 hours.

Tip: You need a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour of chill time. But for optimal results, the longer you let it chill, the better.

9. Remove Peppermint Hearts from their moulds by first stretching the moulds out a bit so as to release the hearts, then using your thumb to gently pop the hearts out – as shown.

Store hearts in an airtight container in the fridge, or place in a ziploc bag in the freezer to enjoy whenever you crave something sweet!

You’re all set! There’s minimal effort into making these delicious treats and they will surely impress your valentine ;)

Bon appétit! xo