Grocery
Unsweetened Cocoa Butter
What it is
This is pure, unsweetened cocoa butter. It is a vegetable fat that comes from cocoa beans. The beans are fermented, roasted, and then pressed. This process separates the fat from the solids. The resulting fat is cocoa butter. It has a mild chocolate aroma. It is solid at room temperature but melts easily when heated.
How people cook with it
Cocoa butter is a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory cooking. It can also be used in baking.
- Baking chocolate
- Tempering chocolate
- Adding richness to sauces
- Making homemade confections
To use cocoa butter, you will typically need to melt it. You can do this gently in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Once melted, it can be incorporated into recipes. It is often used to help chocolate set with a smooth finish, a process known as tempering. It can also add a subtle richness and mouthfeel to dishes. When baking, it can contribute to a tender crumb.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike cocoa powder, which is the dried, ground cocoa solids, cocoa butter is the fat extracted from the bean. This means it contributes richness and a smooth texture rather than a deep chocolate flavor or color on its own. It is a neutral fat with a hint of chocolate scent.
Who it is for
Home bakers and chocolatiers often use cocoa butter for its unique properties.
How to keep the rest
Store cocoa butter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep it in its original packaging or an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It has a long shelf life when stored properly.