8 Best Vegan Cocoa Recipes For Your Kids
8 Best Vegan Cocoa Recipes For Your Kids
Are you looking for tasty, kid-approved vegan treats? Cocoa is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and nutrition to your children’s diet.
These vegan cocoa recipes are simple, wholesome, and flavourful, from creamy hot chocolate to deliciously rich brownies.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, each recipe is crafted to satisfy little taste buds while keeping things healthy and dairy-free. Dive into these chocolatey delights!
Nutrition Facts Of Cocoa
Two tablespoons of cacao powder contain:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 7 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Fibre: 8 grams
Health Benefits Of Cocoa Powder
1. Reduces Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate made from cocoa powder and other forms of cocoa may be able to lower blood pressure.
The first population to experience this effect was the cocoa-drinking islanders of Central America, whose blood pressure was significantly lower than that of their non-coco-drinking mainland relatives.
The flavanols in cocoa are thought to increase nitric oxide levels in the blood, improving blood vessel function and lowering blood pressure.
In 35 experiments, according to one review, patients received between 0.05 and 3.7 ounces (1.4 and 105 grams) of cocoa products or between 30 and 1,218 mg of flavanols. It was discovered that cocoa caused a 2 mmHg reduction in blood pressure, which was modest but significant.
Additionally, the impact was more significant in older individuals than younger individuals and those with high blood pressure than in those who did not.
However, it's crucial to remember that processing dramatically reduces the number of flavonols, so the effects will probably not be noticeable from the typical chocolate bar.
2. Reduces The Risk Of Cancer
As was previously mentioned, cacao beans are rich in antioxidants. According to registered dietitian and owner of Louloudi Nutrition Annamaria Louloudis, M.S., R.D.N., “Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which inhibits their activity.”
High levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress and cell damage, which are major contributors to the emergence of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
According to Louloudis, cacao contains polyphenols, a class of plant compounds called “antioxidants such as epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidins.
“It has been demonstrated that these chemicals have anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies on cancer. For instance, a lab study in 2020 revealed that epicatechin could kill breast cancer cells, and in 2016, cacao procyanidins could kill ovarian cancer cells.
3. Reduces Inflammation
A Pain and Therapy article reported cocoa beans' anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation brought on by oxidative stress increases the risk of illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Cacao's antioxidants fight oxidative stress, which can also aid in reducing inflammation.
Furthermore, these antioxidants can lessen the production of pro-inflammatory proteins known as cytokines, lowering your risk of inflammation in the first place, according to Bansari Acharya, M.A., R.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist at Food Love.
4. Avoids Tooth Decay
Theobromine, a substance in cacao beans, has undergone tests that indicate it may be more effective than fluoride at preventing cavities and tooth decay.
This is because these chemicals have antibacterial properties. By battling plaque and hardening tooth enamel, these chemicals lower the risk of tooth decay. Substitute cacao nibs as a snack (instead of potentially toxic fluoride) for strong, healthy teeth.
5. Improves Gut Health
A Nutrients article claims that cocoa beans' polyphenols function as prebiotics. This means they “feed” your gut's healthy bacteria, promoting their growth and well-being. This can help you avoid short-term and long-term digestive issues.
Polyphenols may simultaneously combat the bad bacteria in your gut by preventing their growth. Together, these processes maintain the gut's microbiome, necessary for fundamental processes like immunity and metabolism.
6. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Cacao's theobromine and flavonols are highly concentrated so that it can lower one's risk of cardiovascular disease.
Minerals like zinc and potassium are essential for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition to raising HDL (the “good” cholesterol), cacao can lower blood pressure, enhance blood flow, prevent blood clots, and guard against LDL oxidation. According to this study, eating dark chocolate more than five times per week reduced the risk of heart disease by 57%.
7. Boosts The Quality of Sleep
Stress can often affect sleep quality. Like adaptogenic herbs, cacao can be both energizing and calming, giving you the right balance.
Due to its magnesium content and minute amounts of tryptophan, it can lower blood pressure (insomniacs frequently have higher nighttime blood pressure) and lessen the effects of anxiety (another thing keeping many of us up at night). Additionally, theobromine may help people sleep longer despite being a mild stimulant.
8. Controls Weight
Contrary to popular belief, eating cocoa, even chocolate, may aid in weight management.
Cocoa may be beneficial because it controls how much energy is used, decreases appetite and inflammation, and increases feelings of fullness and fat oxidation.
Although the former group consumed more calories and fat, a population study discovered that those who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower BMI than those who did not.
In addition, a weight loss study using low-carbohydrate diets discovered that those who received 42 grams, or 1.5 ounces, of 81% cocoa chocolate daily lost weight more quickly than those who received the standard diet.
Other studies have shown that eating chocolate makes you gain weight. However, many did not distinguish between the types of chocolate they ate, although dark chocolate has advantages over white and milk chocolate.
Cocoa and cocoa products may aid in weight loss or maintenance, but more research is required.
Vegan Cocoa Recipes
1. Raw Cocoa Vegan Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Bring this quick and simple nut-free raw cocoa vegan chocolate fudge to your upcoming social event with confidence that just about anyone can enjoy it.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Sunflower seed butter: ¼ cup
- Coconut butter, paste or oil: ⅟₆ cup, melted
- Cocoa powder: 6 teaspoons
- Date paste: ¼ cup
- Shredded coconut: ½ cup
- Vanilla bean powder: ¼ teaspoon
Method
- Melt the coconut butter (or oil) in a double boiler or a dehydrator. Blend in the sunflower seed butter after adding it.
- Mix thoroughly before adding the cocoa powder, date paste (or liquid sweetener), and vanilla bean powder.
- Mix in the coconut shavings until thoroughly mixed. Place the pressed material in a suitable mould and freeze it for two hours.
- Remove the mould, then cut the cake into bite-sized pieces. Keep it in the refrigerator as long as possible.
2. Raw Cocoa Vegan Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Want something sweet and chocolatey but don't want to feel bad? Try allergen-free, five-ingredient, nut-free, raw cocoa vegan chocolate cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 12 minutes | Total time: 32 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Shredded coconut: 2¼ cups
- Cocoa powder: ¼ cup
- Vanilla bean powder: 1 teaspoon
- Medjool dates: 1½ cups
- Salt: 1 pinch
Method
- Combine the coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt in a food processor using a few quick pulses.
- When the mixture clumps, add the pitted dates and continue until the dates are finely chopped.
- Using a cookie cutter or egg ring, press into cookie shapes.
- Dehydrate for three hours at 40–45°C (or until firm on the outside).
- Turn them over and dehydrate for three hours or until the desired texture is achieved.
3. Vegan Cocoa Chocolate Easter Egg Recipe
With these raw vegan cocoa chocolate Easter eggs, you can participate in guilt-free festivities and bring joy and healthy eating back to Easter.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12
Ingredients
- Cocoa butter: ¾ cup, melted
- Agave nectar: ¼ cup
- Cocoa powder: ⅓ cup
- Vanilla bean powder: ¼ teaspoon
- Salt: ⅟₆₄ teaspoon (0.08g), finely ground
Method
- Melt cocoa butter in a dehydrator or double boiler at about 40–45°C.
- Salt should be finely ground (e.g. in a mortar and pestle).
- Cocoa butter is given agave nectar.
- Salt, vanilla, and cocoa powder should be combined with the agave and butter.
- Until smooth, whisk.
- When the chocolate reaches about 31°C, continue swirling and whisking.
- Dispense into moulds. Put solid Easter eggs you've made in the refrigerator to set.
- When producing hollow Easter eggs, wait until the chocolate on the mould's exterior solidifies. Then, using a spoon, remove any extra chocolate and ensure the mould's inside is completely coated.
- Refrigerate until completely set. Release the chocolate Easter eggs from the mould.
- Put delicious gifts inside the hollow eggs.
- Combine the halves by using excess melted chocolate as “glue.” Keep chilled or at room temperature.
4. Vegan Cocoa Peanut Butter Energy Ball Recipe
The recipe has it all: it's simple, delicious, packed with protein, and healthy. Thanks to their only five simple ingredients, these vegan cocoa peanut butter energy balls are the perfect pick-me-up!
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes | Servings: 14
Ingredients
- Pitted dates: 2 cups
- Oats: 1 cup
- Raw Cocoa powder: 2 heaping tablespoons
- Peanut butter: 2 tablespoons
- Pinch of salt
Method
- It's as simple as throwing everything into a food processor.
- The oats can be blended first, and the remaining ingredients can be added.
- Once the mixture has been processed into a ball in the food processor, it will be ready to form balls.
- You may have them made in any size you choose!
- You can store these delicious Vegan Cocoa Peanut Butter Energy Balls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for about 7 days. They don't keep that long in our family. Our kids love these healthy energy balls.
5. Vegan Cocoa Vanilla Swiss Roll Recipe
Despite their name, these vegan cocoa vanilla Swiss rolls are believed to have come from Austria. They are a delectable treat fit for any celebration.
The outer roll is made from dates and almonds and is stuffed with cashew cream filling. This raw version can be enjoyed by many.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12
Ingredients For The Cocoa Dough
- Ground almonds: 1½ cups
- Raw cocoa powder: ¼ cup
- Maple syrup or dates: ¼
- Himalayan sea salt: 2 pinches
- Cinnamon: 1 pinch or to taste
- Extra virgin coconut oil: ¼ cup melted
- Water: 2 tablespoons, as needed
Ingredients For The Vanilla Dough
- Cashews: 1 cup, soaked overnight
- Maple syrup or dates: ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon to taste
- Vanilla seeds: 1 stick
- Coconut or almond milk: ¼ cup
- Lime juice: 1 lime
Method
- All the ingredients for the cocoa dough should be placed in a food processor and processed until smooth.
- Lay a sheet of kitchen paper on a flat surface. Roll the dough into a ball with your hands; it should be as flat as possible. After placing another piece on top, roll out the parchment paper with a rolling pin into a flat shape.
- After removing the paper, cut its edges with a knife. You need a big rectangle. In a food processor, combine the soaked nuts with the vanilla dough. After that, whisk in the other ingredients to create a smooth texture. After 20 minutes in the fridge to firm up spread the dough over the chocolate layer with a spatula and tidy up any corners.
- Roll the dough carefully, then put it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Allow the vegan cocoa vanilla Swiss roll to rest for another ten minutes before slicing and serving it.
6. Vegan Cocoa Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie Recipe
These grain-free vegan cocoa pumpkin cheesecake brownies are the ideal marriage of a fudgy brownie and a cheesecake flavoured with pumpkin!
Friends, the fudge factor in this recipe cannot be denied. These brownies are possibly the most delicious, gooey, and fudgy brownies you have ever tasted.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12
Ingredients For The Brownies
- Almond flour: ½ cup
- Cocoa powder: ½ cup
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Pumpkin, canned: ½ cup
- Almond butter, creamy: ¼ cup
- Ground flaxseed: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Maple syrup: ⅓ cup
Ingredients For The Cheesecake Swirl
- Pumpkin, canned: ¼ cup
- Dairy-free cream cheese: 2 tablespoons
- Coconut sugar: 1-2 tablespoons
- Pumpkin pie spice: 1 teaspoon
Method
- Set the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- The ingredients for the cheesecake swirl should be thoroughly blended in a small basin. If necessary, taste and adjust the sweetener. Place aside.
- Combine the flax egg, pumpkin, almond butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a big bowl. Add the baking powder, sea salt, cocoa powder, and almond flour. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- The batter should be poured into the baking pan. Add spoonfuls of cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter. Swirl the cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter with a knife.
- Brownies should be baked for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- After letting it cool, cut it into 9 to 12 bars.
7. Vegan Hot Chocolate Nutella French Toast Sandwich Recipe
Despite using healthier ingredients, these vegan hot chocolate French toast sandwiches are a decadent breakfast combination that will satisfy your sweet tooth. They are gluten-free, vegan, and simple to prepare!
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients For The Hot Chocolate Mix
- Cocoa powder: 1 tablespoon
- Soy milk: ½ cup
- Ripe banana, peeled: 1
- Maple syrup: 2 teaspoons
Ingredients For The Toast
- Sourdough bread: 6 slices
- Coconut oil for frying (approx. 1-2 tablespoons)
Ingredients For The Vegan Nutella
- Crunchy hazelnut butter: 3 tablespoons (I use Meridian)
- Cocoa powder: 1 tablespoon
- Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
Method
- To make the vegan version of Nutella, combine all the ingredients in a small cup. Spread the mixture on three of the bread slices.
- Next, mix the “hot chocolate” by combining all the ingredients in a blender and processing until completely smooth.
- Give the bread slices, including those with “Nutella” already smeared, a few minutes to soak on each side. They need to be soaked quite well.
- Put the sandwiches together by wetting one slice of bread with “Nutella” and one without, securing them together. In a big frying pan, warm a little coconut oil. The sandwiches should be fried for about a minute on each side.
- Carry out this procedure three times to make three Hot Chocolate “Nutella” French Toast Sandwiches.
8. Vegan Cocoa Salted Rosemary Brownie Batter Oatmeal Recipe
This vegan cocoa salted rosemary brownie batter oatmeal is perfect for enjoying chocolate and rosemary. It is comparable to eating dessert for breakfast. This plentiful and delicious breakfast will tempt you to rise before your alarm.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Servings: 1
Ingredients
- Dairy-free milk: ¾ cup
- Dates: 2-3, chopped
- Quick cook steel cut oats: ¼ cup
- Grated yellow squash or zucchini: ⅓ cup
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
- Cocoa powder: 1 rounded tablespoon
- Sea salt: 1 pinch
- Fresh rosemary: 1 teaspoon, minced
- Pinch of coarse salt for topping
Ingredients For The Toppings
- Chocolate nut butter: 1-2 tablespoons
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 handful
Method
- Add oats and simmer after bringing the liquid and dates to a boil. (You can add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds right now if you want to.)
- Add grated squash or zucchini. Sometimes stir.
- When more liquid has been absorbed, add sea salt, cocoa powder, and vanilla essence. (If using, add maple syrup at this time.) Stir. Taste, and if additional maple syrup is required, add it.
- Stir in fresh rosemary and transfer the oatmeal to a bowl after you are satisfied with the consistency.
- Add some more milk, coarse salt, and more seasonings.
Conclusion
For thousands of years, cocoa has captivated the world, and today, chocolate is a significant component of modern cuisine.
Cocoa has several health advantages, including reduced inflammation, better heart and brain health, better blood sugar and weight management, and healthy teeth and skin.
It's nourishing and straightforward to incorporate in novel ways into your diet. To maximize the health benefits, use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa or non-alkalized cocoa powder.
If you're going to use chocolate, remember that it still contains significant amounts of sugar and fat, so eat it in moderation and alongside a healthy, balanced diet.
I trust you enjoyed this article about the 8 Best Vegan Cocoa Recipes For Your Kids. Please stay tuned for more blog posts soon. Take care!
JeannetteZ
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