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

Eggs Eggs Preparation Finger Food

Those Chocolate Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible magic of "Those Chocolate Cookies," a recipe so beloved, it's known to cure what ails you! These chewy, intensely chocolatey delights are a family favorite, with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more. Get ready for a truly unforgettable chocolate cookie experience!

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Low Sodium

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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Desserts Low In Something Cakes 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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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Course 5 Ingredients Or Less

3 Step Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Indulge in these ridiculously easy 3-step peanut butter chocolate chip bars! This recipe, featured in Kraft's latest free recipe magazine, is so simple, even beginners can make them. Get ready for chewy, chocolatey perfection in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dessert or satisfying snack.

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Time To Make Oven Course Stove Top

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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Cookies And Brownies Cookies And Brownies 4 Hours Or Less For Large Groups

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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Course Weeknight Course Dietary

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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Fruit Time To Make Chocolate Dietary

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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Mexican Cheese Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less

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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Course Dietary Occasion Gifts

Aztec Gold Brownies

Indulge in the fiery magic of Aztec Gold Brownies! Inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean and the vibrant flavors of Mexico, these brownies are an unforgettable culinary adventure. Rich dark chocolate, warm cinnamon, bold espresso, a hint of smoky chipotle pepper, and a touch of vanilla create a symphony of taste. Elevate your baking game with the luxurious addition of edible gold leaf – a truly decadent finishing touch. Prepare to impress your guests with these intensely flavorful and luxuriously textured brownies. Get ready for a truly unforgettable baking experience!

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Dietary Chocolate Brunch Dietary

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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Desserts Cheesecake Sweet Dinner Party

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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Course Time To Make 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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Time To Make Puddings And Mousses Dietary 30 Minutes Or Less

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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Beginner Cook Cuisine Copycat Main Ingredient

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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Preparation Chocolate Cuisine Oven

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 Preparation Desserts 30 Minutes Or Less

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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Winter Course Main Ingredient Chocolate

Best Ever Chocolate Cake Heritage Recipe

This legendary chocolate cake recipe, originally featured on a 1952 Better Homes and Gardens cover, has been perfected over the years! Prepare for the moistest, richest, most decadent chocolate cake you'll ever taste. A true family heirloom recipe, updated for today's bakers.

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