Semisweet Chocolates

Theobroma cacao (main ingredient) Confectionery, Baking Ingredient

Semisweet Chocolates Confectionery, Baking Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Confectionery, Baking Ingredient

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A type of dark chocolate containing 35-60% cacao solids, less sugar than milk chocolate, offering a balanced rich, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor.

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.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Semisweet Chocolates are:

Rich Sweet Slightly Bitter Deep Chocolate

Chef’s Secret

When melting, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth consistency.

Best Substitutes

Dark chocolate

slightly more bitter
Ratio 1:1

Bittersweet chocolate

more bitter
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for fewer ingredients, high-quality cacao, and good cocoa butter content.

Recipes Using Semisweet Chocolates

Course Chocolate Desserts Course

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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Holiday Event Holiday Event Occasion American

Absolutely Divine Devil's Food Cake

Indulge in this decadent Devil's Food Cake, boasting a rich, intensely chocolatey flavor and moist, tender crumb. The secret? A hint of earthy beet adds unexpected depth and moisture! Topped with a luscious, intensely chocolate frosting, this cake is a guaranteed showstopper for any occasion. Prepare to be amazed!

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Baja Beginner Cook Fall Beverages

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 Main Ingredient Tropical Fruit Time To Make

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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Mixer Preparation Time To Make Mixer

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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Chocolate Occasion Course Cuisine

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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Main Ingredient Chocolate Time To Make Desserts

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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4 Hours Or Less Weeknight Time To Make Eggs Dairy

Amaretto Chocolate Pudding

Indulge in this dreamy Amaretto Chocolate Pudding – a quick and easy dessert that elevates classic chocolate pudding to new heights! The rich chocolate is perfectly complemented by the warm, nutty notes of amaretto (or Kahlúa for a coffee twist). This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for creamy, dreamy deliciousness!

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Course Time To Make Main Ingredient Easy

Andrew's Chocolate Pie

Indulge in the richest, creamiest chocolate pie you'll ever taste! This recipe creates its own crust for an unforgettable experience. But there's a secret: you MUST use an 8-inch glass or porcelain pie plate for perfect results. Don't even think about substituting! Prepare for chocolate heaven.

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Comfort Food Oven Comfort Food Preparation

90 Minute Peanut Butter Rolls

These gooey, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Made with simple ingredients and a touch of magic (thanks to Fleischmann's RapidRise yeast!), this recipe delivers warm, comforting rolls in just 90 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, get ready to experience peanut butter perfection!

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Presentation 4 Hours Or Less For Large Groups Dinner Party

Honey I M Peanuts About You Cake

Indulge in this decadent chocolate peanut butter cake, a recipe so irresistible, you'll want to hide it from yourself! This show-stopping cake is a rich, gooey dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. The generous portion size means you can enjoy a smaller slice without sacrificing flavor. Get ready for rave reviews – this one's a keeper!

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Cookies And Brownies Dinner Party Time To Make Vegetarian

Banana Berry Brownie Pizza

Indulge in this decadent Banana Berry Brownie Pizza! A rich and fudgy brownie crust is topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, and sweet bananas, then drizzled with luscious chocolate. This easy-to-make dessert pizza is perfect for summer gatherings or a special treat any time. Inspired by a Taste of Home recipe.

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Brownies Time To Make

Big Batch Brownies

Nostalgia in every bite! These Big Batch Brownies are a family favorite, perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply satisfying a serious chocolate craving. Mom's legendary recipe delivers rich, decadent, intensely chocolatey brownies that will disappear in minutes. Make a huge pan and share the happiness!

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5 Ingredients Or Less Easy 5 Ingredients Or Less For Large Groups

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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Time To Make Number Of Servings Time To Make Desserts

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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For Large Groups Time To Make Desserts Taste Mood

Bavarian Inn Peanut Bars

Indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of these Bavarian Inn Peanut Bars! A decadent treat combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy cornflakes, and a luscious chocolate topping. This easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or satisfying your own sweet cravings!

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Time To Make Cheesecake European Time To Make

A Mighty Fine Black Forest Cheesecake

Indulge in this decadent Black Forest Cheesecake! Rich, creamy cheesecake infused with dark chocolate and the tart sweetness of cherries. This recipe delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Easy to follow instructions guide you to baking perfection.

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Holiday Event Taste Mood Weeknight Dinner Party

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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