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








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

Comments for Chocolate Almond Bark or Chocolate Chips?

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Nov 23, 2020
Chocolate chips vs almond bark
by: Kathy Newburn

Well I found a great deal on chocolate chips. .99 a bag vs 3.50 to 4.50 for almond bark. My mother in law said use chocolate chips with paraffin wax. I seen other sites say to use chocolate chips will a little bit of vegetable oil. I bought alot of the chocolate chips since I make holiday goodie boxes for friends and family and have always used the bark. Looking for answers about using chocolate chips. Let me know what to mix in the chocolate chips if anything. Thank you.

Jun 06, 2016
Almond bark NEW
by: Michele

I make pecan turtles, peanut clusters, cashew clusters, and black walnut clusters using almond bark. Sometimes I mix in special dark chocolate chips for a combined flavor. I like the way it melts and it is not too thick. Also it holds up well to room temperature. Almond bark is my preference. I now have to order it on line since the place where I purchased it from doesn't have the chocolate bark.

Dec 21, 2012
Using Almond Bark and Chocolate Chips NEW
by: Angie from chocolate-candy-mall.com

Hi Helen,

I haven't used paraffin wax in my chocolate making for years. Your peanut butter bon bons should still set fine without it. I use a little shortening (like Crisco) from time to time when needed, but quite often I add nothing to the melted chocolate.

When you say "hard" I assume you just mean that it will set. If you really want the chocolate to set hard, as in crisp, you need to temper the chocolate.

In your case, I assume that the almond bark and chips have already been tempered by the manufacturer, so you can probably skip the tempering as long as you don't get the chocolate too hot when melting (which will bring it back out of temper). :)

I'd love to see your finished peanut butter bon bons and add the recipe and photos here to the site. Please add them to our Chocolate Christmas Candy page if you get a chance!

Merry Christmas!

Dec 21, 2012
SEMI SWEET CHIPS AND ALMOND BARK NEW
by: Helen

I am making peanut butter bon bons and I do not want to use paraffin wax. Can I use a combo of melted semi sweet chocolate chips and almond bark for the coating? And will it get set up hard? Thanks

Oct 15, 2011
Chocolate bark or chocolate chips
by: Diane

Hi,

I have been making candy for years, and used bark, chips and had good results.

My preference is Merkens wafers.

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