How to Use Cocoa as a Chocolate Substitute

How to Use Cocoa as a Chocolate Substitute

Do you have a craving for chocolate, but don't have any on hand? Cocoa powder can be a great substitute, and it’s easy to find in your local grocery store. Here's how to use cocoa as a chocolate substitute.

Ingredients:

• Cocoa powder
• Milk
• Butter
• An unsweetened chocolate bar

Steps:

1. Melt a bar of unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler, or in a bowl over a pot of boiling water. Ensure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
2. Mix cocoa powder, butter, and milk in a separate bowl. The amount of butter you will need depends on the type of recipe you are making. If you need a chocolate-like flavor but don’t need the solid consistency of melted chocolate, mix 3 tablespoons cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon melted butter and 2 tablespoons of milk.
3. Add the melted chocolate to the cocoa powder mixture and stir until fully combined. Then, use the mixture as a replacement for 1 ounce of semi-sweet chocolate.

Tips

• If you need a sweeter taste, add 1 teaspoon of sugar for each tablespoon of cocoa powder.
• Make sure to double check the recipe instructions when substituting cocoa powder for chocolate. Cocoa powder and melted chocolate have different consistencies so some recipes may need slight adjustments.

Using Cocoa as a Chocolate Substitute

Cocoa powder can be a great alternative to chocolate, particularly if you are looking to make a healthier version of a favourite dish or treat. Preparing cocoa is easy and requires very few ingredients, and you can it to recreate the same flavour and texture of chocolate without the extra-sugar and fat.

What You'll Need

• Cocoa powder
• Hot water
• Sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure out cocoa powder. Use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder for every 1 tablespoon of chocolate.
2. Add a small amount of hot water to the cocoa powder. Begin with 1 tablespoon of hot water and continue to add a teaspoon at a time, stirring until all the cocoa is mixed into the water. This creates a paste that will substitute for melted chocolate.
3. Add liquid fat. A teaspoon of vegetable oil or butter can be added to create a better texture similar to melted chocolate.
4. Add sugar. Depending on the recipe, it may be a good idea to add in some sugar to sweeten the mixture. Start with 1 teaspoon at a time and adjust as needed.
5. Substitute the cocoa mixture for melted chocolate in your dish as needed. Be sure to add the extra liquid fat that was omitted when substituting the cocoa for the chocolate.