Cacao Hot Chocolate Recipe
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I love indulging in a cup of rich, homemade hot chocolate and I know you’ll love this Cacao Hot Chocolate Recipe too! It’s a luxurious hot cacao that elevates the simple pleasure of hot chocolate to an extraordinary experience, bursting with deep, authentic flavors!
Cacao Hot Chocolate Recipe
Discover the rich and indulgent world of cacao hot chocolate, a luxurious alternative to your typical café hot chocolate.
Made with cacao powder, this drink is not only rich and full of deep chocolate flavors but also offers a healthier twist on the classic. Cacao provides a slightly bitter flavor, making it an exquisite choice for those who appreciate the true essence of chocolate.
For those new to cacao hot chocolate with water, start with a moderate amount of cacao to adjust to its robust flavor. You can sweeten this delectable beverage with a touch of coconut sugar or your choice of sweetener.
Is Cacao Powder the Same as Hot Chocolate Powder?
No, cacao powder and hot chocolate powder are not the same. Cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans and contains no added sugars or fats, retaining more of the natural antioxidants found in cocoa.
In contrast, hot chocolate powder typically contains cocoa powder processed with alkali, sugar, and often dry milk and other flavorings, designed for quick dissolution in milk or water.
How To Make Hot Chocolate With Cacao Powder?
- Prepare the Mug: In a large mug, add the cacao powder and your choice of coconut sugar or honey.
- Mix: Slowly pour the boiling water into the mug, stirring continuously with a spoon.
- Finish with Milk: Add a splash of milk to taste. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: Since cacao can be quite bitter, adjust the sweetness according to your taste. Start with the recommended amount of sweetener and add more if needed.
- Milk Options: For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat milk, or experiment with other plant-based milks like coconut milk or oat milk for different flavors and richness or for a dairy-free alternative.
- Enhance Flavor: Enhance your hot chocolate by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a subtle depth of flavor.
How Much Cacao For Hot Chocolate?
The amount of cacao needed for hot chocolate can vary based on personal taste preference. Generally, a good starting point is about 1/2 tablespoon of cacao powder per cup of hot water or milk. If you prefer a richer and more intense chocolate flavor, you can increase this amount slightly.
Can I Make This Hot Cacao Sugar-Free?
Yes, you can make sugar-free cacao hot chocolate by omitting the coconut sugar or by not adding any sweeteners at all, allowing the natural, robust flavors of the cacao to shine through for a truly intense chocolate experience.
Day of Baking
Delight in a day of baking with these hand-picked recipes designed to bring variety to your day including these cacao hot chocolate for your hot drink!
Breakfast: Scones with Jam and Cream
Afternoon Tea: Date Loaf Recipe
Decadent Dessert: Cocoa Powder Cookies
How to Store Leftovers
Cool and Store: Allow the hot chocolate to cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to ensure it’s evenly warmed.
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If you enjoy this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️ star rating and a comment review below. I love to hear what you think and it’s much appreciated. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. Sam x
Cacao Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ Tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
- 1 tsp coconut sugar, or sweetener of choice
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2-3 Tbsp whole milk, or milk of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Mug: In a large mug, add the cacao powder and your choice of coconut sugar or honey.
- Mix: Slowly pour the boiling water into the mug, stirring continuously with a spoon.
- Finish with Milk: Add a splash of milk to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cool and Store: Allow the hot chocolate to cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to ensure it’s evenly warmed.
Nutrition
First published in 2015, this recipe was updated in May 2024 to include new information and easier to follow method steps in the recipe card. No ingredients have been changed.
I have just tried this recipe for the first time and have absolutely fallen in love with it.
I do enjoy bitter chocolate so I might not add as much water next time.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Nicole! That’s great! Using cacao powder is a wonderful and healthy way to enjoy chocolate! I agree with the bitter chocolate. After continually using raw cacao instead of regular milk/dark chocolate, you can definitely get used to the bitterness, it actually begins to taste sweet! Well I think so anyway! Enjoy Nicole! x
This hot chocolate is lush! I love making it with golden syrup for an extra bit of indulgence! Thanks so much x
Hi Ellen, thanks! So happy to hear you’re enjoying this hot chocolate, I love using the raw cacao. I’ll try it with maple syrup next time! xx
A good hot chocolate like this is all I am craving right now, I just love how you have captured it especially!
Thank you so much Thalia!
I crave hot chocolates daily hehe, especially in cold and cosy weather!
Hope your having a great day 😀
Sam xx