How to use raw cacao: from your daily cup to your favourite recipes

Raw cacao is easy to add to food and drinks. It can go from a simple powder to a key ingredient in many everyday recipes, whether you prefer its clear flavor or like to mix it with other ingredients. The way raw cacao is used also varies according to the recipe and the result you want to achieve.

In this guide, we explain how to use raw cacao in drinks, desserts and various recipes, with practical ideas for preparing and serving it, along with tips to help you use it easily and store it properly.

How to use raw cacao in different recipes

The uses of raw cacao vary according to the recipe and the flavor you prefer. It can be used in drinks and desserts, or added to some foods that need a chocolate flavor. Using it does not require complicated preparation, especially when used in powder form.

Among the simplest raw cacao recipes is hot cacao drink. It can also be added to smoothies, oats and yogurt, or used in dessert mixes and baked goods. It can also be mixed with banana, dates or nut butter for a more balanced flavor.

The idea is to use it in the way that suits the recipe. A small amount may be enough to add a light flavor, while recipes that rely mainly on the taste of chocolate need a larger amount.

How to prepare raw cacao drink

The drink can be prepared easily with water or milk, and the choice between them depends on the texture and flavor you prefer.

How to prepare raw cacao with water or milk

To prepare a simple cup, put the cacao powder in the cup, then add a small amount of hot water and stir well until it becomes a smooth mixture. Then gradually add the rest of the water while continuing to stir.

This step helps spread the powder better than adding it all at once to a large amount of liquid. The drink can be sweetened as desired, or left unsweetened for those who want a clear flavor. Some hot drink recipes use the same method, that is, moistening the powder first with a small amount of liquid and then adding the rest.

If you prefer a smoother drink with a creamy texture, you can use milk instead of water or combine the two. Heat the milk without bringing it to a boil, then gradually add the cacao powder while stirring or whisking until the powder dissolves and the drink becomes uniform.

Any type of milk can be used according to your preference. A little cinnamon, vanilla, dates or honey can also be added to adjust the flavor.

How do you avoid powder lumps?

It is important to know that raw cacao powder does not mix easily with cold water and may form lumps when added directly to the liquid.

To avoid lumps, put the required amount of cacao in the cup, then add two spoons of hot water or warm milk and mix well using a small hand whisk until you get a smooth mixture. Then gradually add the rest of the liquid while continuing to stir.

How to use raw cacao in desserts and recipes

The uses of cacao are not limited to drinks. There are many ways to add it to desserts and everyday recipes. It can be mixed with simple ingredients to get the chocolate flavor without using ready-made sweetened powder.

The powder can be used in cake batter, brownies, energy balls, cookies and cold desserts. It can also be mixed with banana, dates, oats and nut butter to make a simple sweet that can be shaped into balls or small pieces.

Another easy idea is to prepare a mixture of cacao with oats, dates and peanut butter, then shape it into small balls and place them in the refrigerator until they firm up.

Desserts with raw cacao

When using it in baking, add the powder to the dry ingredients before mixing it with the rest of the recipe ingredients. It is preferable to distribute it well so that a quantity of it does not gather in one place.

It is also important to stick to the type of powder specified in the baked goods recipe, as different types of cacao may affect the result, especially in recipes that rely on sodium bicarbonate to raise the dough.

Other ways to use raw cacao in the kitchen

Besides drinks and desserts, it can be used in other simple ideas that add chocolate flavor to various dishes and recipes.

It can also be used to prepare homemade chocolate sauce suitable for decorating cake, brownies, pancakes, ice cream and more. To prepare it:

Mix the powder with sugar and water in a small pot, then heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until it becomes smooth and uniform and the sauce reaches the suitable consistency. Vanilla or a little salt can be added as desired. This method is common in chocolate sauce recipes prepared with cacao powder.

Storing and keeping raw cacao

After opening the package, the powder needs proper storage to preserve its flavor and good condition. So be sure to keep it in an airtight container, in a cool and dry place, away from moisture, heat and strong odors. It is preferable to keep it away from the oven and heat sources.

Use a dry spoon when taking the amount you need, then close the package immediately after each use. Under normal conditions, the powder does not need refrigeration, because temperature changes may cause moisture to condense inside the package.

Organic raw cacao from Holistic Corner for all uses

To get the best flavor and highest nutritional value in your daily drinks and baked goods, Holistic Corner offers organic raw cacao powder in 150 g or 1 kg packs, so you can use it to prepare various drinks, desserts, baked goods and other recipes:

- 100% raw and not alkalized (RAW): retains all its active compounds, magnesium and antioxidants without any high roasting or chemical treatment.

- Official organic certification (USDA & EU Organic): completely free of insecticides, added sugar, preservatives, oils, starch and milk.

- Complete laboratory testing (COA): we guarantee full purity and freedom from heavy metals to protect your family's health.

Shop now and enjoy using one product in multiple recipes.

Frequently asked questions

Can raw cacao be added to breakfast?

Yes, it can easily be added to breakfast meals such as oats or yogurt. It can also be mixed with fruit, nuts or nut butter to add cacao flavor to the meal.

Can raw cacao be added to cold recipes?

Yes, it can be used in recipes that do not need heating, such as cold desserts and chia pudding. It is preferable to mix it well with the liquid or creamy ingredients so that it spreads evenly.

Can raw cacao be used instead of chocolate in some recipes?

It can be used in some recipes instead of chocolate, but not in the same amount in all cases. Cacao powder contains a much lower fat content than chocolate, so the recipe may need adjustment of the amount of fat and sugar to achieve a balanced texture and flavor.

Are the health benefits of raw cacao affected when it is heated or baked?

Raw cacao retains a large part of its antioxidants and minerals when heated moderately. However, to get the highest possible concentration of enzymes and flavanols, it is preferable to add it at the end of cooking or use it in warm drinks and cold recipes (such as smoothies and chia pudding).