Chocolate Almond Bark or Chocolate Chips?

by Annie
(Piketon, Ohio)

Which is better for coating: Chocolate Almond Bark or Chocolate Chips?

I started using Chocolate Almond Bark for the first time when I was making the chocolate covered peanut butter crackers. It worked like a charm and tasted excellent.


Recently I tried making Peanut Butter Pecan clusters. However, I was out of Almond Bark and used chocolate chips instead.


I read another comment stating not to use Almond Bark for clusters and didn't understand why. That was going to be how I made them the next time but now I'm unsure. Why isn't Almond Bark good for clusters when it works so well on my other snacks?


Overall, when making the peanut butter cracker cookies, buckeyes, chocolate covered pretzels, and clusters, which is better? The almond bark or chocolate chips?


Which hardens the best?


Is there a preference in taste for most people?


I'm very eager to hear as much feedback and ideas I can get. It's getting into the holiday season and I thought these would be great treats to give my extended family this year, since they're such a big hit at my house.


I just wanted feedback on how others feel and any explanations on why NOT to use one or the other would be GREATLY appreciated.


I am a mother of a 3 year old and I'm currently the primary care provider for my husband's health issues. This would be a GREAT way to not only have fun baking with my loved ones, but to also send treats to our extended loved ones.


Please send your feedback on preferences over the above mentioned goodies, and any no-no's that I should avoid.


I love this website so much. It's perfect for our family craft/baking times.


Also, if I decide to make rock candies, is there a certain type of food coloring I should use?

-Novice, but creative mom

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Dear Annie,

Thanks so much for kind and generous words about our site. It warms my heart to know that others enjoy what we do and find pleasure in it as much as we do.


So sorry to hear about your husband and his health issues. I cared for my dear mother during her last illness before she went to heaven, and I completely understand how challenging being a full time caregiver really is. You wouldn't trade it for the world, but it is a LOT of work and wearing on you. May God bless and strengthen you as you serve your family in this way.


Now to your questions. Starting at the end, you can really use any type of food coloring for the rock candy. If you were trying to color chocolate, that would be a different story entirely, but with hard candy, any should do (in my experience).


As for the debate between almond bark or chocolate chips, I think it is really just a matter of preference. I've mostly used chocolate chips in my own candy making, but have used almond bark on occasion. The main difference to me has been the flavor/taste.


I usually prefer the chocolate chips (depending on the brand), but most everything I've made with almond bark as been pretty scrumptious, too.


I don't know why someone has said not to use almond bark for the peanut butter pecan clusters, as it seems it would be perfectly fine to do so.


Let's get your question "live" on the site and see if we can get some other opinions.


I'll tell you what I think. Your family and friends will probably be so glad to have your holiday treats that they aren't going to complain one way or another! :)


Be sure to take some photos and share your goodies with us on our Christmas candy page or any other appropriate page listed on our chocolate candy favorites page.


We LOVE seeing the creations of our visitors!

Blessings,
Angie