Have you ever wondered if you can substitute dutch cocoa for cocoa powder and what the difference is between dutch cocoa or natural cocoa when you see it in a recipe or at the market?
How is cocoa powder made? You might think there’s no difference, It’s all the same. Well, it’s not and let me explain.
Can You Substitute Dutch Cocoa for Cocoa Powder
The short answer is is that no – you cannot substitute dutch cocoa for cocoa powder. However, you can substitute cocoa powder in place of dutch cocoa.
Confused? I’ll explain!
Dutch cocoa is used with Baking powder and natural cocoa is used with baking soda or both.
How Cocoa Powder Is Made
Cocoa powder is made when chocolate liquor is pressed to remove three-quarters of its cocoa butter. The remaining cocoa solids are processed to make fine unsweetened cocoa powder.
Two Types of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
There are two types of unsweetened cocoa powder: natural and Dutch-processed.
Dutch-Processed Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Dutch-Processed or Alkalized Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is treated with an alkali to neutralize its acids. Because it is neutral and does not react with baking soda, it must be used in recipes calling for baking powder, unless there are other acidic ingredients in sufficient quantities used.
It has a reddish-brown color, mild flavor, and is easy to dissolve in liquids.
Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder tastes very bitter and gives a deep chocolate flavor to baked goods. Its intense flavor makes it well suited for use in brownies, cookies and some chocolate cakes.
When natural cocoa (an acid) is used in recipes calling for baking soda (an alkali), it creates a leavening action that causes the batter to rise when placed in the oven.
The Role of Cocoa Powder in Cakes
When used alone in cakes, cocoa powder imparts a full rich chocolate flavor and dark color. Cocoa powder can also be used in recipes with other chocolates (unsweetened or dark) and this combination produces a cake with a more intense chocolate flavor than if the cocoa wasn’t present.
Most recipes call for sifting the cocoa powder with the flour but to bring out its full flavor it can be combined with a small amount of boiling water.
This article has more information about it.
Difference Between Dutch-Process and Natural Cocoa Powder
The biggest difference between them is in how they are made.
How Dutch-Process Cocoa is Made
Dutch-process cocoa powder is made from cocoa (cacao) beans that have been washed with a potassium solution, to neutralize their acidity.
How Natural Cocoa Is Made
Natural cocoa powder is made from cocoa beans that are simply roasted, then pulverized into a fine powder. This article has lots of information comparing the two of them.
Use Cocoa Powder Instead of Flour In Your Pans
Another great tip is you can use a tablespoon of cocoa powder instead of flour in your pans for chocolate cake. This is also helpful if you are making a gluten-free cake.
Substitute For Cocoa Powder
The best substitute for cocoa powder is unsweetened baking chocolate. You could also use carob powder as well.
So it comes down to this. Can you substitute Dutch cocoa for Cocoa Powder in a recipe? NO. You can do the opposite. Believe me, I tried it and it doesn’t work. Dutch cocoa is used with Baking powder and natural cocoa is used with baking soda or both.
If you love chocolate try experimenting with different brands. It does make a difference. Also there is a difference between sweetened cocoa powder which is for beverages. So read the label and make sure you pick the right product for what your baking.
I would love to hear some of your experiments.
More Kitchen Tips
Visit some of my other kitchen tips here:
- Kitchen Measuring Chart Printable
- Top Baking Tools in the Kitchen
- Easy Baked Hard Boiled Eggs
- How to make a water bath
Meghann says
Sadly, I never even knew there was a different kind. Then again, we really don't do a lot of chocolate around here, in general. Thanks for the eye opener 🙂
candielm says
Thats ok, who knows maybe one day, you will say ohhh yeahhh there is a difference.
Alexis Grace says
This was really great information! I enjoy baking and honestly never knew this- although I am conscious to follow the directions (esp when things call for baking soda vs. powder…). I am sure my baking will benefit from the lesson.
candielm says
Many stores don't carry the dutch cocoa, so you have to search for it. Maybe in Chicago they have more options than in palm springs.
Nicole says
Very informative post! I wasn't aware of the differences, and I had no idea acidity played a role.
Now I want some brownies 🙂 Visiting from SITS.
candielm says
It is amazing the once you see the difference. Thanks for stopping by.
Sylver Blaque says
Here's another one for you: actual chocolate in other countries tastes totally different than ours here. My fave is Irish chocolate – the smoothest, creamiest chocolate ever!
My recent post Friday Blaque List 25
candielm says
I do know there is a difference, but I haven't been able to benefit from it yet. I know many pastry chefs order from other countries, hopefully I will be able to do the same.
Laura says
This is super helpful! I'm always googling stuff like this when I get to my pantry and don't have the right ingredient!
My recent post A Visionary Swizzle
Gretchen says
This is incredibly helpful. I've always wondered. Baking is so scientific sometimes, and substitutions can be a bit scary. Thanks, Candi!
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neebeep says
I love information like this! Great post.
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patelpuja says
wow…this look so good. i m going to make it on ther day..our site http://www.mrkooldrink.com provide cocoa powder, baking powder, corn syrup. you can make diffrent type of recipe of cocoa powder..
patelpuja says
Cocoa powder is made when chocolate liquor is pressed to remove three quarters of its cocoa butter. The remaining cocoa solids are processed to make fine unsweetened cocoa powder. There are two types of unsweetened cocoa powder:
Elliott says
It’s difficult to find educated people for this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talkjing about!
Thanks
Shari says
Good post. I will be experiencing some of these issues as
well..