Healthy hot chocolate with cacao powder is a delicious hot chocolate that has the anti-inflammatory power of raw cacao powder. This drink is easy to make in a blender using just cacao powder, brown sugar, vanilla and your choice of milk. Perfect for kids and adults.
Hot chocolate with cacao powder is just as it sounds, a healthy hot chocolate made with cacao powder. This rich raw chocolate drink is gluten free, dairy free and high in nutrients thanks to the use of cacao powder, an unprocessed cocoa powder. Cacao powder, easy to find online or in a supermarket, is a strong anti-inflammatory and has a ton of other healthy benefits including iron, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants.
No need for packets of processed hot chocolate mixes when you can mix up 4 simple ingredients in a mug and microwave.
Cacao Powder vs Cocoa Powder?
Cacao powder and cocoa powder are both made from the cacao bean. The difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder though is that cacao powder is made from grinding fresh raw cacao beans, whereas cocoa powder is made from grinding roasted cacao beans. The high temperatures reduce the nutritional properties of cacao making cacao powder far healthier than cocoa powder. It also tastes better.
As a certified nutritionist, I can attest professionally that raw cacao powder is not just delicious, it’s packed with nutritional benefits. For instance, cacao powder contains flavanols, plant compounds that reduce inflammation, and cacao powder contains theobromine and phenylethylamine which boosts mood.
How to Use Cacao Powder
Cacao powder can be used in place of unsweetened cocoa powder in any recipe. Add cacao powder to chocolate overnight oats, no bake treats such as chocolate cream rolls, chocolate smoothie, no bake brownie bites, coffee chocolate, and even use it in baked goods like chocolate swiss roll.
Ingredients to Make Cacao Cocoa
- Milk. I used dairy free such as almond or cashew milk. Any milk works, including oat milk and soy milk. To make it extra creamy, use canned coconut milk.
- Cacao powder. This raw, unprocessed cacao powder is basically unsweetened cocoa powder without the heat processing that destroys nutrition in natural cocoa beans.
- Sugar. I used coconut sugar which is basically brown sugar made refined-free from coconuts. Regular brown sugar or even cane sugar also works. In fact, liquid sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup also work although tend to give the cocoa their flavor.
- Pantry ingredients: Vanilla, salt
Quick Explainer: Cacao powder is not unsweetened cocoa powder, but it is similar so you can use either in this recipe but cacao powder is healthier. My favorite cacao powder brands are organic and non-GMO. Here are three: Navitas Organics, Terrasoul, and Better Body Foods.
See the recipe card at the bottom for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Hot Chocolate
For more detail, visit the complete and printable recipe at the bottom of this post, but here are general steps.
You only need the ingredients, a mug and spoon or frother to make this healthy raw cacao hot chocolate.
Step 1: Add ingredients to a microwave-safe cup.
Step 2: Warm in microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Step 3: Froth until combined. Taste-test for sweetness: add additional teaspoons of your chosen sweetener and froth again.
Step 4: Choose additional toppings as you please, including 1 teaspoon cinnamon, miniature marshmallows or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe Tips
- Temperature Control: If using a stovetop, heat the mixture over medium-low heat to avoid scalding the milk.
- Smooth Consistency: Sift the cacao powder beforehand to prevent clumps in your drink.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, or try natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
- Cacao powder is a superfood but if you don't have it on hand, you can use a quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Be sure to heat the ingredients before you froth or stir - cacao powder is easier to dissolve in a heated environment.
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Suggested Toppings
- Cold foam on top for a latte-like finish.
- Whipped cream (dairy or non-dairy).
- A dusting of cacao powder for extra chocolate flavor.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth and spice.
- Marshmallows for a classic treat (vegan marshmallows for a plant-based option).
Various Cocoa Flavors
- Mexican Hot Cocoa: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and optionally sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon for a traditional Mexican twist.
- Mint Hot Chocolate: Stir in ½ teaspoon of mint extract to both the hot chocolate and ½ cup of whipped cream. Top with a fresh mint leaf in the whipped cream topping.
- Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Cardamom Hot Cocoa: Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the recipe for a unique and aromatic experience.
- Alternative Milks: Canned Coconut Milk: Makes the drink extra creamy and rich. Dairy Milk: Use this option if you don’t need a dairy-free version.
FAQS
Yes! Cacao powder in hot drinks is not only delicious but also provides health benefits such as improving mood, reducing stress, and supporting heart health. It’s a fantastic alternative to highly processed cocoa powder or hot chocolate mixes.
Raw cacao powder is minimally processed, which helps retain its high levels of antioxidants, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients support heart health, muscle function, and energy levels.
Yes, you can make chocolate from cacao powder. Use this recipe on how to make chocolate which involves mixing cacao butter, cacao powder or cocoa powder, vanilla and maple syrup.
Yes, you can swap cacao powder for cocoa in any recipe. The impact on the flavor will be that cacao powder is richer and slightly less sweet than processed unsweetened cocoa powder.
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Hot Chocolate with Cacao Powder
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoon raw cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar or maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- pinch salt
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Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe cup, add all ingredients.2 cups milk, 2 tablespoon raw cacao powder, 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, pinch salt
- Heat: Microwave the mixture for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Be careful when removing the cup as it may be hot.
- Froth and Enjoy: Use a hand frother to blend the ingredients until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Taste-test for sweetness and add more if needed. Sip and savor!
Add toppings
- Choose additional toppings as you please, including 1 teaspoon cinnamon, miniature marshmallows or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Dee Dine says
Enjoy this drink in place of coffee or as a bedtime drink - only three ingredients, and ready in 2 minutes!