Cocoa powder recipes
Cocoa is both a powder crushed from the beans of the tropical American cacao tree, and the hot drink made from it. The beans are fermented, dried, roasted and turned into a thick paste, from which the fat (cocoa butter) is removed. The mixture is then ground. There is also a ‘Dutch-processed’ variety, which is made from beans treated with a potassium solution that neutralises their acidity and gives them a milder flavour.
Our really easy chocolate cake recipe is perfect for birthdays. It’s so moist, dark and decadent and will keep well for 4–5 days. For buttercream quantities, instead of ganache, use our cake calculator.
Each serving provides 477 kcal, 6.5g protein, 56g carbohydrates (of which 40g sugars), 25g fat (of which 10.5g saturates), 2.5g fibre and 0.6g salt.
More cocoa powder recipes
Buyer's guide
Ensure that the cocoa has not been bulked up with flour or cheaper ingredients. The best variety, known as Caracas, is from Venezuela.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight.
Preparation
Mix cocoa with hot milk or boiling water to make a drink, or add to cakes, puddings and icings to give them a chocolate flavour.