Confectionery/Baking | Vegetarian

Bittersweet Chocolates

Theobroma cacao Allergens: Milk (check label),Soy (lecithin)
Bittersweet Chocolates

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Malvaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cacao Beans

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

Dark chocolate containing at least 35% cacao solids, often 60-80%, characterized by its intense cocoa flavor and less sweetness.

Sensory Profile

TasteBitter,Earthy
TextureFirm,Smooth
AromaCocoa,Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 30g (1 oz)
Calories540 kcal
Total Fat38 g
Saturated Fat22 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein8 g
Total Carbohydrate48 g
Dietary Fiber7 g
Total Sugars32 g
Calcium50 mg
Iron10 mg
Potassium450 mg

Chef’s Secret

Temper bittersweet chocolate carefully to achieve a glossy finish and crisp snap, preventing bloom and improving texture in confections.

Substitutions

Best Match

Unsweetened Chocolate

1:1 (add sugar)

Pure cocoa mass, requires adding sweeteners to match bittersweet profile.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate

1:1

Slightly sweeter, lower cacao percentage, suitable for most uses.

Dark Cocoa Powder

1:3 (powder:chocolate, add fat/sugar)

Provides strong cocoa flavor but lacks the fat and texture; suitable for baking.

Chocolate Chips (dark)

1:1

Convenient form, but may have stabilizers that affect melting.

Buying Guide

Choose high-quality bittersweet chocolate with a clear cacao percentage for best flavor in baking and eating.

Flavor Pairings

Desserts Mousse Brownies Sauces Mole Hot Chocolate

Recipes Using Bittersweet Chocolates

Italian Dietary Healthy Low In Something

5 Star Hot Cocoa Mix

Indulge in the richest, most decadent hot cocoa you've ever tasted! This 5-star recipe, adapted from Tyler Florence's holiday favorites, makes a fantastic homemade gift. Perfect for cozy nights in, this luxurious hot cocoa is easily customizable – adjust the cocoa mix or add extra water for your preferred richness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable treat!

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Vegetarian 3 Steps Or Less 5 Ingredients Or Less Desserts

Affogato Mocha

Indulge in pure bliss with this decadent Affogato Mocha! This quick and easy recipe, inspired by Bon Appétit's May 2005 issue, elevates the classic Italian dessert to new heights. Using only the finest ingredients, you'll create a luxuriously refreshing treat in mere minutes. Prepare to be amazed by the rich combination of creamy vanilla ice cream, intensely aromatic espresso, and a hint of dark chocolate and rum. Perfect for a romantic night in or an impressive after-dinner treat!

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Valentines Day Course Dinner Party Desserts

All Chocolate Blackout Cake From Ebinger's

Indulge in a taste of Brooklyn history with this intensely decadent All-Chocolate Blackout Cake, a recipe inspired by the legendary Ebinger's bakery! New Yorkers will instantly recognize the rich, intensely chocolatey flavor that's guaranteed to transport you back in time. This recipe is a labor of love, but the result—layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate filling, and rich chocolate frosting—is undeniably worth the effort. Prepare to be amazed!

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Main Ingredient Low In Something To Go 60 Minutes Or Less

Almond Chocolate Cake With Ganache

Indulge in this intensely rich and decadent almond chocolate cake, best served warm! This recipe, adapted from Michele Urvater's "Chocolate Cake," combines the nutty goodness of almonds with the deep, dark richness of chocolate, all topped with a luscious ganache. Prepare for a chocolate lover's dream!

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Desserts Course Main Ingredient Low Sodium

Amazing Giant Chocolate Toffee Cookies

Indulge in these colossal, intensely chocolaty cookies bursting with crunchy toffee bits! Each cookie is a generous 4 inches in diameter – perfect for sharing (or not!). These easy-to-make cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for an explosion of chocolate and toffee flavor in every bite!

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Cuisine Vegan Course Cuisine

Ancho And Chipotle Mole

Indulge in the rich, smoky depths of this Ancho and Chipotle Mole, a Food & Wine staff favorite! Perfect for steak, pork, chicken, turkey, shrimp, or beans – simply simmer your protein in the sauce for a decadent mole stew. This make-ahead marvel can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready for a flavor journey that's as satisfying as it is simple!

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Easter Holiday Event Preparation Course

Bailey's Parfait

Impress your guests with this decadent Bailey's Irish Cream Parfait – a sophisticated dessert that's surprisingly quick to make! Perfect for company, this make-ahead recipe requires minimal prep time and lets you enjoy the party. Using store-bought pound cake simplifies the process even further, allowing you to focus on the delicious layers of creamy Bailey's, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Prepare it 4-5 hours ahead for optimal flavor and texture.

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Oven Californian Cuisine Oven

Banana Chocolate Spring Rolls

Sweet and decadent Banana Chocolate Spring Rolls! Crispy spring roll wrappers envelop creamy banana slices and rich chocolate for a delightful treat. Perfect for a quick dessert or an impressive appetizer. This easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Time To Make Dietary

Banana Fudgicle

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing Banana Fudgicle! This quick and easy frozen dessert is the perfect cool treat. Creamy, chocolatey, and bursting with banana flavor, it's a delicious and healthy alternative to ice cream. Get your blender ready for this 6-minute wonder!

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Eggs Dairy Kid Friendly Eggs Dairy Equipment

Barefoot Contessa's Hot Chocolate

Indulge in the ultimate hot chocolate experience with Ina Garten's decadent recipe! This luxurious beverage features high-quality Valrhona (French) or Callebaut (Belgian) chocolate for an unparalleled richness and depth of flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers an unforgettable taste sensation. Upgrade your hot chocolate game today!

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Pies Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient

Basic French Silk Pie

Indulge in the decadent smoothness of this classic French Silk Pie! This recipe delivers a rich, creamy chocolate filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight treat. Easy to follow instructions guide you to silky perfection.

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Eggs Dairy Low In Something Course Chocolate

Belgian Hot Chocolate

Indulge in the decadent richness of Belgian Hot Chocolate, a recipe straight from Wittamer, one of Brussels' finest chocolate shops! This luxurious recipe, originally shared by renowned pastry chef David Lebovitz, was passed down from the head chocolatier himself. Using high-quality chocolate (30-40% cacao), this recipe transports you to a chic tea salon overlooking Brussels' Place Sablon. Prepare for an unforgettable hot chocolate experience – creamy, intensely chocolatey, and utterly divine. Perfect for a cozy night in or a sophisticated treat.

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Preparation For Large Groups Brownies Equipment

Best Ever Brownies From Baking With Julia Child

Indulge in the ultimate fudge brownie experience! These decadent brownies, inspired by the legendary Julia Child, are rich, intensely chocolatey, and unbelievably creamy. Forget cakey – this recipe delivers the ultimate in soft, dark, and intensely fudgy brownies. Their luxuriously smooth texture makes them a truly special treat, perfect for sharing (or not!). A unique mixing method, featuring a lightened egg mixture, creates an airy yet intensely decadent brownie that will redefine your expectations. Prepare to be amazed!

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