10 Creative Ways to Use Cocoa Powder in Your Recipes

Apr 15, 2025

The comforting, rich aroma of cocoa powder is undeniable. It stirs up childhood memories of warm hot chocolate, decadent birthday cakes and the simple joy of licking the batter off the spoon. But this pantry staple is more than this. It’s far more versatile than most of us think it to be.

If you’ve been using cocoa powder only for brownies and frosting, it’s time to think outside the box. From breakfast to dinner and even cocktails, here are 10 creative ways to use cocoa powder in your recipes that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Trust us. Cocoa powder has the power to add depth, complexity and a touch of indulgence to your sweet and savory dishes. 

1. As a Spice

Yes, you read it right. Adding cocoa powder to chili in savory dishes is a unique way to use it. We know that cocoa and chili don’t naturally come together but try it out. The rich, slightly bitter cocoa balances the acidity of tomatoes and the heat of chili peppers. 

Furthermore, it acts as a thickening agent giving your gravy or curry a smooth, rich consistency.  The only thing to remember? Add a spoonful of it to your chili recipe during the last few minutes. This way, it will integrate 100% without overpowering the other ingredients. 

2. In Your Light Bites

We all crave a little bite here and there. Something that’s healthy and can sustain you for some time. So, how about cocoa-dusted almonds? It's healthy, full of antioxidants and good fats. So, how do you go about it?

Take some coconut oil in a pan and toss almonds into it. Sprinkle it with some cocoa powder and sea salt. Mix it well. Then, put the almonds into the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). And there you go! A perfectly snackable light bite full of essential minerals like magnesium and iron. 

3. In Your BBQ Sauce

You will be surprised when you try this one. The deep, velvety flavor of cocoa paired with smoky, tangy barbeque sauce makes up for a lip-smackingly delicious sauce.

You will see that the sweet undertones balance out the heat and acidity. For this, simply add cocoa powder to your BBQ sauce. Whisk it well to avoid any lumps. The smoky depth of this sauce will also enhance the charred, grilled flavor.  

4. Add it to Your Braising Liquid

Cocoa powder in braising liquids? Well, yes! It perfectly complements red meat, lamb or short ribs for an umami flavor. It adds more depth and enhances the flavor of the meat itself. 

Best part? Cocoa powder makes the meat more tender. It has compounds that break the connective tissues in the meat. Moreover, if you are using red wine in your braising liquid, cocoa powder will make it even more velvety. 

5. Quick Energy Balls

Like cocoa almonds, you can use cocoa powder to take healthy eating to the next level. Instead of buying protein bars from the market, you can simply make your own nutrient-packed energy balls in a few minutes. These no-bake treats are perfect for a post-workout snack, a midday energy boost or even a healthy dessert. 

You will need: 

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds 

• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)

Mix everything into a bowl. If the mixture feels too dry, you may want to add a little milk to it. Use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls. Then, place them on the plate and put them into a refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Voila! It’s ready to be devoured. 

6. Italian Semifreddo with a Cocoa Twist

Semifreddo is "half-frozen" in Italian. And so, this is a luxurious yet simple dessert that falls between an ice cream and mousse. This twist has two surprising flavors: tangerine and cocoa. 

You will need: 

• 8 large egg yolks

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon grated tangerine zest

• 1 tablespoon tangerine juice

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• Sweetened whipped cream

• Baking cocoa

Here’s how you will do it. 

• Create a double boiler. In this, combine egg yolks, sugar, tangerine zest, juice and salt.

• Beat it on medium speed until it's thick and frothy. The thermometer should read 160°.

• Remove it from heat. Add melted chocolate and vanilla to it and whisk it well.

• Quickly transfer it to a bowl, place it in ice water and put it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally.

• Then, in a large bowl, beat the cream to thicken it. Add the remaining sugar and keep beating until stiff peaks form. 

• Fold it into the cooled chocolate mixture.

• Pour into dessert glasses or dishes. 

• Freeze until it is firm (4 hours or overnight)

• Before serving it, top it with whipped cream and dust it with cocoa powder.

7. Napoleon Cremes

Layered treats are bursting with flavors. Here’s a layered treat with cocoa for you! 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups graham crackers (finely crushed)

• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)

• ¼ cup sugar

• ¼ cup baking cocoa

• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• ½ cup softened butter

• 2 cups confectioners sugar

• Instant pistachio or lemon pudding mix

• 3 tablespoons whole milk

Topping:

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• 3 tablespoon butter

Steps to make:

• Take graham cracker crumbs, coconut, sugar and cocoa together. Add melted butter and vanilla and stir it. Transfer it to a greased square baking dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

• Beat the ingredients in the filling, starting with butter. When smooth, add everything else and beat until fluffy. Spread them over the crust and refrigerate for  1 ½ - 2 hours. 

• For the topping, melt everything in a microwave with high stirring until it melts and is smooth. Cool it, spread it on the pudding layer and refrigerate it. 

• Cut it into bars for consumption. 

8. Espresso Chocolate Truffle 

If you love coffee, you will love this recipe. It has the perfect cocoa-to-coffee ratio, which makes it rich, creamy and divine. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup dark chocolate

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (a little extra for coating)

• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter

Steps to make it:

• Take a saucepan and put it on medium heat. Pour the heavy cream and bring it to a little simmer. Don’t boil it. Take it off the heat.

• Place the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl and pour the cream over it. Allow some time to soften.

• Whisk until its faulty melted and smooth. If needed, microwave it.

• Add all the flavor to it. Espresso powder, cocoa powder, coffee liqueur, sea salt and butter. 

• Mix it well, cover the bowl and refrigerate until it's firm enough to scope. Usually 1-2 hours. 

• Scoop the truffles using a spoon or melon baller. Use your hands to roll it into balls. If it's sticky, dust your hands with cocoa powder. 

• Roll the ball into cocoa powder. Additionally, you can garner it with crushed nuts or shredded coconut. 

• Enjoy immediately! 

9. Chocolate Banana Bread

Love banana bread? Add some cocoa to it for an exciting taste. Bonus point? There’s no yeast in it. Here’s how you can do it:

• Whisk the following dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Keep it aside.

• Then, mix the wet ingredients in a bowl: Oil, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, mashed bananas and vanilla. 

• Add dry ingredients to the banana mix. Stir till it's combined. Then add ¾ chocolate chips. 

• Divide between the 3 loaf pans. Sprinkle the remaining chips on the top. Bake it for 30-35 minutes. Perform a quick toothpick test. 

• Cool it in the pan for 5-10 minutes and then remove the cooling racks to cool completely. 

10. Chocolate Oats

Overnight oats can get boring after a time. This is where cocoa comes into the picture to give your palette a new taste. The best part is that it takes less than 5 minutes to make this Triple Chocolate Overnight Oats. 

You will need:

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup chocolate milk

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon chocolate chip

• 2 teaspoon chia seeds

• 1-2 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 

• Dash of sea salt 

In a small container, any airtight container, mix together all ingredients until it combines well. Seal it and chill it. Make sure it sits for at least 4 hours. If it's too dry, add a tablespoon or so of milk and eat it away! 

Conclusion

That’s 10 amazing cocoa recipes for you. Now that you know there’s more to cocoa than chocolates and cakes, add it to your recipes for a classic twist — discover premium-quality cocoa and more at B A Barry Group.