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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Dessert » 20+ Healthy Cacao Powder Recipes

    ★★★★★ from 3 reviews

    20+ Healthy Cacao Powder Recipes

    Published Aug 20, 2018 · Modified Jan 26, 2023 · by Alexis Joseph · 17 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    The ultimate round up of healthy cacao powder recipes to make all your chocolate dreams come true! Muffins, quick breads, smoothies and beyond.

    two chocolate muffins on plate.

    Want to make a smoothie? Add cacao. Want to make a dessert? Start with cacao. Want to make a savory pasta dish? Recipes with cacao powder to the rescue!

    What's the difference between cocoa and cacao powder?

    There must be no way cacao powder is good for you if it tastes so amazing, right? Wrong. While the word may sound like the cocoa powder for baking you buy at the store, the two are quite different both in processing and in nutrition.

    They both come from the cacao plant but cacao is closest to the raw state after harvesting the seed while cocoa has been processed with high heat. Now the cocoa powder you know and love still contains great nutrients, just not nearly as many as raw cacao does.

    Cacao contains a high concentration of phytochemicals, the potent anti-cancer compounds found in plants. The most abundant antioxidants in our diet today come from flavonoids. Lucky for you and me, these anti-inflammatory gems help combat damage by free radicals and improve cardiovascular health, thus preventing chronic disease.

    Can you use cacao and cocoa powder interchangeably?

    Not always, but in my recipes it's a sure YES, so feel free to use cacao in all the below recipes! If a recipe calls for dutch processed cocoa, I would not sub cacao.

    Eat more plants. Decrease inflammation. Reduce risk of disease. Easy! Moving on from all that science stuff... I always buy this cacao powder because it's organic, affordable, and because Terra Soul is a family run company that I love.

    Time for recipes with cacao powder!

    Muffin Recipes with Cacao

    sliced in half chocolate muffin

    Healthy Chocolate Muffins

    The best tall and fluffy Healthy Chocolate Muffins made with whole grains and naturally sweetened! Moist and not overly sweet to conquer chocolate cravings, plus 5g of protein per muffin. These taste like classic chocolate cupcakes!

    Read more
    plate of chocolate muffins

    Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins (no added sugar!)

    Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins sweetened with dates and banana for a tasty, satisfying snack with no added sugar! Free of eggs, dairy, and gluten.

    Read more

    Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Super moist 100% whole grain Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins with no oil and packed with veggies! Whip up a batch for easy healthy breakfasts on-the-go.

    Read more
    oatmeal cups on plate with bite taken out.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups

    These easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups with chocolate are the perfect healthy breakfast or whole grain snack on the go! Low in sugar and packed with 6g protein each. Great for kids and adults alike!

    Read more

    Brownie and Cookie Recipes with Cacao

    plate of brownies

    Healthy Pumpkin Brownies

    These easy Healthy Pumpkin Brownies are unbelievably rich, fudgy and so delicious! They taste so decadent that you'd never guess they're good for you! My favorite 1 bowl brownie recipe I've ever made, with no flour or refined sugar. Vegan and gluten free!

    Read more
    hand holding three brownies.

    Sweet Potato Brownies (naturally sweetened!)

    Thick and fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies that are good for you! Naturally sweetened with dates, they're a perfect snack or dessert with 7g of protein and 5g of fiber per brownie. Gluten free!

    Read more
    pan of brownies sliced.

    Ultimate Healthy Zucchini Brownies

    Easy Healthy Zucchini Brownies are fudgy, decadent, and low in sugar--made in 1 bowl and so delicious! Flourless, vegan, grain free and gluten free.

    Read more

    Fudgy Vegan Raspberry Almond Butter Brownies

    Flourless Fudgy Vegan Raspberry Almond Butter Brownies are rich, chewy, and EASY to make! Only 8 ingredients. Gluten-free, too!

    Read more

    The Best Vegan Brownies

    The best ever homemade Vegan Brownies Recipe! Rich, ultra chocolatey, chewy brownie perfection.

    Read more
    You'd never guess these amazingly rich and decadent Fudgy Avocado Walnut Brownies were packed with avocado and whole grain flour! Guaranteed to become your new favorite brownie.

    Fudgy Avocado Brownies

    You'd never guess these amazingly rich and decadent Fudgy Avocado Brownies are packed with avocado and whole grain flour! Guaranteed to become your new favorite brownie.

    Read more
    pink plate of three chocolate cookies

    Vegan Double Chocolate Cookies

    Soft and decadent Salted Double Chocolate Cookies made in one bowl with whole grain oat flour! A vegan and gluten free treat everyone will love.

    Read more

    Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Skillet Cookie

    The most epic Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Skillet Cookie with a gooey center and crisp edges, just like the classic! This festive treat is guaranteed to conquer all your chocolate cravings.

    Read more

    Drink Recipes with Cacao

    mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Healthy Hot Chocolate

    Thick and creamy Healthy Hot Chocolate sweetened naturally with dates! An amazingly rich and delicious dairy free hot cocoa perfect for chilly weather. No added sugar and 5 grams of fiber per mug!

    Read more

    Creamy Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie

    This Creamy Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie is packed with superfood sand naturally sweetened! With 14g of fiber and 7g of protein, it's the ultimate drink.

    Read more
    smoothie in glass.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Zucchini Smoothie

    Creamy Zucchini Smoothie that tastes like a chocolate peanut butter cup milkshake! A nutrient powerhouse with 9g of protein and 8g of fiber.

    Read more
    dripping cherry smoothie in glass with straw

    Creamy Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie

    Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this thick and creamy Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie! It tastes like dessert and is perfect for a nourishing breakfast.

    Read more
    mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

    Cozy homemade Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy and made with real pumpkin for the ultimate Fall drink! Try it with a splash of coffee or bourbon for an fun twist.

    Read more

    Sweet Breads with Cacao

    chocolate banana bread loaf sliced

    Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread (gluten free!)

    Deliciously moist and rich Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread! This easy gluten-free and dairy free treat made with almond and oat flour will become your new favorite snack or breakfast.

    Read more

    One Bowl Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread

    This 1 bowl Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread is a super moist, 100% whole grain treat packed with chocolate goodness! Great for breakfast or dessert.

    Read more

    No-Bake Snacks with Cacao

    No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

    Easy no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars make the perfect healthy snack or treat that you can keep in the fridge and enjoy all week! Vegan and gluten-free.

    Read more

    Mint Chocolate Energy Bites

    No Bake Mint Chocolate Bites with the best texture! One bowl (no food processor), packed with protein and low in sugar for an amazing healthy snack.

    Read more
    bowl of chocolate bites

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

    Amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites made in 1 bowl, no food processor required! The ultimate healthy and tasty snack to power you through the day.

    Read more
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    Cacao Powder Recipes: Healthy Hot Chocolate

    ★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • Prep Time: 13 min
    • Cook Time: 3 min
    • Total Time: 16 minutes
    • Yield: 2 servings 1x
    • Category: Drinks
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Thick and creamy Healthy Hot Chocolate sweetened naturally with dates! An amazingly rich and delicious dairy free hot cocoa perfect  for chilly weather.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 5 medjool dates
    • 2 cups unsweetened vanilla non-dairy milk of choice
    • 2 tbsp cacao powder
    • pinch of salt
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. Remove pits and place dates in a small bowl. Cover with hot water and set aside to soak for 10 minutes.
    2. Drain dates. Place them in a high speed blender or Nutribullet with milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
    3. Pour mixture into a small saucepan. Heat over medium low for about 3 minutes, or until hot. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into a mug and enjoy with toppings of choice!

    Keywords: healthy hot chocolate

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Dylan says

      August 08, 2022 at 9:41 pm

      All of these recipes are so good! Definitley keep these in my rotation, and always have cacao powder on hand!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        August 14, 2022 at 6:54 pm

        Yay Thanks!!

        Reply
    2. Emily says

      August 08, 2022 at 9:10 pm

      This is so great!! Easy and delicious! My family ask me for this all the time. We definitely include it in our rotation!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        August 14, 2022 at 6:54 pm

        Awesome!

        Reply
    3. Jeremy says

      August 08, 2022 at 9:01 pm

      This hot chocolate is the BOMB! A must every winter. Tastes as good as the classic.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        August 08, 2022 at 9:10 pm

        Agree!

        Reply
    4. Doreen says

      April 05, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      no chocolate cake or chocolate frosting recipes?? the horror ;D

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        April 05, 2022 at 8:42 pm

        LOL I need to make some!

        Reply
    5. Nanci says

      December 06, 2020 at 5:58 am

      Oh my goodness!! Every single recipe looks AMAZING!!! I’ve been so good waiting for December to bake and I’ll start with #1 and I’ll work my way down your list. YUM!! Thank you!!!!!
      Happy Holidays!!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 06, 2020 at 12:32 pm

        Wonderful, thank you!

        Reply
    6. NancyHope Major says

      February 04, 2019 at 5:00 pm

      I am looking forward to trying several of these recipes.

      looks yummy

      Reply
    7. Andy Bishop says

      September 11, 2018 at 9:20 am

      Wow, Alexis! The pictures look amazing! I can't wait to try these recipes. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says

      August 20, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      Umm...this round-up was meant for me!!!! YUM. I've tried many of these recipes in the past...the flourless zucchini brownies, chocolate banana muffins, double chocolate cookies, fudgy no bake bars...seriously love all of them!! 🙂

      Reply
    9. Alexis says

      August 20, 2018 at 8:09 pm

      Yessssss enjoy!

      Reply
    10. Julia Mueller says

      August 20, 2018 at 1:29 pm

      Giiiiirl these recipes look amazing! I've been craving chocolate like crazy lately, so I'm thinking I need to make every last one of them!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        August 20, 2018 at 3:58 pm

        Chocolate sisters from another mister!

        Reply
    11. Alexis says

      August 20, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      Yayyy enjoy!

      Reply

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    Well HELLO there, pal! I'm Alexis. Welcome to Hummusapien, a fantastical food blog brimming with nourishing (always delish!) recipes from a Registered Dietitian plus life tidbits to inspire you to live your most joyful, balanced life. Grab a super hot cup o' joe and let's get cookin'.

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