What would be the top three foods you’d never want to give up in your life? For me, it’d be cheese, potatoes, and of course – chocolate. If you’re like me and you’ve got that sweet tooth for a good chocolate snack or dessert, you’ll definitely want to check out this roundup of cacao powder recipes.
What is Cacao Powder?
If you’ve never tried cacao powder before, it’s one of the least processed forms of chocolate. You see, all chocolate starts out as a seed, located inside the pod of a cacao plant.
To make cacao powder, the seed is fermented, dried, then heated. The last part is done at a very low temperature, typically mechanically or via sun roasting. This separates out the cocoa butter (fat) from the bean, and then the remaining dry bean is ground into the powder.
Cocoa powder is similar, but processed at much higher temperatures. This makes it a bit less bitter, but it also reduces the nutritional value slightly.
Try grabbing some cacao powder and whipping up these different recipes. You’ll experience a truly rich, chocolatey treat that helps indulge your sweet tooth – in a nutritious way!
10 Insanely Delicious (and Healthy) Cacao Powder Recipes
1. Cacao and Coconut Seedy Bliss Balls from Kidgredients
How perfect are these energy balls for a healthy snack?! They’ve got no added sugar as they’re naturally sweetened with dates, and are full of chocolatey, coconut flavor.
2. Antioxidant Packed Cacao Smoothie from Snacking in Sneakers
This smoothie is made with just five ingredients – cacao, dark chocolate chips, banana, milk, and almond butter. It’s a delish post-workout treat!
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding from Lemons + Zest
This chia pudding is perfect for a nutritious breakfast or healthy snack. There’s just nothing better than that classic chocolate and peanut butter combo!
4. Raspberry and Chocolate Protein Brownies from One Clever Chef
I’ve never thought of using protein powder in a brownie recipe, but this is brilliant! These fudgy chocolatey brownies combine cacao powder with chocolate protein powder. Plus, that fresh raspberry topping? Oh, yes.
5. Double Chocolate Buckwheat Flour Cookies from What’s in the Pan?
These cookies are made with buckwheat flour, making them a tasty gluten free treat for any of your friends that can’t have regular flour.
6. Coconut Cacao Ice Cream from Trinity’s Kitchen
Introducing you to the easiest ice cream recipe you could ever make. You only need three simple ingredients – coconut milk, dates, and cacao powder – to make this healthier ice cream recipe.
7. Hot Cardamom Tahini Cacao from Moon and Spoon and Yum
Think of this cacao powder recipe as a healthier take on hot chocolate! It’s packed with flavor thanks to the combo of the cacao, cardamom, and tahini.
8. Chocolate Orange Avocado Mousse from Healthy Little Foodies
That chocolate and orange combo just reminds me of a fancy dessert I had while traveling! This recipe is so simple to make, and is naturally sweetened with banana.
9. Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars from Natalie’s Happy Health
I’ve tried quite a few of Natalie’s blog recipes and always been happy with them – so I have no doubt you’ll feel the same about these raw chocolate bars. Every bite is loaded with nutrients and rich chocolate flavor!
10. Healthy Banana Oat Waffles from Supergolden Bakes
This morning meal looks so delectable – but they’re also gluten free and have no refined sugar. A breakfast win!
