Cacao is high in antioxidants and is also rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, and copper. If you choose to use cacao powder, it’s low in fat, because cacao nibs have more healthy fats. It can help alleviate headaches, depression, lower cholesterol, increase healthy blood flow, and is a good source of energy. I love chocolate and these best cacao recipes, which help me to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Table of contents:
- Hazelnut chocolate snowballs
- Choco-Maca smoothie
- Chocolate goji berry stars
- Mini raw vegan almond joy bars
- Grasshopper smoothie
1. Hazelnut chocolate snowballs
You will need ½ cup of dried, unsweetened coconut flakes, ½ cup of raisins, 2 tbsp. of cacao powder, ¾ tsp. of hazelnut extract, 1 cup of hazelnuts, 8 pitted dates, and a pinch of Himalayan crystal salt. Process ¼ cup of the coconut flakes (reserve the other ¼ cup for rolling the cookies in) along with hazelnuts, cacao powder, and Himalayan crystal salt in a food processor until coarsely ground.
Then add hazelnut extract, raisins, and dates. Process until the mixture is sticky and hold together when gently pressed between your fingers. Form the mixture into balls and roll in the coconut flakes.
2. Choco-Maca smoothie
Maca is a superfood rich in calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, and iron. Maca enhances libido, lowers stress, and provides energy. For this amazing superfood recipe you will need 1 tsp. of maca powder, ½ tsp. of chia seeds (optional), ½ banana, cacao nibs (optional topping), ¼ tsp. of cinnamon, 1 tbsp. of Stevia (or sweetener of choice), ½ tsp. of vanilla extract, ½ to 1 cup of ice and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk.
Place all of the ingredients into a blender (except cacao nibs) and blend until smooth. Then pour into a chilled glass and top with cacao nibs. Enjoy!
3. Chocolate goji berry stars
Cacao pairs greatly with goji berries. Goji berries have a pleasant taste, vaguely sweet, but a bit tart. They are low in sugar and full of amino acids.
Chocolate goji berry stars will really satisfy your sweet tooth. You will need 8-10 pitted dates, ¼ – ⅓ cup of cacao powder, 1½ cup of walnuts, and goji berries. Blend all the ingredients until a smooth, paste-like consistency.
Mold into one ball, pinch off the smaller pieces and make small discs. Now garnish the discs with goji berries. You can freeze them in a storage container and eat straight out of the freezer.
4. Mini raw vegan almond joy bars
Unlike the popular candy bars, these treats are quite healthy, incredibly energizing, and provide a good sense of satiety. If you don’t have raw cacao butter, just use the same amount of coconut oil. For the filling, you will need 1 1/2 cups of dried unsweetened coconut, 3 tbsp. of maple syrup, 2 tbsp. of coconut oil, 1 tsp. of vanilla, and pinch salt. For the coating, you will need 1/3 cup of melted cacao butter, 2 tbsp. of maple syrup, 1/3 cup of raw cacao powder, 12 almonds, a pinch of sea salt.
In a food processor process, all of the filling ingredients all well mixed. Shape the filling into 12 mini rectangles. Then place them on a parchment-lined shallow baking pan or casserole and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Take a medium-sized metal mixing bowl and set up a double boiler.
Melt the cacao butter, whisk in cacao powder, sea salt, and syrup. Dip each mini bar into the coating, placing it back on a baking pan. Put them back in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Repeat the process so that every bar has a double coat. Now press almond on top of every minibar and return to the fridge for 15 minutes.
5. Grasshopper smoothie
For Grasshopper smoothie, you will need 2 tbsp. of lucuma powder, 2 cups of coconut milk, 2½ tbsp. of cacao powder, 1 cup of almond milk, 1 cup of coconut water, 1 avocado, a handful of mint leaves. Blend all the ingredients and enjoy this chocolaty, creamy, minty treat!
Fresh peppermint has refreshing and cooling properties and also freshens your breath! So don’t be afraid to add more fresh peppermint. Coconut water keeps the smoothie light and really hydrating and cacao will just satisfy your sweet tooth!
If you’ve never even used the other stuff, raw cacao alone is actually worth trying. It will satisfy cravings, aid in depression, and just make you a happy person! Do you eat raw cacao? Which of these cacao recipes are you going to try? Share your thoughts, please!
