Cacao Butter: The Ultimate Keto-Friendly Superfood

Cacao butter is a popular ingredient in the beauty industry and is also used in cooking. It is a keto-friendly fat source with a mild chocolate flavour and a pale yellow colour. It is dairy-free and contains antioxidants, saturated fats and disease-fighting compounds. It can be used in desserts, baked goods, drinks, and skincare products. When cooking, cacao butter can be used in place of other oils or dairy butter, added to Bulletproof Coffee, used to make sugar-free chocolates, added to smoothies, or used to make ice cream. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking.

How to use cacao butter keto

Cacao butter in baked goods

Cacao butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in baked goods to add a subtle chocolate flavour and a smooth texture. When using cacao butter in baked goods, it is important to note that it has a low smoke point and must be melted before being added to a recipe. It also has a hardening property, so it needs to be thoroughly incorporated into the recipe to avoid forming solid chunks.

• Melted cacao butter can be used as a substitute for other oils, margarine, or dairy butter in recipes like cakes, cookies, and brownies. It is best to use it as a partial substitute, as it can make the final product firmer.
• Cacao butter is perfect for homemade chocolate bars, candies, and confections such as truffles, fudge, and brittle.
• It can be added to frostings and sweet sauces in small amounts to enhance the flavour and give them a creamy texture.
• When baking with cacao butter, it is important to combine it with room temperature or warmer ingredients to prevent it from resolidifying.
• Cacao butter has a mild chocolate flavour and a pleasant aroma, making it a great addition to baked goods without overwhelming other flavours.
• It is a plant-based, healthy fat that can add nutritional benefits to your baked goods.

By incorporating cacao butter into your baked goods, you can elevate your recipes and create delicious treats with a subtle chocolate touch.

Cacao butter in drinks

Cacao butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of drinks, including smoothies, hot chocolate, lattes, and bulletproof coffee. Here are some ideas and recipes for incorporating cacao butter into drinks:

Smoothies

Cacao butter can be added to smoothies to make them more indulgent and creamy. Simply add a tablespoon or two of melted cacao butter to your favourite smoothie recipe and blend until smooth. For an extra indulgent touch, you can also add a sweetener like honey or erythritol.

Hot Chocolate

For a dairy-free hot chocolate, you can use cacao butter as a rich base. Heat some oat milk in a saucepan and add cacao butter, raw cacao, a sweetener like maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of vanilla and sea salt to taste. Blend the mixture until it becomes foamy and emulsified. Top with coconut whipped cream or vegan marshmallows for an extra-decadent treat.

Lattes and Bulletproof Coffee

Cacao butter can also be blended into hot drinks like lattes and bulletproof coffee. Simply melt the cacao butter and add it to your coffee or latte, stirring well to combine. You can also experiment with adding sweetener, cinnamon, or nutmeg to taste.

White Hot Chocolate

For a caffeine-free option, you can make a white hot chocolate using cacao butter. Heat almond milk, cacao butter, liquid stevia, and heavy whipping cream in a saucepan. Blend the mixture with collagen peptides for an extra boost of protein. This drink is perfect for a relaxing nightcap before bed.

Cacao butter in skincare

Cacao butter, also known as Theobroma oil, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both food and skincare products. In skincare, it is prized for its moisturising properties and ability to heal damaged skin. Here are some ways you can use cacao butter in your skincare routine:

Moisturiser

Cacao butter is an excellent moisturiser as it is rich in essential fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin. It has a similar melting point to human body temperature, so it absorbs easily into the skin, leaving it silky-soft, smooth and intensely hydrated. It is particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it is very well tolerated and non-irritating.

Healing Damaged Skin

The phytochemicals and emollient properties of cacao butter can help repair skin damage, promote healing and replenish dry skin. It is also said to help lighten wounds and mild scars.

Reducing Stretch Marks

Cacao butter is often used to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. A study revealed that polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in cacao butter, may boost skin elasticity and minimise stretch marks.

Skincare Products

You can find cacao butter as an ingredient in many skincare products, including nourishing creams, hydrating lotions, lip balms and salves. When purchasing cacao butter products, opt for organic, fairly traded and ethically sourced options to ensure purity and quality.

DIY Skincare

If you enjoy making your own skincare products, you can buy raw and unrefined cacao butter to create your own creams, lotions, scrubs and balms. Here is a simple DIY cacao butter body cream:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of cacao butter
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 2-3 drops of essential oil (such as rose or lavender) for fragrance

Instructions:

• Melt the cacao butter and coconut oil over low heat.
• Mix the ingredients and refrigerate until the mixture starts to solidify.
• Whip the mixture with a spoon until it becomes soft, white and creamy.
• Apply generously to your body after showering, especially to areas like legs, arms and shoulders.

Cacao butter is a wonderful natural ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine. Its moisturising and healing properties can help improve the look and feel of your skin, leaving it soft, supple and healthy.

Cacao butter in desserts

Cacao butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dessert recipes. Its mild chocolate flavour and pale yellow colour make it a great substitute for white chocolate in baked goods and candies. Here are some ideas for using cacao butter in desserts:

Baked Goods

Melted cacao butter can be used as a substitute for other oils or butter in cakes, cookies, and brownies. It is important to note that cacao butter tends to harden the recipe a little after baking, so it should be used as a partial substitute. For example, you can try making keto blondies, which have a rich, creamy flavour from the cacao butter.

Homemade Chocolate Bars and Candies

Cacao butter is the perfect ingredient for making your own chocolate bars, candies, and confections such as brittle, fudge, and truffles. You can also add melted cacao butter to frostings and sweet sauces for a depth of flavour. To sweeten your recipes, combine cacao butter with sugar-free maple syrup, vanilla, or honey.

Drinks

Cacao butter can be added to hot drinks like lattes and bulletproof coffee, or blended into smoothies. For a real treat, try making a white cocoa with an ultra-creamy blend of cacao butter, cream, and collagen peptides.

Skincare

While not a dessert, it is worth mentioning that cacao butter is also used in skincare products due to its moisturising properties. You can add it to homemade lip balms, lotions, creams, hair conditioners, and massage oils.

Cacao butter in smoothies

Cacao butter is an excellent ingredient to add to your smoothies, especially if you're on a keto diet. It has a mild chocolate flavour and a pale yellow colour, reminiscent of white chocolate. It is a high-fat ingredient, making it perfect for keto recipes.

In Chocolate Smoothies

Cacao butter is a great addition to chocolate-based smoothies. It will enhance the chocolate flavour and make your smoothie extra creamy. You can also add other ingredients such as frozen bananas, almond butter, protein powder, and cacao powder to make a delicious and nutritious treat.

With Fruit

Cacao butter pairs well with various fruits in smoothies. Try adding it to a smoothie with strawberries, bananas, and tahini for a creamy and slightly nutty flavour. You can also experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or cherries.

In a Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

If you're craving something sweet, why not make a peanut butter cup smoothie with cacao butter? Combine cacao butter with peanut butter, bananas, and spinach for a delicious and nutritious treat. The bananas will provide potassium and carbohydrates, while spinach adds vitamin K.

With Avocado

Avocados are another healthy fat that blends well with cacao butter in smoothies. Try making a chocolate avocado smoothie by blending cacao butter, avocado, banana, and your choice of milk. You can also add a touch of sweetener like honey or a date to balance the flavours.

In a Green Smoothie

Don't forget that you can also add cacao butter to your green smoothies! It will give them a delicious chocolatey twist. Try blending cacao butter with spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, along with your favourite fruits and a liquid base.

When adding cacao butter to your smoothies, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences. It has a mild flavour, so you can use it in various smoothie combinations without overwhelming the other ingredients. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient!

Frequently asked questions