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I bet right about now you are thinking that I spelled cocoa wrong, right? Well I didn’t…exactly. I wanted to create a healthier version of cocoa mix to use in my mocha, and I wanted to show the differences between cacao and cocoa powder in the process….and I feel the need to be a rebel every once in a while and do things my way!
What is Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix and why is it different?
Cacao and Cocoa powders both come from Cacao Beans, and according to the FDA are simply different names for the same product….but they are different. Cacao powder is raw and unsweetened, where cocoa powder is roasted. Dutch-processed cocoa is processed even further with an alkalized solution to make it less acidic and taste richer.
Personally, I prefer my ingredients as minimally processed as possible. Cacao powder is extremely high in antioxidants and a great source of magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. It is also higher in fiber and calories than cocoa powder, because more nutrients remain in tact {they weren’t roasted away}. That makes Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix healthy, right? 😉
Minus the marshmallow of course, but I wanted to make it “look” like hot cocoa. 😉
How to make Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix:
We are going to start with turbinado/raw sugar because it is less processed than granulated sugar…..
Mix the sugar, cacao powder, chopped bittersweet chocolate, and vanilla powder together in a large bowl…..
I chopped up an organic Equal Exchange Chocolates Very Dark chocolate bar that contains 71% cacao and no soy lecithin or dairy. Choose whichever chocolate bar you like. 🙂
Store your Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix in an air-tight container for 3 to 4 months, assuming it lasts that long!!
This cacao mix makes a richer, deeper flavored than traditional cocoa mix…and make a truly delicious Peppermint Mocha!!
I may have gone a bit crazy with the shaved chocolate on that mocha, lol 😉
How to make Double Chocolate Hot Cacao:
- Add one ounce {4 Tablespoons} of mix to the bottom of a cup.
- Pour in one cup of heated milk. {I heat 1 cup of unsweetened cashew milk in the microwave for 1 minute and 40 seconds}
- Stir to dissolve the cacao powder and melt the chocolate chunks.
- Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and serve. {I use Coconut Whipped Cream}
Items used to create this recipe: contains affiliate links
A sweet indulgence, made a bit healthier to start out your day or warm you up on a cold winter afternoon.
Enjoy!!
Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup cacao powder
- 2/3 cups turbinado sugar
- 1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate about 6 ounces
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder
- pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Store in an air-tight container for 3 to 4 months.
Notes
- Add one ounce {4 Tablespoons} of mix to the bottom of a cup.
- Pour in one cup of heated milk. {I heat 1 cup of unsweetened cashew milk in the microwave for 1 minute and 40 seconds}
- Stir to dissolve the cacao powder and melt the chocolate chunks.
- Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and serve. {I use Coconut Whipped Cream}
- Cacao Powder
- Equal Exchange Chocolate Bar
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This sounds amazing, and I never knew the difference between cocoa and cacao. Very interesting! I pinned the recipe!
Thanks so much Jennifer! It is definitely worth trying the cacao to see for yourself. 🙂
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing at the Monday Funday Link Party. Emily @ The Benson Street.