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Almond Bark vs. White Chocolate (Which Should You Use?)

Almond Bark vs. White Chocolate (Which Should You Use?)

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If you are into baking, you may wonder what the difference is between white chocolate and almond bark. Often, a recipe says that almond bark can be a substitute for white chocolate, but before you decide to use it, you may want to know exactly what the differences are.

They are in fact two different items, but they can be interchangeable in a recipe.

What Is Almond Bark?

Almond Bark

Almond bark is not made from almonds; it gets its name from its original use, which was to cover almonds. It is still used to cover nuts and fruits today because it is easy to melt.

Almond bark is made with vegetable fats, sugar, flavors, and coloring. It can come in different flavors, including vanilla and chocolate, but it does not contain any real chocolate. It is more of a confectionary coating.

Almond bark is used to dip strawberries and other fruits and nuts. It melts very easily when it is heated, and it can harden to cover these foods.

It is often frequently used as a substitute for white chocolate in baking recipes. It can be easier to work with because it is produced specifically for melting, and it is not temperamental.

What Is White Chocolate?

Bowl Of White Chocolate

It may surprise you to find out that white chocolate is not considered to be a chocolate either. It is made from a blend of cocoa butter, milk products, vanilla, and lecithin. It is not a chocolate because technically, a chocolate must contain chocolate solids.

Chocolate solids come from inside the shell of the cocoa bean, and they are ground into chocolate liquor, which is separated into cocoa solids and cocoa butter. White chocolate is made only using the cocoa butter.

Why Do People Substitute Almond Bark for White Chocolate?

The simple answer is that almond bark is made for melting over other foods. It is very easy to use. When you melt chocolate, you have to temper it. You need to be patient and stir it constantly, if you don’t, it could bubble up, explode, or scorch.

With almond bark, you can melt it very easily, even in a microwave. It has a sweet flavor, and it looks great when it is used to cover items.

In addition, when you use almond bark, you can melt it, add it to the recipe, and it is quick and easy. The finished product is delicious and visually appealing, and it has a quick set up time and even works with food coloring.

There are people who insist that white chocolate is the way to go, but for many bakers, the simplicity of almond bark makes it perfect to use.

What Can You Make with Almond Bark or White Chocolate?

White Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Anything that you can make with white chocolate, you can make with almond bark, and it might be easier. Take a look at the following:

White Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag pretzels
  • 1 brick white almond bark

After you melt the almond bark, you can simply dip the pretzels into it with tongs. Lay them on wax paper, and add sprinkles if you wish. They are easy to make and will be ready quickly.

White Chocolate Lemon Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 brick white almond bark
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
  • 1 tub lemon buttercream frosting

This is a simple recipe where you can spread the lemon frosting between two Ritz crackers and then dip it into melted white almond bark. You can place it on wax paper to set, and it will make a delicious treat.

Final Thoughts

Almond bark is a great substitute for white chocolate, even though they are different foods. The main reason that people use this substitute is that white chocolate is tricky to work with, and almond bark is simple across the board.

You can microwave it to melt it, and dip whatever you are making in it. You can dip anything from pretzels to strawberries to other fruits and nuts, and after you lay them on wax paper, they will be set and dry.

They can be stacked and piled into a container, and they are sturdy and hold up pretty well. You can make all kinds of wonderful holiday items, and it is so easy to do.

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Debbie San Fillipo

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Thank you! This was a big help! I really wasn’t sure of the difference and this helped!

Sarah Bridenstine

Monday 26th of February 2024

I'm so glad I could help! Good luck!

Diana Sigety

Wednesday 9th of August 2023

I'm glad you put this article in here for the almond bark versus white chocolate. There's a recipe for raspberry teramisu of that calls for white chocolate I've allergic to chocolate so I was thinking of using almond bark and you definitely came across for me thank you! You also verified with white chocolate is with no cocoa and that's what I'm allergic to so thank you again. Diana.

Sarah Bridenstine

Friday 11th of August 2023

Hi Diana!

Oh, that tiramisu sounds delicious! Also, white chocolate has cocoa butter, so I would double check to make sure that you don't have any problems with cocoa butter. You need to be alive and well to enjoy that tiramisu!