Restless Chipotle

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×
Home » Cooking Tips and Basic Techniques

What Is Dutch Process Cocoa Powder?

Published: Oct 12, 2023 by Marye

A collage showing an image of cocoa powder and an image of chocolate cake with text overlay for Pinterest.

For the most decadent, rich, drool-worthy chocolate creations, it's important to start with the right type of cocoa.

Let's learn what Dutch process cocoa powder is and find out how it can take your chocolate desserts to the next level.

A scoop with cocoa powder in it.
Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • What is Dutch Process Cocoa Powder?
  • How does cocoa powder work in baking recipes?
  • When to use Dutch process cocoa powder?
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 💭 Things to know
  • Try these Dutch cocoa recipes
  • 🫶 Restless Chipotle recommends
  • 📞 The last word
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Key takeaways

  • Dutch process cocoa powder is less acidic than natural cocoa powder and has a mellow, smooth chocolate flavor.
  • Used in anything from chocolate cake to ice cream and more, it has a darker color and tastes like classic, old-fashioned goodness.
  • Learn the ins and outs of using Dutch cocoa powder to get the best results from your favorite chocolate recipes.

If you're browsing the baking aisle and wondering about the differences between natural and Dutch processed cocoa powder, you're in the right place.

Let's dive into all the chocolatey details!

What is Dutch Process Cocoa Powder?

Dutch-process cocoa powder (sometimes called Dutched) is made from cacao beans that are processed with a potassium carbonate wash. This neutralizes the pH level, or the cocoa's acidity, transforming a bitter flavor into something milder and rich.

Because of this chemical process, Dutch cocoa is also called "alkalized." It changes color from a reddish hue to a deep, dark brown, and sometimes even black.

It all depends on how much the cocoa beans are alkalized. The darker the cocoa powder is, the more chocolatey it'll taste!

Some describe the flavor of black cocoa powder (a Dutch-processed variety) as similar to that of Oreo cookies!

You can find all different types of cocoa powder in the grocery store, but it's often harder to find Dutch process. Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder is alkalized cocoa that's easy to find and easy on the budget.

Stack of brownies with pecans.
Easy brownies

How does cocoa powder work in baking recipes?

Time for a little science lesson—stick with me, it's important! The potassium wash used for Dutch cocoa is an alkalizing agent, meaning it cancels out the natural acidity of the cocoa.

Natural cocoa powder (the regular kind) is acidic. So, baking recipes will balance out that acidity with more baking soda. Remember the vinegar/baking soda volcanoes from middle school?

On the other hand, Dutch process cocoa works better with baking powder. This is the less powerful of the leavening agents, so it's paired with a less acidic kind of cocoa powder.

If you have too much leavener without something to cancel it out, you'll be left with a metallic, bitter taste. So, it's important to get the chemical reaction just right.

When to use Dutch process cocoa powder?

A good rule of thumb is to follow your recipe closely regarding which cocoa to use.

In most of my chocolate cake recipes, you'll notice I've developed them to work with Dutch process (or dark) cocoa. This is the best of both worlds—the most delicious chocolate flavor and a perfectly risen texture.

You have more flexibility with recipes that don't depend on chemical leaveners, like pudding. I still opt for Dutch process since I like the flavor better, but you don't have to worry if it'll rise or not.

Here are some other ways you can use Dutch cocoa powder:

  • Cakes (obviously)
  • Cookies
  • Chocolate muffins
  • Brownies
  • Quickbread
  • Chocolate cobbler
  • Pastries
  • Buttercream and icing
  • Ice cream
  • Custard
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Milkshakes and smoothies
  • Pudding
  • Chocolate-glazed donuts
  • Hot chocolate
  • Truffles
  • Sweet cocktails
  • Steak rub (yes, even savory recipes!)
  • Mole sauce
  • A slice of chocolate cake with mocha frosting.
    Hershey's Perfect Chocolate Cake
  • Close up of a piece of cake.
    Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
  • Closeup of the cut cake showing the layers and the texture.
    Chocolate Layer Cake with Cookies and Cream Filling
  • A slice of the cake on a white plate.
    Burnt Sugar Fudge Cake with Peanut Butter Mousse

👩‍🍳 FAQs

What does Dutch process cocoa taste like?

It tastes more chocolatey than natural cocoa powder. It's milder, yet richer at the same time, taking any chocolate treat to the next level.

Can I use melted chocolate instead of Dutch cocoa?

In most recipes, no. Melted chocolate has other additives and sweeteners, so it likely won't work in the recipe the same way cocoa powder does.

Can I swap natural cocoa for Dutch process cocoa powder when baking?

As a general rule, I recommend using the type of cocoa powder that your recipe calls for. You can usually swap natural for Dutch cocoa without disastrous results, but it's best to stick with the recipe.

Is it okay to substitute natural cocoa for Dutch cocoa in non-baking recipes?

Sure! In recipes without chemical leaveners (baking soda or baking powder), it's fine to swap. Things like hot cocoa, pudding, frosting, and chocolate sauces taste best with Dutch cocoa but work just fine with natural, too.

Can I use Dutch process cocoa in red velvet cake?

Red velvet cake is one instance where I actually recommend using regular cocoa. The acidity in the cocoa reacts with the vinegar in the cake batter to create the classic, velvety texture and brick-red hue.

What's the difference between a cacao bean and a cocoa bean?

While cacao refers to cacao beans that have not been roasted, what is called cocoa is made of beans that have been roasted.

What is cocoa rouge?

It's a Dutched cocoa powder that's been alkalinized a little further than the initial Dutch cocoa powder. It takes on a more red color but I haven't found that it changes the color of baked goods significantly.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: Store your cocoa powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to make it last longer. Resist the urge to put it in the fridge or freezer—humidity isn't good for cocoa.

  • For the best results, try to buy a higher-quality cocoa powder (I've linked my faves below). It shouldn't have any added sugar.
  • I recommend sifting cocoa powder before using it to get rid of any clumps. This also makes it more accurate when measuring.
  • Some recipes will instruct you to "bloom" the cocoa in a hot liquid before using it in your recipe. This adds more depth to the rich flavor.
A closeup of the cobbler on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Try these Dutch cocoa recipes

  • Chocolate French Silk Pie is done in just 20 minutes (seriously!) and has the richest, creamiest flavor ever. Chocolate lovers, this one's for you!
  • Dutch process cocoa is key to the super-rich, almost-black sponge in this Dark Chocolate Layer Cake with Irish Cream Frosting.
  • Dark cocoa powder makes this ten-minute Easy Chocolate Pudding taste expensive and fancy. No one will know it's made in the microwave!
  • Overhead view of cake being sliced for feature image.
    Chocolate Spice Cake
  • A whole chocolate layer cake with a dark chocolate drizzle.
    Chocolate Shadow Cake
  • Close up of cake for featured image.
    Double Chocolate Fudge Coca Cola Cake
  • Square serving of chocolate sheet cake with whipped icing.
    Chocolate Sheet Cake

🫶 Restless Chipotle recommends

Ready to get some chocolate into your life? Get started with these!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • I like the dark chocolate flavor of Hershey's Extra Dark Cocoa, which is Dutch processed.
  • When it comes to luxury chocolate Valhrona is the top of the line. Try this cocoa for something special.
  • Nestle's makes a really good, easy-on-the-budget natural cocoa.
  • Guittard makes a very high quality cocoa rouge.
Close up of cake for featured image.
Double fudge Coca Cola cake

📞 The last word

I love chocolate. Always have. Always will.

When I learned that there were actually differences in different cocoa powders it was a game changer! All of a sudden I could create the chocolate flavors of my dreams depending on which I used.

Your chocolate adventure awaits. Which will you choose first?

More Basic Kitchen Skills and Recipes

  • Overhead view of pickles in a white bowl
    Sweet Heat Refrigerator Pickles
  • Closeup of fried chicken on a plate.
    Why Do Southerners Put Buttermilk in Everything?
  • A collage of 3 images - pizza, French fries, and hamburgers.
    How to Reheat Food in the Air Fryer
  • Close up of fried onions on a platter.
    Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch

Love it? Share it!

  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Love it? Give it 5 stars!




Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

Find out more

🍉 Summer Cookouts

  • Overhead view of potato salad in a glass bowl
    Mom's Homemade Potato Salad
  • Overhead view of the finished watermelon basket filled with an assortment of fruit.
    How to Make a Watermelon Basket
  • Closeup of a finished hamburger in a bun.
    Retro Lipton Onion Soup Burger (Vintage Recipe)
  • Closeup of a star shaped cake covered in white chocolate with red and blue sprinkles.
    Zebra Cake Recipe: Little Debbie Copycat

🫖 Picklefork Stories

Picklefork town crest.
Click here to visit Picklefork

👑 Reader Favorites

  • Square overhead of chicken for feature image.
    Crockpot Angel Chicken
  • Close up of the sauce showing the creamy texture.
    Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe
  • Wooden spatula removing fried potatoes out of iron skillet.
    Crispy Fried Potatoes in a Cast Iron Skillet (Southern Style)
  • Blue cocktail with a red and white straw.
    Sex in the Driveway Cocktail
  • A sliced loaf of english muffin bread.
    Easy English Muffin Bread – No Knead, Perfect for Toasting!
  • Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
    No-Fail Amish White Bread

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Marye Audet-White
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Contact
MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

Featured In:

Places Restless Chipotle has been featured

We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright ©2006 - 2025 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC

Picklefork Tales Copyright ©2025 Marye Audet, Restless Chipotle Media