You're likely familiar with the classic trio of chocolates: dark, milk, and white.
Each has its own unique flavour profile and its own special place in our pantries.
But have you heard about the new, intriguing variety that's been causing a bit of a stir in the culinary world?
Enter the world of Blonde Chocolate.
Relatively new to the chocolate scene, blonde chocolate is making a name for itself with its distinctive taste and alluring look.
But what is it, exactly? Is it a gimmick, or a genuine innovation in the world of confectionery?
In this post, we will delve into the history, production, and taste of this exciting new chocolate variant, giving you all the facts you need to decide if you're ready to give blonde chocolate a try.
What Is Blonde Chocolate?
Blonde chocolate, also known as caramelised white chocolate, is a type of chocolate that's made by slowly roasting white chocolate at low temperatures.
This process gives the chocolate a rich, toffee-like flavour and a distinctive golden-blonde colour.
It's known for its creamy texture and hints of butterscotch and caramel, making it a popular choice for a variety of sweet treats.
What Are the Ingredients in Blonde Chocolate?
Blonde chocolate is made from the same core ingredients as white chocolate: cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids.
The difference lies in the preparation method.
The white chocolate is slowly heated until the sugars caramelise, creating a toffee or caramel-like flavour and a golden-blonde colour.
Occasionally, a touch of salt or vanilla may be added to enhance its flavour.
It's worth noting that the quality of blonde chocolate, like all chocolates, depends significantly on the quality of these ingredients.
(You might also be interested in reading this post asking: What is Compound Chocolate?)
How is Blonde Chocolate Made?
The process of making blonde chocolate is quite fascinating.
It starts with white chocolate, which is made of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids.
Here's a basic step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 120°C.
- Spread white chocolate evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven.
- Every 10 minutes or so, stir the chocolate to ensure even heating and prevent it from burning.
- The chocolate will gradually change from its original white colour to a deep golden blonde over the course of about 2 hours. This is the sugar caramelising, which gives the chocolate its distinctive taste and colour.
- Once it has reached the desired colour, remove the chocolate from the oven and let it cool.
And there you have it, homemade blonde chocolate!
Of course, professional chocolatiers may use a more complex process and additional ingredients to create a refined taste and texture, but the basic principle remains the same.
(You might also be interested in taking a look at this post asking: How Much Sugar is in a Chocolate Bar?)
Can Blonde Chocolate Be Used for Cooking and Baking?
Absolutely, blonde chocolate can be used in cooking and baking, much like its dark, milk, and white counterparts.
Its unique caramelised flavour makes it a delightful addition to a variety of sweet treats.
You can use it in cookies, brownies, or cakes, melt it down for a rich ganache, or chop it into chunks for a blondie mix.
It also pairs beautifully with fruits like raspberries or bananas in desserts.
Blonde chocolate's distinct taste can add a new twist to your favourite recipes, opening up a world of delectable possibilities.
(Take a look at this post if you would like to read about: What is Semi-Sweet Chocolate?)
What Does Blonde Chocolate Taste Like?
Blonde chocolate has a distinct, multi-layered flavour profile that sets it apart from dark, milk, and white chocolates.
Its main characteristic is a deep, rich, caramel-like taste, thanks to the caramelisation of the sugars during its preparation.
This sweetness is balanced by hints of butterscotch, toffee, and sometimes a touch of salt, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.
While it retains the creaminess of white chocolate, it has an added depth and complexity from the caramelisation process.
Imagine a crossover between a caramel sweetness and a bar of white chocolate, and you're pretty close to the unique taste of blonde chocolate.
It's truly a treat for the taste buds and a must-try for any chocolate aficionado.
(Click here if you want to read about: What is Raw Chocolate?)
Who Invented Blonde Chocolate?
Blonde chocolate, as a commercial product, was first introduced by Valrhona, a luxury French chocolate manufacturer, in 2012.
They called it 'Dulcey' and it was the result of a fortunate accident.
Frédéric Bau, the founder of the Valrhona School, was working on a demonstration and inadvertently left some white chocolate in a bain-marie for about 10 hours.
When he returned, he found the chocolate had turned a blonde shade and developed a unique, caramelised flavour.
Recognising the potential of this delicious 'mistake', Valrhona refined the process and introduced blonde chocolate to the world.
Is Blonde Chocolate Actually Chocolate?
The definition of 'chocolate' can be quite contentious and varies from country to country, often dictated by food standards regulations.
In general, to be considered chocolate, a product must contain a certain percentage of cocoa solids.
Blonde chocolate starts its life as white chocolate, which is made from cocoa butter (the fatty component of the cocoa bean), sugar, and milk solids.
While it doesn't contain cocoa solids, it does contain cocoa butter, which is why it's typically accepted as a type of chocolate.
The process of making blonde chocolate involves the caramelisation of white chocolate, altering its colour and flavour.
As such, while it's not 'chocolate' in the traditional sense (like dark or milk chocolate, which contains cocoa solids), it is still considered a type of chocolate due to its base ingredients and its origin in the cocoa bean.
Where Can You Buy Tasty Chocolate?
For anyone seeking delectable, high-quality chocolate, look no further than Whitaker's Chocolates.
With a rich heritage and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, we’ve been delighting chocolate lovers for generations.
As a family-run business, Whitaker's brings years of expertise to each chocolate it produces, ensuring every bite is a testament to its dedication to quality.
This commitment extends beyond taste to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
We proudly use Fairtrade cocoa across our entire range, which not only ensures a fair deal for cocoa farmers in developing countries but also contributes to sustainable farming practices.
Taking pride in the ingredients we use, Whitaker's chocolates are crafted from only the finest, natural ingredients.
There's no room for anything nasty here.
Unlike some other brands, you won't find artificial additives or preservatives in Whitaker's chocolates. Instead, you'll find pure, delicious ingredients that create a memorable tasting experience.
Moreover, we’re dedicated to inclusivity, creating a variety of chocolate delights to cater to different dietary requirements.
Many of our offerings are gluten-free and palm oil-free, making them a great choice for those with specific dietary needs.
We also have a range of products suitable for vegetarians and vegans, so everyone can enjoy the rich, mouth-watering taste of their chocolates.
In short, Whitaker's is not just a chocolate brand - it's a promise of quality, sustainability, and absolute delight.
When you choose Whitaker's, you're not just buying a chocolate bar; you're choosing a product that stands for responsibility, inclusivity, and, above all, a love for great-tasting chocolate!
Here are some of our firm customer favourites:
- We’re the masters of mint, so it’s not surprising that our dark chocolate mint fondant creams are a top seller!
- Show to love, with our creamy milk chocolate red foiled hearts.
- A great taste award winner, our iconic dark chocolate ginger wafer thins are truly delicious.
- A touch of luxury, beautifully presented gift box filled with hand finished chocolate truffles.
-
Knock your socks off with our fiery combo of dark chocolate bar infused with orange and chilli.
Final Notes On Blonde Chocolate
Blonde chocolate is a delightful innovation in the world of confectionery.
It's a testament to the fact that even within well-established food categories, there's always room for creativity and new taste experiences.
With its rich, caramelised flavour profile and distinctive colour, blonde chocolate offers a unique alternative to traditional dark, milk, and white chocolates.
Whether you're a long-time chocolate lover or a culinary adventurer, blonde chocolate is a must-try.
Its intriguing blend of flavours offers a new way to enjoy one of the world's most loved sweets.
So, the next time you're in the mood for a chocolatey treat, why not go blonde?
