What does a hot cup of coffee remind you of? How does a hot cup of cocoa make you feel? When we think of cocoa powder in coffee, this is what we feel: Coffee + Chocolate = A cozy cup of goodness.
Today, we will be talking about the beautiful combination that chocolate and coffee is. We will be answering questions like, should you even add cocoa powder to coffee? If yes, what is the best way to do it? Is cocoa powder good for your health, and so much more! Continue reading to find out.
Can You Put Cocoa Powder In Coffee?
Yes, you can put cocoa powder in coffee. Rich and diverse in flavors, every mocha lover will appreciate cocoa powder in coffee. You can either add it to black coffee or add some steamed milk to it for the perfect mocha flavor. Many coffee enthusiasts also love adding cocoa powder in iced coffee, which by the way tastes refreshing and delicious!
What Is Cocoa Powder Made Up Of?
Cocoa powder is made from dried and roasted cocoa beans that are derived from the cocoa tree. Once the cocoa butter is extracted from the cocoa beans the remaining particles are used as cocoa powder.
Is It Safe To Add Cocoa Powder To Coffee
Yes, it is safe to add cocoa powder to coffee. As a matter of fact, cocoa powder is considered a nutrient-rich ingredient and is often advised by health experts to incorporate into your diet. If you enjoy coffee with a hint of chocolate, cocoa powder is the perfect way to go!
What Happens When you Add Cocoa Powder In Coffee?
Cocoa powder and coffee, are both exemplary ingredients when combined together give you the most luxurious and creamy coffee with flavors so rich and intense, that you would want to relish it every day. Not only is it loaded with nutritional benefits but is also delicious at the same time.
What Are The Benefits Of Cocoa Powder?
Research suggests, that cocoa powder is a good source of compounds that has several health benefits. Here are some amazing health benefits of consuming cocoa powder:
1. Improves blood flow and brain function – Studies suggest the presence of polyphenols in cocoa. Polyphenols are said to enhance blood flow to the brain. It reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and is said to increase brain function.
2. May reduce symptoms of depression – Researchers claim that cocoa has a positive impact on mental degeneration and is said to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
3. Contains vitamins and minerals – Cocoa powder contains vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Making it a superfood that can be consumed daily.
4. Rich in antioxidants – The polyphenols present in cocoa are antioxidants that offer various health benefits such as decreasing inflammation, enhancing blood flow, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
How Does Cocoa Powder Go With Coffee? Is It A Good Combination?
Cocoa pairs extremely well with coffee. It is the result of how well the two ingredients just adapt to each other’s flavor that ‘Mocha’ a combination of chocolate and coffee is such a popular beverage in coffee shops around the world.
There is a reason (science) behind why chocolate and coffee taste so good together and why they are such a perfect combination for any coffee lover. Both cacao and coffee grow in a common latitude and they both go through a similar production princess.
Coffee and cacao are both seeds of a tropical fruit that is fermented, dried, and roasted to bring out their flavors. One of the major reasons why these two complement each other so well, is the fact that they are produced and processed in similar environments.
Does Cocoa Powder Dissolve in Coffee?
Imagine this – you add cocoa powder to your coffee and after drinking it you realize all the cocoa powder was collected at the bottom. Disappointing right? We wouldn’t want that to happen to you. Cocoa powder in its substance is difficult to dissolve when poured directly over a cup of hot water or coffee.
Most of the time we have found that cocoa powder will bind to each other when added to water and will form lumps and not dissolve easily. However, there are certain methods you can use to avoid this and dissolve cocoa powder easily, no matter for hot or cold beverages.
How To Use Cocoa Powder With Coffee? Try these 3 Methods
There are a few tricks that you can use to dissolve cocoa powder in coffee properly. The first one of them is the famous paste method.
#1 Method: All you need to do is take the desired amount of cocoa powder, which should not be more than 1-2 teaspoons, if you do use more (and we’re not judging) adjust the water proportionately. Take a bowl add the cocoa powder and add water in a similar quantity, maybe a little less. Take a spoon and stir it vigorously.
At first, you will see that the powder will come on top and not dissolve, but with a little effort, it will start forming a paste-like texture. Once that is done, add the paste to your coffee cup, at first add the coffee add give it a gentle stir and then add milk little by little so as to avoid any lumps.
#2 Method: This one’s a unique method and if you’re not too particular about brewing your coffee grounds the correct way, it is worth trying. Add 1-2 tsp of cocoa powder with 1 tsp of ground coffee. Next, brew your coffee using the same method that you normally would. This would help the cocoa powder dissolve when the coffee is brewing without forming lumps.
#3 Method: For all instant coffee lovers, this method would work the best. Mix 1 tsp of instant coffee with 1 tsp of cocoa powder. Add 1 tsp of hot water and whisk gently. Slowly the coffee and cocoa powder will dissolve and form a thick paste.
Add milk or water on top and enjoy your freshly served hot cocoa coffee. This is also one of the steps used to make the famous dalgona coffee. If you would like that effect, continue whisking the mixture until it forms soft peaks like whipped cream and top it with milk and enjoy.
Can You Add Cocoa Powder To Cold Brew Coffee?
Yes, you can add cocoa powder in cold brew. If you prefer to have iced coffee instead of hot ones you can follow the same methods mentioned above. Ensure you dissolve cocoa powder properly with water first and then add it to cold brew.
However, I would recommend you refrain from adding cocoa powder in cold brew coffee grounds as the brew time is much longer in this method than in any other brewing method. Cocoa powder immersed in water for so long can have adverse effects like it tasting bad or just quality going down.
[Also Read: Can Cold Brew Coffee Grounds Be Reused?]
Calories In Cocoa Powder With Coffee
There are 16 calories in 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder. A cup of coffee has almost zero calories. If you decide to add 100ml milk to your coffee it has around 44 calories. The total calorie of coffee with cocoa powder and milk is 60 calories.
How Much Cocoa Powder Should You Add To 1 Cup Of Coffee?
How much cocoa powder you add varies on a lot of factors. Some of which are the kind of cocoa powder you are using, the kind of brew that you are using, etc.
You do not want to add too much cocoa powder as only a little amount turns the coffee color dark brownish and gives it the perfect chocolate aroma and taste. Hence for best measurements, we suggest adding 1 to 1.5 tsp of cocoa powder to 8 ounces (1 cup) of coffee.
If you are using the dutch processed cocoa powder do not add more than 1 tsp as they are very intense and strong in themselves. What kind of brew you are using also decides the quantity, for example, a french press might require less cocoa than a cup of coffee made using a Moka pot.
Hot Cocoa Coffee Recipe – A Must Have For Chocolate Coffee Lovers
Now that you know that cocoa powder is an amazing addition to your coffee. Try this simple hot cocoa coffee recipe, that will make you fall in love with the idea of cocoa powder in coffee.
Ingredients
- ½ cup hot brewed coffee
- 1.5 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp water
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Process
1. The first step is to take cocoa powder and water in a cup and whisk gently to form into a paste.
2. Next, take brewed coffee and sugar and stir so as to the sugar dissolves. Alternatively, you can also add sugar to cocoa powder paste first but be sure to dissolve the sugar completely.
3. Add the brewed coffee and sugar mix to the cocoa powder paste and keep stirring while adding the coffee.
4. Finally top it with milk. You can also froth milk if you’d like. Sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder for that added touch. Enjoy this cozy beverage.
Note: We are using french press brewed coffee for this recipe, you can use any other method of brewed coffee or 1 tsp instant coffee as well.
Also, Read– 20 Things You Can Add To Espresso
The OG – Mocha? What Is It?’
Mocha: Chocolate Variation Of Coffee – Mocha is one of the most famous versions of coffee sold in almost all coffee shops. It is sweet, creamy, and filled with the goodness of chocolate. But, Mocha isn’t limited to just “latte”, it can refer to any coffee drink with chocolate syrup, chocolate powder, or cocoa powder.
Different Types Of Mocha Recipes For You To Try!
Do not limit yourself to cocoa powder when it comes to using chocolate in your coffee recipes, you can also experiment with other Mocha recipes. Here are some of the best Mocha recipes of all time-
1. Mocha Cappuccino Recipe
Mocha cappuccino is a beautiful combination of coffee and chocolate, and we can guarantee it is the coziest and the most delicious coffee recipe you’ll ever make.
In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about cappuccino, what is a mocha and how to make a mocha cappuccino at home by following a few simple steps!
Find the recipe for Mocha Cappuccino Here!
2. Chilled Mocha Frappuccino Recipe
Frappuccinos are like the newest coffee trend that is here to stay. Try this extremely simple mocha frappuccino recipe at home. Here is how to make this simple, delicious, and chilled Mocha Frappuccino!
Other Coffee Add-Ins You Might Be Interested In
- Can You Put Dark Chocolate In Coffee?
- Can You Put Vanilla Extract In Coffee?
- Can You Put Agave Syrup In Coffee?
Hot Cocoa Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Hot brewed coffee
- 1/2 tsp Cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Water
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 tsp Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- The first step is to take cocoa powder and water in a cup and whisk gently to form into a paste.
- Next, take brewed coffee and sugar and stir so as to the sugar dissolves.
- Add the brewed coffee and sugar mix to the cocoa powder paste and keep stirring while adding the coffee.
- Finally top it with milk. Sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder. Serve hot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re the type of person who can have chocolate with anything, try adding cocoa powder in coffee. Coffee with cocoa powder is my all-time favorite coffee drink. It is easy to make, does not require too many ingredients, and is very refreshing as well.
Coffee as an ingredient is very versatile and has been paired with various flavors over a period of time, but nothing can beat this classic combination. If you have been playing around with the idea of adding cocoa powder to your coffee, do not give it a second thought. Try it today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can use cocoa powder instead of chocolate powder in coffee. Cocoa powder is an excellent addition to your daily coffee rendering its great taste and nutritional benefits.
Yes, you can add cocoa powder to coffee before brewing. You can either add the cocoa powder with instant coffee or even with the coffee grounds.
You can mix hot cocoa with coffee. Anything that has a chocolate flavor will complement the coffee well. However, if you hot cocoa mix has thickening agents like corn flour it might ruin the overall taste and feel of coffee. If you still want to use some chocolate in your coffee go with cocoa powder or dark chocolate.
Cocoa and Cacao are similar ingredients. Both cocoa powder and cacao powder are derived from cocoa beans. The underlying difference between the two is that cocoa powder is made from fermented and roasted beans and cacao powder is made from fermented beans that have not been roasted. Cocoa powder is processed at a higher temperature than cacao powder. In comparison, cacao is considered to be healthier than cocoa powder.
No, cocoa powder and cacao powder are not the same. They differ in taste, the process of manufacturing, and nutritional benefits.
Cocoa powder is used in most desserts and beverages to add that strong chocolate flavor. Consuming anywhere between 2 to 4 tsp cocoa powder should be fine. Unless it does not suit you then do not overdo it.
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