Does Almond Bark Go Bad? Find Out Here!
Almond Bark is used as a melted confection to coat or as a dipping sauce. It is served on the side for treats such as cake balls, candies, apple slices, cookies, crackers, and strawberries. You can find it as blocks, disks, or melting chocolates. If you have one block at home, you may ask yourself “does almond bark go bad?”
Almond Barks do go bad, especially when stored incorrectly. They have very low moisture levels and thus have a long shelf life. Fortunately, its shelf life is significantly longer than its best before date.
In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about storing Almond Bark and how to re-use it. You will find out how to tell if Almond Bark has gone bad, so you don’t make any mistakes with your delicious treats!
How Long Does Unopened Almond Bark Last?
When stored in a dry place, Almond Barks can last more than a year after their best before date without any concerns. You can check it on the package. However, after two years, the Almond Bark may not harden right on the treat you’re coating.
Does Opened Almond Bark Go Bad?
Opening the Almond Bark can ruin the texture and give it an odd separated granular oiliness. Fortunately, when stored in an airtight container, they can last up to four months after opening them.
You can also keep melted Almond Bark leftovers, just don’t allow them to harden in the bowl or pan. Instead, pour the portion immediately on parchment paper, and place it in the freezer to set. Then, store it in the airtight container, and you can use it again for dipping candy or making cakes.
How Long Does Molded Almond Barks Last?
You can save it for up to six weeks in a fridge, but two weeks are recommended period for molded Almond Bark if kept at room temperature.
Note that you should ensure that it’s kept in dry areas and out of direct sunlight. Ideally, it would be best to store it in an airtight container and away from fluctuating temperatures and strong smells.
How to Tell If Almond Bark Has Gone Bad?
When your Almond Bark has a bloom and has changed color, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe to use it. It can be good to coat but, it might not melt smoothly or taste fresh when you eat it. However, if the entire Almond Bark piece is gray, it’s no longer safe to use.
Should You Refrigerate Almond Bark?
You shouldn’t store Almond Bark in the refrigerator because the texture can change. The same thing applies to leftovers and molded Almond Bark. However, you can put molded Almond Bark in the fridge to harden faster. Also, if you want to store it for a longer period, you can put Almond Bark in an airtight container and refrigerate it for about 6 weeks.
Moreover, you can safely store both molded and unmolded Almond Bark in the freezer for up to three months. So feel free to make your cake decorations three months in advance and save some time.
How Do You Re-Melt Almond Bark?
When it’s time to thaw your Almond Bark, you should keep it wrapped and let it defrost at room temperature. This ensures that condensation doesn’t build up on the inside and discolor the barks.
You can then melt the Almond Bark by placing a cup of it in the microwave for a minute. Remove it, stir, and put it back. Repeat this in 10-second intervals until the Almond Bark is completely smooth. If you want, you can add food coloring in this step.
You can also melt the Almond Bark on a stove. Simply put water in one pot and leave it to the boiling point. Break Almond Bark in pieces and put them in another, smaller pot that will fit on the top of the first pot. When water starts to boil, place the second pot on it making sure that it doesn’t touch the water.
Steam from the first pot will slowly melt Almond Bark. Just stir constantly so you succeed to melt it evenly and without any flaws.
Is It Bad to Eat Almond Bark?
Typically, Almond Barks are available in chocolate or vanilla flavors that you can eat out of hand. However, they usually contain artificial tastes that are only good for melting and incorporating into dessert recipes.
