- Exactly how to choose CBD oil or isolate—plus temperature tips that protect potency
- Fail-safe tempering steps for shiny chocolate that doesn’t bloom
- Dosage math with a real example (mg per piece)
- Flavor swaps, troubleshooting, and storage tips
Why This CBD Chocolate Recipe Works
- Chocolate-first method: Temper the chocolate, then blend in CBD at a low working temperature to keep the structure and flavor.
- Oil-compatible: Uses cocoa butter and a small amount of lecithin (optional) to evenly disperse CBD oil without seizing.
- Scalable: Make bars, bark, or molded candies with precise dosing.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) good-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped
- 1–2 tsp cocoa butter, finely chopped (optional but recommended for smoothness)
- CBD product of choice (see options below)
- 1/8 tsp sunflower lecithin (optional, for dispersion)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Flavor add-ins (optional): vanilla, orange oil, espresso powder, crushed nuts, freeze-dried berries
Tools
- Instant-read thermometer (chocolate success secret!)
- Heatproof bowl + pot (double boiler) or microwave
- Silicone spatula
- Chocolate molds or a parchment-lined sheet for bark
- Kitchen scale for accurate dosing
Choosing the Right CBD
- CBD oil (MCT-based, unflavored): Easy to mix, widely available. Choose a lab-tested oil with clear mg per mL.
- CBD isolate (powder): Flavorless and potent; stir into warm cocoa butter first, then add to chocolate.
- Broad/full-spectrum extracts: May add herbal notes; keep temperatures on the lower end to preserve delicate compounds.
Good rule: Avoid water-based tinctures—they can seize chocolate. Oil-based extracts work best for edible chocolate.
CBD Chocolate Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Yield
About 12 standard bars or 24–30 small bites, depending on molds.
1) Temper the chocolate
- Set up a double boiler (barely simmering water). Keep steam away from chocolate.
- Add 8 oz (225 g) chocolate to a dry bowl. Melt to 115–120°F (46–49°C) for dark; 105–110°F (40–43°C) for milk/white.
- Remove from heat. Seed with remaining 4 oz (115 g) finely chopped chocolate and optional cocoa butter, stirring until smooth.
- Cool to 82–84°F (28–29°C). Then gently rewarm to a working temp of 88–90°F (31–32°C) for dark; 86–88°F (30–31°C) for milk/white.
2) Prepare your CBD
- If using CBD oil: Measure the exact mL for your target dose (see dosage guide below).
- If using isolate: Dissolve the weighed powder into 1–2 tsp gently warmed cocoa butter (not above 140°F/60°C) to make a smooth concentrate.
3) Combine
- At working temperature, sprinkle in lecithin (if using) and a pinch of salt.
- Stir in CBD oil or the isolate–cocoa butter mixture slowly until fully incorporated. Keep chocolate between 86–90°F (30–32°C).
- Add flavorings or mix-ins. Avoid water-based extracts; use oil-soluble flavors.
4) Mold and set
- Pour into clean, dry molds (or spread for bark). Tap to release air bubbles.
- Let set at 65–70°F (18–21°C) until firm, 30–60 minutes. Avoid the fridge unless your room is warm or humid.
- Unmold and store in an airtight container at cool room temp (60–70°F/16–21°C).
Smart Dosing: How Many mg of CBD per Piece?
Use this simple formula for precise dosing:
mg CBD per piece = (Total mg CBD added) ÷ (Number of finished pieces)
Real example
- You add 600 mg CBD (e.g., 20 mL of a 30 mg/mL oil) to the batch.
- You fill 25 molds. 600 ÷ 25 = 24 mg CBD per piece.
Common personal serving ranges are 5–25 mg. Start low, observe effects over several sessions, and adjust gradually.
Flavor Ideas for Standout CBD Sweets
- Orange zest oil + toasted almond
- Espresso powder + flaky sea salt
- Raspberry crumble (freeze-dried) + pistachio
- Tahitian vanilla + cacao nib crunch
These combinations make beautiful gifts and a fun take on infused candy for holidays or care packages.
Experience: A Quick Win Story
When Maya, a home baker in Portland, tried her first batch, she used a flavored tincture that seized her chocolate. On try two, she switched to an unflavored MCT-based CBD oil, tempered to 89°F, and stirred slowly. The result? Glossy bars with espresso and sea salt that snapped cleanly—and each bar had a consistent 15 mg dose. Now she makes a double batch monthly for her partner and friends.
Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
- Chocolate looks dull or streaky: Temper dropped. Gently re-melt and repeat the tempering curve.
- Too thick after adding CBD: Warm 1–2°F and add 1 tsp melted cocoa butter at a time.
- Seized chocolate (grainy, stiff): Water contamination. Start over with dry tools; use oil-based ingredients only.
- Uneven dosing: Stir longer than you think—60–90 seconds of steady folding for uniform dispersion.
- Potency loss: Keep below 230°F/110°C at all times; best to blend at 86–90°F (30–32°C).
Storage, Shelf Life, and Food Safety
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (60–70°F/16–21°C).
- Avoid fridge humidity; if needed, wrap tightly to prevent condensation.
- Best within 2–3 months for peak flavor and texture.
- Label the container with the date and mg per piece, and keep out of reach of children and pets.
Variations
- Milk or white chocolate: Use lower melt/working temps and reduce salt slightly.
- Nut butter cups: Spoon a thin chocolate layer, add a dollop of salted almond butter, top with more chocolate.
- Chocolate bark: Spread thinly and finish with seeds, nibs, and dried fruit—fastest path to shareable cbd sweets.
Nutrition and Labeling
Nutrition varies by chocolate type and add-ins. If gifting, include an ingredient list and clear CBD per piece. Responsible labeling builds trust and helps recipients dose consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much CBD should I put in a batch?
Decide the mg per piece you want (e.g., 10–20 mg), estimate your total pieces, then multiply. Example: 20 pieces × 15 mg = 300 mg CBD in the batch.
Can I use a CBD tincture or do I need isolate?
Use an oil-based, unflavored tincture (MCT is ideal) or CBD isolate dissolved in melted cocoa butter. Avoid water- or alcohol-based tinctures, which can seize chocolate.
Will heating destroy CBD potency?
CBD degrades at high heat. Blend it in at the chocolate’s working temperature (about 86–90°F/30–32°C). Avoid direct, high heat.
How do I get shiny chocolate that snaps?
Temper properly: melt, cool, and rewarm to working temp. Keep tools dry, avoid steam, and let chocolate set at cool room temperature.
How long does infused chocolate last?
Up to 2–3 months at cool room temperature in an airtight container. Keep away from light, heat, and moisture.
Conclusion
With this cbd chocolate recipe, you can make silky, professional-looking bars or bites at home—accurately dosed, perfectly tempered, and tailored to your taste. Start small, keep notes on dosing and flavors, and refine your signature batch.