19 Ways to Use Cacao Powder
Looking for recipes that use cacao powder? From brownies to hot chocolate, smoothies to snacks, there are tons of ways to use this delicious ingredient!
What is Cacao Powder?
Cacao powder is a minimally processed, nutrient-rich powder made from fermented and dried cacao beans. It is created by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans, which helps retain more of its natural antioxidants and nutrients compared to cocoa powder, which is typically roasted and processed at higher temperatures. It’s similar to cocoa powder but it’s better for you from a nutritional standpoint. In fact, it’s considered a superfood! Cacao powder is a good source of magnesium, iron, and potassium. It has a bitter taste because it’s not sweetened, but it’s delicious when mixed with other ingredients!
What’s the difference between cocoa powder and cacao powder?
While cocoa powder and cacao powder are similar, there are some key differences. They’re both made from fermented cacao beans but cocoa powder comes from cacao beans that have been processed at a high temperature. The end result is less bitter, but it also loses some of its nutrients. Cacao powder is made from the same type of bean, but the beans are processed at a lower temperature. Cacao powder is more bitter but more nutritious.
Where to Buy Cacao Powder
You can find cacao powder at most larger grocery stores or health food stores. It might be in the specialty food section or you may find it near the cocoa powder. You can also get it on Amazon!
Recipes that Use Cacao Powder
Looking for new ways to use cacao powder? Try one of these delicious recipes! From healthy smoothies to delicious baked good, this versatile ingredient can add a chocolatey flavor to a variety of recipes!
This chocolate pumpkin pie cake is the perfect single-serving dessert! It’s so rich and decadent, you’d never guess it’s made with healthy ingredients!
These instant coffee overnight oats taste just like a mocha! So delicious and simple for meal prep!
If you want just a bite of a dessert after dinner, this secret East Indian treat is the perfect dessert. Made with either cacao or cocoa powder, it's the perfect dessert. It's also the perfect potluck dish to bring to a party because everyone gets a bite!
This Chia Breakfast Pudding calls for just 5 ingredients. It's perfect for busy mornings and the flavor will have you coming back day after day!
A chocolate lovers dream! Rich and decadent chocolate cookie dough balls with no added sugar! The secret ingredient is black beans for added protein and fiber. The perfect healthy snack!
This high-protein vegan superfood bowl is the best go-to for breakfast. Top with fruit and vegan yogurt. It’s got a cacao flavor which means it goes great with chopped orange for a healthy chocolate Orange breakfast.
This Paleo Double Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is fudgy and delicious. Rich chocolate banana flavor and naturally sweetened with all the health benefits of cacao powder.
In need of a hot chocolate that doesn’t just taste good, but is also full of nutrients? Well look no further… The Ultimate Healthy Hot Chocolate is filled with lots of goodness and an extra kick of ginger to warm you up.
This Homemade Nutella is even better than the ones in the store. Nutty, chocolaty, and with a hint of vanilla, this thick spread is richly flavored, sweet, and delicious.
Get ready for your mind to be blown by the absolutely best fudgy flourless sweet potato brownies in the world. Refined sugar free, paleo, and the perfect healthy dessert to enjoy after a meal. Enjoy on it’s own or with some scoops of your favorite ice cream!
A five-ingredient, peanut butter crunch bars recipe you’ll love sinking your teeth into! With a base of puffed rice, these no-bake peanut butter crunch bars are exactly that- crunchy! Plus, these chocolate crunch bars are made with healthier, real-food ingredients and come together quickly to give you a tasty indulgence- fast!
These heavenly Vegan Mocha Cheesecake Bites will satisfy your craving for coffee, chocolate, and cheesecake all in one. Plus, They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and guilt-free.
With a creamy hazelnut filling, these healthy, vegan truffles are a delicious and decadent treat! They’re also made with all real-food ingredients and are refined sugar free.
This sweet potato chocolate pudding is a creamy dessert that is super easy to whip up! It is a tasty, healthier alternative to a traditional chocolate pudding.
Fluffy and decadent vegan zebra bundt cake with swirls of chocolate and vanilla cake topped with an easy chocolate ganache! This is an impressive but easy vegan marble cake recipe!
This delicious Raw Chocolate Orange Slice is incredibly easy to make and is a healthy, satisfying sweet treat. These sweet bites are also refined sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan.
A subtly flavored Italian chocolate breads that pairs beautifully with butter, nut butter, chocolate spread and can also be enjoyed plain.
These delicious vegan triple chocolate cookies are perfect for any chocolate lover! Topped with crunchy pecan nuts and Dairy-free chocolate chips, these cookies are oven ready in just 20 minutes!
Indulge in a rich, creamy smoothie without regret. Frozen bananas, Greek yogurt, almond milk and Simply Organic Vanilla Flavoring sweeten cacao naturally without added sugar, while Simply Organic Peppermint Flavor adds a cooling, candy-like touch.
This is such an informative and useful post, loving all these delicious recipes. All are equally good so hard to pick one.
Thanks for all these delicious recipes. I specially like the vegan zebra bundt, I have to try and make it, looks so pretty and delicious!
This is so incredibly helpful and useful. I’ve been looking for different ways to use cacao!
This is such a useful list. My husband bought cacao nibs once and tried to eat them plain. It was not good and turned him off to cacao even though he knew it was good for him. I’m going to try that double chocolate banana bread asap – I’m sure it will change his mind!
So many amazing ways to use up all that cacao powder. No need to look elsewhere – very pleased!
I am loving this Cacao Collection! So many delicious recipes to choose from, this is a great reference to keep. That Zebra Bundt cake is calling my name!
My hubby would be drooling if he was looking at this collection of recipes with me! He’s such a chocoholic! Am going to surprise him with the chocolate bread over the weekend!
Thanks for sharing these recipes. I have cacao powder that’s been sitting in my pantry for a good while and I need to use it. Think I’m gonna start with the chocolate pecan cookies!
What a comprehensive guide on how to use cocoa powder! Perfect for chocolate lovers like me. Thanks for the ideas and the inspiration!
I’m definitely trying those sweet potato brownies! I love cacao powder, it tastes so much better than cocoa to me. Saving this list for later, so many goodies on here!