Almond Bark vs. Candy Melts: Differences and Uses
Almond Bark and candy melts are popular flavors that can make virtually anything taste better. They are used for coating, dipping, and molding as a replacement for chocolate. While they can be interchangeable in recipes, Almond Bark and candy melts are two different items. Just so, what are the differences between Almond Bark and candy melts?
Almond Bark is usually in a wafer form, whereas candy melts tend to be melted candy. Candy melts are available in different colors, while Almond Bark comes as a white or brown confection. Although they both have vanilla flavoring, Almond Bark is richer in taste.
Typically, Almond Bark can substitute for candy melts, but before deciding to use it, you might want to grasp what the actual differences are. So, read on and find out!
Almond Bark Vs. Candy Melts: What Are the Differences?
Almond Bark, also known as summer coating or confectionary, is readily available, easy to melt, and simple to use. You can buy Almond Bark in discs or blocks and melt it to dip strawberries, nuts, and other fruits.
Almond Bark is usually white, making it excellent for adding color. However, you shouldn’t add liquid when melted as it can clump into an unusable mixture. Instead, add paste, oil-based, or powder food coloring for the very best results.
Candy melts are artificial chocolate that’s made with vegetable fats rather than cocoa butter – just like Almond Bark. Their ingredients include vegetable oil, sugar, and sometimes it can have flavors such as peanut butter or peppermint. They can hold their shape at room temperature, and therefore you don’t have to worry about leftovers.
Candy melts don’t require tempering, and you can thin it or pipe it out as pouring consistency. Besides, they yield the silkiest and smooth product by feel.
While candy melts come in various colors, Almond Bark is usually white with vanilla flavor or brown with chocolate or caramel flavor. Their taste is, in fact, very similar. However, the vanilla flavor is more intense in Almond Bark than it is in candy melts.
What Are Candy Melts?
Candy melts are sweet confectionery coatings that have the consistency, taste, texture, and look of white chocolate. They’re available in different flavors and colors that can be melted into a semi-liquid state and set hard with a shiny and smooth finish.
What Are Candy Melts Good For?
You can use candy melt to dip or dunk treats, drizzle decorations, make lollipops, and mold candy. Besides the conventional uses, the melts can be used to make fudge and ganache. When using candy melts, whether dipping, drizzling, or dunking, the result will be a glossy and crisp candy finish.
Can You Eat Candy Melts Out of The Bag?
You can eat candy melts out of the bag. However, their taste is plain and has an almost milk-like flavor. They leave an unpopular waxy feeling in your mouth, so people rather use it for baking and creating colorful decorations.
In addition, they aren’t the healthiest snack. So, if you have a sweet tooth, go for a small bar of dark chocolate rather than candy melts.
How To Make Candy Melts?
To make candy melts, you’ll need one cup of white chocolate, a tablespoon of coconut oil, and any additional colorings or flavorings you’d want.
Chop the chocolate roughly in a bowl (the smaller the pieces, the faster it will melt). Place this bowl over a pan with gently simmering water, and ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
Next, add the coconut oil to give the chocolate a silkier, smoother consistency and a delicious nutty flavor. Then remove the bowl off the heat and add flavor and color however you want, while following the recommendations on the flavor and food coloring packaging.
Alternatively, you can microwave the bowl on high for 30 seconds, remove it, and stir vigorously. Then, repeat the process in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth.
Is White Almond Bark the Same as White Candy Coating?
White Almond Bark isn’t the same as white candy coating. Some people use white candy coating, but for many bakers, the simplicity of Almond Bark makes it ideal to use. An Almond Bark melts quickly, has a sweet flavor, and looks incredible when used to cover foods.
Is Almond Bark Good for Melting?
Unlike some chocolates that are temperamental when heated, Almond Bark is easy to melt and apply. The finished product is visually appealing and delicious.
It also has a quick setup time and works well with food coloring. Besides, you don’t have to worry about seizing, an issue you have to deal with when using regular chocolate.
