Cacao is an incredibly versatile ingredient, offering endless possibilities for delicious food creations. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savoury, cacao can be used in a range of recipes. You can find the different types of recipes from cacao and their description.

In this article, we explore various dishes and drinks that incorporate cacao, highlighting its rich, bitter flavour and numerous health benefits.

Sweet Cacao Recipes

Cacao is best known for its role in sweet treats, where its depth of flavour creates a satisfying indulgence. Below are some delicious, sweet recipes to try with cacao.

1. Cacao Smoothie

A cacao smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up. By adding cacao, you can enhance the smoothie with chocolatey goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Add the banana, cacao powder, almond butter, almond milk, and sweetener into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. If you want a thicker smoothie, add some ice cubes and blend again.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy the rich flavours!

2. Cacao Energy Balls

These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack. They’re packed with cacao, offering a chocolatey flavour while still being healthy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Place the balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Enjoy these energy-packed, chocolatey snacks whenever you need a quick boost.

3. Cacao Brownies

Brownies made with cacao are rich, fudgy, and full of chocolate flavour. They are a perfect treat for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cacao powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let the brownies cool before slicing them into squares.

4. Cacao Chia Pudding

Cacao chia pudding is a delicious and healthy option for breakfast or dessert. The cacao adds a rich, chocolatey flavour to the creamy chia pudding.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the almond milk, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and sweetener.
2. Stir in the chia seeds and mix well.
3. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent the seeds from clumping.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Top with fruit, nuts, or seeds before serving.

Savoury Cacao Recipes

While cacao is often associated with sweets, it can also be used in savoury dishes, bringing a unique depth of flavour to sauces and meats.

1. Mole Sauce

Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce that combines cacao with spices and chillies, creating a complex and rich flavour. It pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, or even roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 dried chillies (such as ancho or pasilla)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the dried chillies, cumin, cinnamon, and cacao powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes to release the flavours.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
4. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Blend the sauce until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the mole sauce over chicken, tacos, or roasted vegetables for a rich, savoury dish.

2. Cacao-Infused Chili

Chilli is a hearty and warming dish, and adding cacao powder gives it an extra layer of flavour. The cacao complements the spices and helps balance the heat of the chillies.

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat, then drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, cacao powder, chilli powder, cumin, and paprika.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with toppings like sour cream or cheese.

Cacao Drinks

Cacao also shines in beverages, where its rich, bitter flavour adds a comforting, chocolatey taste.

1. Hot Cacao Drink

On a cold day, a hot cacao drink is the perfect way to enjoy the benefits of cacao. It’s a simple, indulgent treat that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the cacao powder and sweetener until fully dissolved.
3. Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
4. Pour into a mug and enjoy the warm, rich flavours of cacao.

2. Iced Cacao Latte

If you prefer a chilled drink, an iced cacao latte is a perfect choice. It combines the bitterness of cacao with the richness of coffee, making it an ideal afternoon treat.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong-brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• Ice cubes
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew the espresso or coffee and set it aside to cool.
2. In a glass, mix the cooled coffee with cacao powder and sweetener.
3. Stir until the cacao powder is completely dissolved.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes and top with milk.
5. Stir again and enjoy your chilled, coffee-cacao creation.

Conclusion

Cacao is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. From smoothies to brownies mole sauce to hot cacao drinks, there’s a wealth of options to explore when cooking with cacao. It brings a rich, chocolatey depth to any dish while also offering numerous health benefits. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, cacao has the potential to elevate your cooking to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Cacao Used For In Cooking?

Cacao is primarily used in both sweet and savoury dishes. In sweets, it’s used in recipes like brownies, smoothies, and energy balls. In savoury cooking, it adds a rich depth to sauces such as mole and chilli, balancing spices and enhancing flavour.

Can I Substitute Cacao Powder For Cocoa Powder?

Yes, cacao powder can be substituted for cocoa powder, though it’s more bitter than cocoa powder. When using cacao powder, you may need to adjust the sweetness of your recipe to balance out the flavour.

Is Cacao Better Than Chocolate For Baking?

Yes, cacao is a healthier alternative to chocolate in baking, as it’s less processed and retains more nutrients. While cacao is more bitter than chocolate, it offers a richer, deeper flavour and is often used in recipes for a more intense chocolate taste.