Recipes for Fall

Delicious Cacao Powder Recipes for Fall

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s something magical about cozying up with a warm drink or a comforting treat. Fall is the perfect time to embrace rich, hearty flavours, and one ingredient that fits beautifully into this season is cacao powder. Unlike conventional cocoa, unsweetened cacao powder is minimally processed, retaining more of its natural antioxidants and nutrients—making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious indulgence. Plus, its deep, chocolatey flavour works wonders in a variety of cacao powder recipes.

Let’s dive into four easy, delicious cacao powder recipes that will make your fall extra cosy—and sweet.

1. Creamy Cacao Pumpkin Smoothie

When you think of fall, the first thing that probably comes to mind is pumpkin! Pair it with cacao powder, and you’ve got yourself a nutritious, creamy smoothie perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. This smoothie combines all the best fall flavours while sneaking in the health benefits of unsweetened cacao powder.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1 cup almond milk (or your preferred milk)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
• Ice cubes for a chilled smoothie

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or honey, if needed.
3. Pour into a glass, sprinkle a little extra cacao powder on top for that gourmet feel, and enjoy!

This smoothie is the perfect way to kick off a chilly fall morning or fuel your body after a workout. It’s packed with nutrients from both the pumpkin and the cacao powder, providing fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants in every sip.

2. Cacao Cinnamon Oatmeal

Nothing beats a bowl of warm oatmeal on a cool fall morning, and this recipe takes that classic comfort food up a notch by adding unsweetened cacao powder for a chocolatey twist. The combination of cacao and cinnamon creates a flavorful, cosy breakfast that feels like a treat but is actually packed with health benefits.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk or water
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
• Toppings: sliced bananas, nuts, dark chocolate chips, or a drizzle of almond butter

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, combine oats, cacao powder, cinnamon, chia seeds, and almond milk (or water). Stir to combine.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and the mixture has thickened (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
4. Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and top with sliced bananas, nuts, or even a few dark chocolate chips for an extra treat.

This oatmeal is hearty and satisfying, perfect for those brisk fall mornings. The cacao powder adds a rich chocolate flavour without any added sugar, so you can enjoy guilt-free comfort food.

3. Spiced Cacao Hot Chocolate

No fall recipe list would be complete without a cup of hot chocolate! But this isn’t just any hot chocolate—this one is made with a touch of warming spices, giving it an earthy, spicy twist. It’s the ultimate cosy drink for those chilly autumn evenings, perfect for sipping while curled up with a good book.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk or any milk of your choice
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, whisk together cacao powder, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), and maple syrup.
2. Slowly whisk in the almond milk over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and warm.
3. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.

This spiced cacao hot chocolate is decadent yet healthy, thanks to the use of unsweetened cacao powder and natural sweeteners. It’s also easy to customise: if you’re feeling adventurous, the cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat that pairs beautifully with the cacao’s deep, rich flavour.

4. Cacao Apple Crisp

Apple season is in full swing during the fall, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, gooey apple crisp? This version adds a chocolatey twist with cacao powder mixed into the crumbly topping, making it a unique and delicious dessert for any fall gathering. Plus, it’s refined sugar-free, using maple syrup as the sweetener.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Spread evenly in a greased baking dish.
3. In another bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, cacao powder, coconut oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Sprinkle the cacao-oat topping over the apples and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect fall dessert.

This cacao apple crisp is the ultimate fall treat—it’s warm, comforting, and full of cosy flavours. The cacao powder in the topping adds a subtle chocolate flavour that pairs perfectly with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples.