Cacao isn’t an uncommon ingredient, however it unfortunately tends to be out-shined by its more popular sibling, cocoa. Cocoa is an ingredient that is found in most desserts due to its sweeter flavour profile. However, even though cocoa delivers health benefits, it is incomparable to Cacao. Due to Cacao being less processed than cocoa it is the purest form of chocolate with higher antioxidant content and delivers greater benefits to your body. Cacao although has a slightly bitter flavour, it is such a multifaceted ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes.
So here are a couple of yummy Cacao recipes that will have you drooling!
1. Vegan Cacao Oat Cookies
What’s not to love about cookies — they’re warm, gooey, soft and packed full of flavour. So if you’re a love of baking, or simply looking for a fun activity to do to pass the time then have a go at making this delicious Cacao Oat cookie recipe. They are perfect for a mid afternoon snack to help give you that little boost of energy you need and helps battle afternoon sluggishness such as 3:30itis.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Organic Rolled Oats*
- 1 tsp Organic Raw Cacao Powder*
- 1 tbsp Shredded coconut*
- 1 Ripe Banana (Mashed)
- 1 tsp Pure maple syrup*
- 1 tsp Peanut butter*
- Slivered Almonds*
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 180°C
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Add Oats, Cacao Powder and unsweetened Shredded Coconut to a small bowl and combine with a spoon
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Add in the mashed banana, Maple Syrup and Peanut Butter. Combine until well blended
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Scoop one heaped tbsp of the mixture and place it on the lined baking tray. Form a cookie with a spoon or with your hands and repeat the process with the remaining cookie mixture
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Sporadically top the cookies with the Slivered Almonds and gently press down so the almonds stick to the cookies
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Place into the oven and bake for 12-15 mins then transfer cookies to a cooking rack or chopping board to allow to cool completely
2. Vegan Raw Cacao Avocado Pudding
When you hear ingredients such as Avocado and Cacao the last thing you would probably think of is the two being paired together to make a pudding. But this delicious recipe might just change your mind. If you’re the type that looks for new, quirky and interesting recipes to try, then definitely have a go at making this yummy recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 Large Avocado (Skin and Seed Removed)
- 1 Ripe Banana (Peeled)
- 3-4 tbsp Organic Raw Cacao Powder*
- 3-4 tbsp Pure maple syrup*
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp Organic ground cinnamon*
- Cacao Nibs*
- Raspberries
- Organic Raw Dark chocolate*
Instructions
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In a blender, add all ingredients and blend until creamy. Gradually stop blending to scrape down the sides as needed. Add water, a few tablespoons at a time, as needed in order to achieve desired consistency (typically ½ cup of water).
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Once fully blended to a creamy consistency distribute the pudding into cups and place into the refrigerator to chill for a few hours.
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Once chilled, remove from refrigerator and top with Cacao Nibs, raspberries, shaved Dark Chocolate or other toppings of choice
3. Vegan Cacao Hot Chocolate
It goes without saying that if you have yourself some Cacao Powder then you’ve definitely got to make yourself a nice wholesome cup of hot chocolate. This quick and easy recipe calls for only 4 ingredients and is a great way to get some Cacao into your diet. What makes it even more amazing is that you have control over what you put into your drink and can alter the taste to cater to your preference.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Milk
- 1 tbsp Organic Raw Cacao Powder*
- 1 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup*
- ¼ tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Salt*
Instructions
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Combine all the ingredients into a saucepan over high heat. Use a whisk to break up any clumps. Keep stirring until smooth and piping hot, then pour into a mug and serve warm
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Top with dairy free whipped cream and grate some dark Organic Vegan Chocolate on top
4. No Bake Vegan Brownies
Brownies are a must make item when you have some Cacao on your hands. This delicious brownie recipe doesn’t need any heat and is so quick and simple to make! It is a perfect afternoon snack paired with beverages both hot and cold. So make sure to add this to your to do list, you wont regret it!
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup Raw Walnut *
- 1 cup Raw Almonds *
- 2½ cups Pitted Dates *
- ¾ tbsp Cacao Nibs *
- ¼ tsp Salt *
Ganache Frosting (Optional)
- ¼ cup Almond Milk
- 1 cup Organic Raw Dark Chocolate *
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil *
- ¼ – ½ cups Powdered Sugar
- ¼ tsp Salt *
Instructions
For the Brownies
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Add the Cacao Powder and Salt and pulse to combine. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
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Add the Dates to the food processor/blender and process until small bits remain. Remove and set aside.
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Add nut and cacao mixture back into the food processor and while processing, drop small handfuls of the Dates pieces into the food processor/blender.
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Process until a dough consistency is achieved (add more Dates if the mixture does not hold together when squeezed in your hand)
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Add the brownie mixture to a flat tray lined with baking paper and use left over roughly chopped Walnuts and Cacao Nibs on top to dress. Press down with your hands until flat and firm.
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Place in freezer or fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes and cut into 12 even squares (do not cut if you want to add ganache)
For the Ganache
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Add almond milk to a mixing bowl and microwave for 45 seconds or until very warm.
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Immediately add Organic Raw Dark Chocolate to warm milk and loosely cover. Don’t touch for 2 minutes so it can melt
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Add Salt and stir gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate, then add melted Coconut Oil and use a whisk to mix. Set in fridge for 10 minutes to thicken
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Remove from the fridge and add powdered sugar a little at a time to thicken. Whisk again to combine. If it is too think, add another few tbsp of powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy
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Frost the brownies with the ganache and top with additional Walnuts and Cacao Nibs (optional)
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Slice brownie into 12 even squares and dig in!
5. Raw Vegan Energy Bliss Balls
If you’re a gym lover looking for a quick and easy snack to munch on after a workout or someone simply looking for something to satisfy those afternoon sugar cravings then this is the way to go. These yummy bliss balls are packed with flavour and the amazing benefits of Cacao which will treat your mind, body and soul. They are so simple to make and a great go to snack when your cravings kick in.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Pesticide Free Almonds*
- ½ cup Organic Raw Walnuts*
- 2 tbsp Organic Raw Cacao Powder*
- Shredded Coconut*
- 1 cup Organic Rolled Oats*
- ¼ – ½ tsp Salt*
- ¾ cups Medjool dates*
- 1 – 2 tbsp Water
Instructions
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Add the Dates and a tbsp of water and blitz the food processor until the mixture becomes thick and sticky. (You should be able to squeeze a bit of the mixture between your fingers. If it is too loose and crumbly then add another tbsp of water and process until everything is well blended)
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Line a baking tray with baking paper. Scoop pieces of the mixture and roll it into small balls between your palms. Add Shredded Coconut into a bowl and toss the bliss balls through so that they are coated with Coconut.
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Line the balls on the baking sheet and place into the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour (however the longer it is left to chill in the refrigerator, the better)
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Once set, remove from the tray and enjoy!
Let us know what you think by sharing your creations with #nakedfoods and @nakedfoods, or leave a comment below!
About the Author
Gabriella is a University student studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and International Business. She is passionate about health and fitness and follows a ‘semi-vegetarian’ diet – a less restricted diet fuelled with all the essential nutrients from whole foods and the occasional inclusion of selected meats. She is keen to learn how to implement sustainable measures in her life and lead a more eco-friendly life
