Guilt-Free Chocolate Hearts

It can be a challenge, to say the least, to create healthy treats for Valentine’s Day that also feel (and taste) indulgent. I’ve found that the secret is not to forgo sweet treats altogether, but rather to make a few smart and simple substitutions that—while not putting those treats into the realm of health food—make those treats just a bit “smarter."

Enter these sea salt chocolate hearts! These confections look and taste as decadent as you could possibly want for a loved one’s gift—but contain “better for you” ingredients.

While all fats and sweeteners should be used in moderation, ingredients such as coconut oil, unsweetened cocoa powder and pure maple syrup have benefits that make them superior choices to their more processed counterparts.

In addition, these hearts are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making them the perfect gift for everyone on your Valentine’s list.

I used these silicone heart molds, but you can use any ice cube tray for equally great results (just spray with nonstick cooking spray before filling, for easy removal).