You know, it's true what they say about baking. It truly is a precise science, and the final product is tremendously affected by the different chemicals you use. But when I first started baking, and had learned that there are multiple types of flours, I was skeptical still. I mean, flour is flour, right? But when you read into the scientific reasoning behind each ingredient, you start to see the bigger picture.
Just like cake flour isn't the same as bread flour, and baking powder isn't the same as baking soda, cocoa powder and baking cocoa are two entirely different things. Let's see how, and more importantly- can we swap one for the other? Spoiler- you can, but there's a trick to it.
While it smells like sweet chocolate, cocoa powder is bitter and acidic in taste. It is derived from fermented and roasted cocoa beans. These processes give the powder its tangy flavor, which is usually balanced out by using baking soda. The soda's alkalinity balances out the acidity of the cocoa powder, allowing the sweet flavors through. You will also need to use considerable amounts of sugar to balance out the bitterness.
Baking cocoa comes already treated in an alkaline solution to lower its acidity. While still bitter, it's not as bitter and tangy as raw cocoa powder, and it's more soluble in water, allowing it to melt into the batter efficiently. When using baking cocoa, you can use sugar more sparingly than you would when using cocoa powder.
All these traits are what make baking cocoa perfect for drinks and icing, unlike cocoa powder. Just as cocoa powder goes well with baking soda, baking cocoa goes well with baking powder.
Therefore, if you don't have baking cocoa on hand, you can use cocoa powder instead but follow this rule: for every 3 tbsp of cocoa powder, add 1/8 tsp of baking soda. This is to compensate for the acidity and ensure the rising of your baked goodies.
If You See This On Your Food, This is What it Means...
What is the white stuff on salmon? Learn if it's harmful and how to prevent it.
Make White Chocolate at Home - IT'S EASY!
Learn how to easily make white chocolate at home using only 3 ingredients.
9 Myths About Mushrooms BUSTED For Good
Can we eat mushrooms raw or must we cook them first? Do they all have medicinal properties? And how can they help with cancer?
Did You Know Bones Make Up 15% of Your Bodyweight?
A 9-minute video compilation stacked with facts you've never heard about nature and the human body.
14 Things We Bet You Never Knew About Chocolate!
How much do we really know about chocolate? Here are 14 things we bet you didn’t know about chocolate!
This Ukrainian Pastry Chef Creates Cake Masterpieces
This chef is a shining star in the skies of handmade artisanal pastries. She is so exceptionally creative that she can be defined as a sculptor chef.
This Chicken Recipe Will Have Your Taste Buds Thanking You!
Looking for a delicious new and interesting recipe? Try this pineapple and hot pepper chicken and just wait for the compliments to roll in.
This Is Arguably the Tastiest Carrot Cake You'll Ever Make
Carrot cake is such a wonderful dessert that even people who dislike the funny-shaped root vegetable can't resist it. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to make a delicious carrot cake.
This Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is Simply Delicious
Home-made macaroni and cheese is much tastier than that which you can buy in a store. By using a slow cooker, you can make the tastiest macaroni and cheese ever.
Avocados Are Incredibly Versatile, as These 6 Recipes Show
Avocados are more versatile than you ever imagined, and I'm sure these 6 recipes will make you want to include them in your diet from hereon.
Ancient Recipe Corner: Old Timey Festive Buttered Beer
Whip out your pewter pots for this medieval recipe! We'll be making buttered beer, with a non-alcoholic version included.
A Fool-Proof Chili Recipe for Winter Nights!
Here's a classic and delicious chili recipe that can be made in just about an hour!
How to Create the Perfect Home Pita Bread
If you've never tried pita bread, then you're missing out! This simple pita bread recipe will make you wonder why you never tried this before!
Surprise Everyone By Serving Them a Cake Inside an Egg!
No one will see this coming, these eggs contain little cakes...
6 Terrific Recipes That Can Be Made with Medicinal Herbs
Find out how mallow, nettles, mint, elderberry, fennel, and chives are dutifully incorporated into these 6 delicious recipes!
This is the Fluffiest Omelet You'll EVER Make!
If you like your breakfast eggs fluffy but juicy, don't miss out on this mouthwatering Soufflé Omelet recipe!
The Long History of the World’s Oldest Hot Beverage
While tea was invented in China, it has spread to all corners of the world, becoming a staple everywhere it was introduced.
For a Twist on Carrot Cake, Try These Bite-Sized Cookies
For a delicious twist on carrot cake, try these cookie bites! Perfect for an afternoon snack.
15 Vegetables You Can Grow in a Garden Pot!
If you would love to grow vegetables, but have a limited amount of space, then we have just the solution for you - vegetables you can grow in a pot.
What Would You Pay For the Best Bottle of Scotch On Earth?
These incredible liquors are only available in small numbers and have been sold for extremely hefty prices exclusively for the elite
11 Unexpected Health Benefits of Drinking Whisky
If you thought whisky was nothing more than an alcoholic drink, you were mistaken. This video will detail the various health benefits you can reap by drinking whisky in moderation.
THIS is Why I Love Italian Cuisine!
What makes the Italian cuisine one of the best in the world? Watch and learn.
These Pies Are Truly a Feast for the Eyes and the Stomach!
If you love pies, then you absolutely need to check out these incredibly beautiful pie crusts, which are utter masterpieces.
KFC's Original Fried Chicken Recipe is Finally Revealed...
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
15 Warming Soup Recipes Perfect for Cold Weather
If the cold days are upon you and you’re ready to treat yourself with a special, yet very healthy meal, prepare one of these 15 warming soups
After Reading This, You'll Never Buy Expensive Meat Again!
Do you know what the major difference between a cheap and an expensive cut of meat is? Here are 5 effective methods of making tough cuts of meat taste absolutely heavenly!
Here's How You Can Dice Green Onions Like a Professional
Prepare to take your cooking skills to the next level by learning about the correct way to dice green onions.
You Deep Fried WHAT? Weird Fried Foods and More
Have you ever tried fried maple leaves? Or a deep fried scorpion? Watch people prepare these weird meals and a few more traditional ones, too
There is a Secret Way to Perfectly Cut a Mango...
Enjoying this tasty summer fruit has never been easier!
Cook the Juiciest Chicken Breasts Ever With This Recipe
Chicken breasts are easy to cook, but they need to be cooked properly to be enjoyed. This recipe will ensure you cook the tastiest chicken breasts imaginable.
9 Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make with a Food Processor
9 easy, healthier ice cream recipes that you can prepare in a food processor.
Why You Should Never Add Cheddar Cheese To Your Omelet
You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs, but other than that, how do you make a truly superior omelet every time? This is how...
The KFC Secret Recipe Cat Is Out of the Bag - Here it Is
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Whet Your Appetite with These Delicious Salmon Fish Cakes
Fish cakes can be served as a starter or a main course, this recipe will teach you how to make delicious salmon fish cakes.
This Amazing Ice-Cream Recipe Comes from the 1700s
This is how Ice-cream was made in the 18th century. It was surprisingly made with Italian Parmesan. You've got to try this savory dessert!
A Formula For Whipping Up Healthy 20-Minutes Meals
This video offers a delightfully simple solution for busy people - a go-to formula for healthy 20-minute meals.
15 Delicious Street Foods to Try When You Go Traveling
The world is full of inventive dishes and each country boasts a signature street food. Here are the best street foods from around the world.
9 Great Dressing Ideas to Freshen Up Your Salad
Hungry for some juicy salad dressing ideas to spice up your salad? These simple and healthy recipes are just what you need for inspiration!
Around the World in 7 Delectable Egg Dishes...
Travel to different parts of the world in this video and discover 7 weird yet wonderful ways eggs are eaten around the world.
These 10 Superfoods Are Extremely Beneficial to Our Health
These 10 Superfoods are extremely good for you. Read on to find out what they are and how they are beneficial to our bodies.
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
These Delicious Baked Dishes Have Become Family Favorites
These three, heavenly baked dishes have become family favorites in my kitchen. I encourage you to try them out!
You've Got to Try these Delicious and Comforting Winter Salads
These hearty, comforting salads will take your mind off classic winter, comfort food.
We Bet You've Never Tasted Potatoes As Delicious As These
These are the best potatoes you have ever tasted!
Re-Grow These 10 Vegetables - Just Use Water!
It's amazing how much money you can save by re-growing these 10 favorite vegetables! Follow our tips and instructions to learn more about how you can have a constant supply of your favorite greens, without paying an extra penny.
I Never Realized You Can Serve a Watermelon Like This!
In this article, you’ll find creative serving suggestions, efficient ways to cut a watermelon, and even a guide to choosing the perfect specimen.
Eat These Foods for Breakfast If You're Diabetic
Breakfast is a very important meal of the day, even more so if you're diabetic. Here are 8 healthy breakfast options for those who suffer from diabetes.