Grocery
Elmer Chocolate Baking Bar
What it is
This is a solid bar of unsweetened chocolate, specifically formulated for baking. It is made from 100% cacao, meaning it contains no added sugar, cocoa butter, or vanilla. Its intense, pure chocolate flavor comes directly from the roasted cocoa beans. The bar is designed to melt smoothly and incorporate easily into various baked goods, providing a deep, rich chocolate taste without sweetness.
How people cook with it
Bakers often reach for this unsweetened chocolate when they need complete control over the sweetness of their desserts. It's a foundational ingredient for many classic chocolate recipes.
- Chocolate cakes
- Brownies
- Mousse
- Ganache
To use this baking bar, it is typically chopped or melted. It can be melted gently in a double boiler or in the microwave at short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Once melted, it can be incorporated into batters, used as a base for frostings, or combined with cream to create a rich ganache. Because it is unsweetened, you will need to add sugar or other sweeteners to your recipe to achieve the desired taste profile. It can also be grated and added directly to doughs.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike sweetened baking chocolates or chocolate chips, this bar is unsweetened, offering a pure, unadulterated cocoa flavor. This allows bakers to precisely control the sugar content and sweetness level in their recipes, which is crucial for achieving specific flavor balances.
Who it is for
Home bakers and professional pastry chefs use this to create intensely chocolatey desserts.
How to keep the rest
After opening, store any remaining chocolate in a cool, dry place, tightly wrapped in its original packaging or in an airtight container. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can cause it to develop a white bloom and absorb odors. Proper storage will maintain its quality and flavor for future use.