A Cacao Latte with Maca is a creamy, gently spiced drink made with raw cacao, maca root powder, and warm milk. Cinnamon adds a little warmth, while maple syrup balances the natural bitterness of the cacao.
Ready in just a few minutes, this comforting drink is a lovely alternative to a traditional coffee when you want something chocolatey and warming. Make it with almond milk for a light, nutty flavour, or use your favourite milk for a creamier finish.
Why You’ll Love This Cacao Latte with Maca
- Rich chocolate flavour: Raw cacao gives the latte its deep, chocolatey taste without needing chocolate syrup.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples.
- Easy to customise: Adjust the sweetness, change the milk, or add a little vanilla.
- Ready in minutes: Whisk everything together on the stovetop for a smooth, warming drink.
Cacao Latte with Maca
Difficulty: Easy1
servings2
minutes7
minutesA creamy, energizing latte that blends raw cacao and maca root powder for a naturally uplifting drink.
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp maca powder
1–2 tsp maple syrup (or honey, to taste)
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: 1 tsp coconut oil (for extra creaminess)
Directions
- Warm the milk. Pour the almond milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until warm and steaming. Avoid boiling it.
- Add the dry ingredients. Whisk in the cacao powder, maca powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Continue whisking until the powders are fully incorporated.
- Sweeten the latte. Add the maple syrup or honey and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Add the coconut oil (optional). Stir it in until melted. For a particularly smooth, frothy texture, carefully blend the mixture for 20–30 seconds using a heat-safe blender, following the manufacturer’s instructions for hot liquids.
- Serve. Pour into your favourite mug and finish with a light dusting of cacao powder or cinnamon.
Notes
- Whisk gradually: Add the powders to the warm milk while whisking to help prevent lumps.
Keep the heat gentle: High heat is unnecessary and can cause the milk to scorch or develop a skin.
Adjust the flavour: Start with one teaspoon of maple syrup and add more if needed.
Choose your milk carefully: Oat milk often gives a naturally creamy texture, while almond milk produces a lighter drink.
Blend with care: If using a blender, make sure it is designed for hot liquids. Never seal hot liquid in a standard blender without following its safety instructions.
Variations
Vanilla Cacao Maca Latte
Add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing the saucepan from the heat. Vanilla softens the bitterness of cacao and complements the cinnamon.
Mocha Maca Latte
Add a shot of espresso for a coffee-based version with chocolate and earthy maca notes.
Coconut Cacao Maca Latte
Use coconut milk for a richer texture and a subtle coconut flavour. If using canned coconut milk, dilute it with water or another milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Iced Cacao Maca Latte
Whisk the cacao, maca, cinnamon, salt, and sweetener into a small amount of warm milk until smooth. Add the remaining cold milk, allow the mixture to cool, then pour over ice and stir well.
What Does Maca Taste Like?
Maca powder has an earthy, slightly nutty flavour that some people describe as malty or caramel-like. In this latte, cacao provides the main chocolate flavour, while cinnamon and a little maple syrup help balance the maca’s distinctive taste.
If you’re new to maca, start with the recipe’s one-teaspoon amount and adjust to your preference.
Can You Prepare This Latte Ahead?
This latte is best enjoyed freshly made, when the milk is warm and the texture is smooth.
If you need to prepare it in advance, you can mix the cacao, maca, cinnamon, and salt in a small airtight container. When you’re ready for a drink, warm your milk, whisk in the mixture, and sweeten to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this latte without almond milk?
Yes. Use dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, or another milk you enjoy. The flavour and creaminess will vary depending on your choice.
Is cacao powder the same as cocoa powder?
They are similar products, but they can differ in processing and flavour. Unsweetened cocoa powder can generally be used as a substitute in this recipe, although the final taste may be slightly different.
Can I make it without coconut oil?
Absolutely. Coconut oil is optional and is included only for extra richness. The latte will still work without it.
Does maca contain caffeine?
Maca is not a source of caffeine in the same way coffee or tea is. However, cacao naturally contains theobromine and small amounts of caffeine, so this drink is not completely stimulant-free.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes. Honey works well if you don’t need the recipe to be vegan. Add a little at a time until you reach your preferred sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Cacao Latte with Maca is a simple, warming drink with a rich chocolate flavour and gentle notes of cinnamon. With just a few ingredients and an easy stovetop method, it’s easy to adapt to your favourite milk and sweetness level.
Make it fresh, add a little vanilla if you like, and enjoy it as a cosy alternative to your usual hot drink.
