Indulge in the holidays: dark chocolate for menopause and festive treats

The run-up to Christmas is a time of festive baking, cooking, and delicious treats—and dark chocolate often takes centre stage in so many recipes. But its appeal isn’t just culinary: dark chocolate can also be a wonderful ally for women during menopause. Choosing varieties with 70% cocoa or higher can help reduce hot flashes, support hormone balance, and promote overall wellbeing.

This holiday season, you can enjoy your favourite chocolate recipes guilt-free, knowing that treating yourself can also be part of a mindful, menopause-friendly approach. Whether it’s in cookies, cakes, or simply a few squares savoured by the fire, dark chocolate nourishes both body and spirit while adding a touch of festive joy. Studies show that high-cocoa dark chocolate may help ease some menopause symptoms, making indulgence a delicious way to care for yourself during the holidays.

Why dark chocolate is a game changer

Research from the UK and Europe suggests that incorporating dark chocolate into your diet can support overall wellbeing for women during menopause. Dark chocolate, particularly varieties with 70% cocoa or higher, is rich in flavonoids—compounds linked to improved hormone balance and a reduction in hot flashes (González-Alonso, 2021; Sweeney et al., 2022). Its nutrients can also boost mood, a welcome benefit during this transitional phase.

Swapping milk chocolate for dark chocolate can also benefit heart health. Milk chocolate often contains higher amounts of sugar and fat, which can negatively affect cardiovascular health. So when it comes to advent calendars, skip the low-cocoa, overly sweet options. Instead, choose calendars with a high percentage of dark chocolate—or if those are hard to find, opt for fun alternatives like makeup or nail varnish calendars so you can treat and beautify yourself during the run-up to Christmas!

Dark chocolate, on the other hand, is loaded with antioxidants that promote vascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease (Canali et al., 2022). This holiday season, it’s a delicious way to combine indulgence with self-care, supporting both your body and your festive mood.

Delectable dark chocolate christmas cake recipe

Christmas is the perfect time for family, friends, and indulgent desserts—and this year, you can wow your loved ones with a sumptuous dark chocolate Christmas cake with a splash of Cointreau. If dried fruit isn’t their thing, the cake’s rich dark chocolate paired with the zesty orange notes of Cointreau will delight the taste buds and bring everyone straight into the festive spirit.

Ingredients: what you’ll need

To create this stunning cake, you will need the following ingredients, all measured in metric for precision:

• 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped

• 150g unsalted butter

• 250g granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 150g all-purpose flour

• 50g unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 100ml Cointreau

• Zest of 1 large orange

• For decoration: dark chocolate shavings and orange slices

Equipment: ensure you’re prepared

Before diving into the method, gather the necessary equipment to make the process seamless:

• 1 large mixing bowl

• 1 small saucepan

• 1 whisk

• 1 spatula

• 1 round cake tin (23 cm in diameter)

• 1 cooling rack

• Oven mitts

• Measuring cups and spoons

Method: crafting the perfect cake

Now that you have everything ready, follow these steps to create your dark chocolate Christmas cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line the sides and base of the cake tin with parchment paper.

2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together, stirring occasionally until combined and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy.

4. Gradually fold in the melted chocolate mixture, taking care to combine thoroughly.

5. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the mixture. Fold gently to avoid deflating the batter.

6. Add the Cointreau and orange zest. Mix until just combined.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

9. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

10. Decorate with dark chocolate shavings and orange slices before serving.

Enjoy your delicious dark chocolate Christmas cake with a unique twist of Cointreau this festive season! The rich and moist texture, alongside the subtle hints of orange, will make it a delightful addition to your Christmas celebrations.