Baking Ingredient, Confectionery | Vegetarian Gluten Free

Semisweet Chocolates

Theobroma cacao (main component) Allergens: Milk, Soy
Semisweet Chocolates

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Malvaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter

The Forktionary Angle

"The baker's best friend: providing depth without overwhelming sweetness."

Definition

A type of dark chocolate containing 35-60% cacao solids, sugar, and cocoa butter, characterized by a balanced bittersweet flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteBittersweet, Rich, Earthy, Fruity notes
TextureSmooth, Melts in mouth, Snappy (when solid)
AromaRoasted Cacao, Vanilla
AcidityLow to Medium

Technical Metrics

Composition

Contains at least 35% cacao solids, including cocoa butter and cocoa liquor.

Culinary Use

Excellent for melting, baking into cookies and brownies, or tempering for garnishes.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark, dry place, tightly wrapped, for up to 1-2 years.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 oz (28g)
Calories530 kcal
Total Fat35g
Saturated Fat20g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol5mg
Protein5g
Total Carbohydrate55g
Dietary Fiber5g
Total Sugars40g
Calcium40mg
Iron6mg
Potassium400mg

Chef’s Secret

When melting, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, to prevent seizing or scorching the chocolate.

Substitutions

Best Match

Bittersweet Chocolate

1:1

Higher cacao content, slightly less sweet but a very close match for baking, offering deeper chocolate flavor.

Unsweetened Chocolate + Sugar

1 part unsweetened + 0.5 part sugar

Allows for precise sweetness control, requires mixing. Good for rich, intense chocolate flavor.

Dark Chocolate Chips

1:1

Convenient form, similar flavor profile, great for cookies and certain baked goods.

Cocoa Powder + Fat + Sugar

(variable)

Buying Guide

Choose brands with fewer ingredients and higher quality cacao. Store in a cool, dark place.

Flavor Pairings

Coffee Berries Chili Sea Salt Nuts Red Wine.

Recipes Using Semisweet Chocolates

Dietary Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Low In Something

21 Club Flourless Chocolate Torte

Indulge in this decadent flourless chocolate torte, a legendary dessert from the famed NYC 21 Club! This rich and intensely chocolatey recipe (adapted from Bon Appetit) is perfect for serious chocoholics. A little slice is all you need to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Prepare to be amazed!

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Mixer Low Sodium Chocolate Oven

3 Ingredient Chocolate Cake

Indulge in this decadent, flourless chocolate cake – a dream come true for chocolate lovers! Incredibly easy to make with only 3 ingredients, this recipe from Rozanne Gold's 123 Cooking is ready in under an hour. Perfect for a quick dessert, simply serve as is, or elevate it with your favorite frosting, whipped cream, and fresh berries. This rich and intensely chocolatey cake is guaranteed to impress!

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Taste Mood Holiday Event

3 Layer Fudge Cake With White Chocolate Mousse Filling

Indulge in this decadent 3-layer fudge cake, perfect for Christmas! This show-stopping dessert features a rich chocolate fudge cake layered with creamy white chocolate peppermint mousse and finished with a luscious chocolate ganache. Inspired by Bon Appetit, this recipe delivers a festive flavor combination that will become your family's new holiday tradition. While it requires some time and patience, the result is a breathtaking cake that's worth every minute. Get ready for compliments galore!

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Beginner Cook Beverages Presentation Cuisine

Agasajos Mexican Hot Chocolate

Warm up on a chilly night with this decadent Agasajos Mexican Hot Chocolate! Inspired by a cozy night in, this rich and spicy recipe is perfect for sharing with a loved one while watching a movie. Indulge in the intoxicating blend of chocolate, spices, and a hint of chili for an unforgettable hot chocolate experience. Perfect for snowy evenings or anytime you need a comforting treat.

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Course Preparation Desserts Main Ingredient

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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Time To Make Desserts 4 Hours Or Less Course

Almond Cheesecake Brownies

Indulge in pure decadence with these heavenly Almond Cheesecake Brownies! A blissful fusion of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake, this recipe is the ultimate treat for brownie and cheesecake lovers. Prepare for a diet-busting explosion of flavor!

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Occasion Course 4 Hours Or Less Desserts

Angel Food Dessert

Indulge in this light and airy Angel Food Dessert, a delightful treat that's both visually stunning and incredibly delicious! This recipe, adapted from a 30-year-old magazine favorite, creates a dreamy dessert perfect for any occasion. The fluffy marshmallow cream filling and rich chocolate-almond topping are the perfect complement to the delicate angel food cake. Prepare to impress!

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Nuts Chocolate Dietary Preparation

Apricot Almond Chocolate Bark

Indulge in this irresistible Apricot Almond Chocolate Bark! A delightful blend of chewy apricots, crunchy almonds, and rich dark chocolate creates a heavenly treat that's surprisingly satisfying and (relatively) heart-healthy. Perfect for a special occasion or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, this easy recipe is ready in minutes!

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Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less Chocolate Main Ingredient

Awesome Blowouts

Get ready for an explosion of peanut buttery goodness! These chewy, chocolate-studded peanut butter cookies are ridiculously easy to make and even more irresistible to eat. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try them today!

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Chocolate Dietary Preparation Time To Make

Awesome White Cheese And Chocolate Enchiladas

Indulge in the unexpected deliciousness of our Awesome White Cheese & Chocolate Enchiladas! These savory-sweet enchiladas feature corn tortillas filled with creamy white cheese, then smothered in a rich, spicy sauce infused with chili powder, semisweet chocolate, and a touch of cinnamon. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will redefine your expectations of comfort food. Get ready for a truly unforgettable culinary experience!

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Low Sodium Desserts Dinner Party Chocolate

Bailey's Chocolate Mousse

Indulge in this decadent Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse! This luxurious dessert elevates classic chocolate mousse with the rich, creamy taste of Bailey's Irish Cream and a touch of espresso. A perfect after-dinner treat or special occasion dessert, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your guests. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Canadian Oven Equipment Occasion

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Indulge in this decadent, moist Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cheesecake! A family favorite recipe, this creamy masterpiece is guaranteed to disappear fast. Get ready for a rich and unforgettable dessert experience. (Requires 24-hour chilling time for optimal results)

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Preparation Fruit Main Ingredient Strawberries

Banana Cream Brownie Squares

Indulge in decadent Banana Cream Brownie Squares! This irresistible recipe combines the fudgy goodness of brownies with the creamy sweetness of banana cream filling. A perfect dessert for any occasion, these squares are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Low Sodium Main Ingredient Number Of Servings Course

Barefoot Contessa's Double Chocolate Pudding

Indulge in Ina Garten's irresistible Double Chocolate Pudding! This recipe elevates the classic comfort food with premium cocoa powder and imported semisweet chocolate, creating a rich and intensely chocolatey dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Forget boxed pudding – this homemade version is unbelievably smoother, creamier, and far more decadent. Get ready for a chocolate lover's dream come true!

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Kid Friendly Low In Something American Number Of Servings

Ben Jerry's Cherry Garcia Copycat

Conquer your ice cream cravings with this decadent Cherry Garcia copycat recipe! Recreate the iconic Ben & Jerry's flavor at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Get ready for a taste of pure bliss – rich, creamy ice cream bursting with sweet cherries and chunks of dark chocolate. (Prep time includes significant chilling time.)

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Equipment Cheesecake Chocolate Course

Best Chocolate Cheesecake

Indulge in the decadent richness of this award-winning chocolate cheesecake, adapted from a treasured Jean Pare recipe! This creamy, dreamy dessert boasts a perfectly crisp crust and a luxuriously smooth chocolate filling. Freezes beautifully, making it perfect for parties or enjoying later. Prep time is minimal, and the recipe yields an unforgettable dessert.

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Number Of Servings Bar Cookies Time To Make Oven

Best Peanut Butter Layered Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our decadent Peanut Butter Layered Brownies! This recipe creates a rich, fudgy brownie base, topped with a creamy peanut butter layer and finished with a luscious semisweet chocolate ganache. Prepare to be amazed by this gooey, nutty, chocolatey masterpiece that your family will absolutely adore. Get ready to experience brownie bliss!

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Christmas Christmas For Large Groups Main Ingredient

Chewy And Fudgy Brownies

Indulge in the richest, chewiest, fudgiest brownies you'll ever taste! This recipe uses high-quality semi-sweet chocolate and fresh butter for an intensely chocolatey flavor that's not overly sweet. Say goodbye to dry, disappointing brownies and hello to decadent perfection. Perfect for chocolate lovers and baking enthusiasts alike! #brownies #chocolaterecipe #bakedgoods #fudgybrownies #chewybrownies #desserts #easyrecipe #homemade

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