Indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up the easiest chocolate candy that will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
In this blog post, we’ll share with you our go-to recipe for a delicious and hassle-free dessert that you can enjoy anytime. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless yet scrumptious treat!
Along with our three recipes tested through the generations. Decadent chocolate candy that is so good, you would think a professional made it. Free recipes.
Chocolate is a beloved treat around the world and the ultimate symbol of indulgence, but how long does chocolate candy last? Knowing how long your candy stash can last depends on the type of chocolate and how it’s stored.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what types of chocolate is best for storing. Why proper storage is essential. And provide helpful tips to make sure your favorite confections stay delicious for as long as possible.
Things to Be Aware of For Best Quality
Chocolate can be dangerous if it experiences fat bloom, sugar bloom, is infused with expired flavors or ingredients, or contains expired or overheated milk.
Chocolate with nuts, caramels, or other wet fillings can go bad. Plain chocolate bars have a longer shelf life compared to chocolate confections and baked goods that contain perishable ingredients like cream and butter.
Always check the ingredients list on food packaging of flavored chocolate bars for any components with a shorter shelf life than plain chocolate, such as butter oil.
Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate
Chocolate candy can last for a long time if stored properly. The type of chocolate that keeps the longest is dark chocolate, as it has a lower milk content and therefore less moisture.
Milk and white chocolate have a shorter shelf life because of their higher milk content. However, dark chocolate will last the longest of the three.
Chocolate can last a long time due to the stability of cocoa butter and the preservative nature of sugar. However, the exact shelf life depends on various factors, such as storage conditions and the specific type of chocolate.
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How to Properly Store Chocolate
Are you a chocolate lover? If so, then you’re likely familiar with the delight that comes along with uncovering a box of chocolates. But how long can those tasty treats last before becoming stale or unusable?
Knowing how to store candy properly is the key to ensuring your treasured chocolate snacks provide maximum flavor and nutrition. And yield a long shelf life.
Proper storage is essential to keep your chocolate candy fresh and delicious.
Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. The ideal temperature for storing chocolate is room temperature between 60-68°F.
To store chocolate properly, it’s crucial to pay attention to its packaging. Remove it from the original packaging and store it in a glass Tupperware container with dry paper towels before refrigerating.
Avoid storing chocolate in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can cause the chocolate to develop a white film known as “bloom” due to temperature fluctuations. Sometimes it can look like white spots.
Store the candy in a dark place out of sunlight in a dry location.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your chocolate candy stays fresh for as long as possible:
Keep chocolate in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air.
If you need to store chocolate for an extended period, consider placing it in an airtight container with a desiccant such as silica gel or rice to absorb any excess moisture.
Avoid storing chocolate near foods with strong odors, as chocolate can absorb these odors and develop an unpleasant taste.
If your chocolate does develop a chocolate bloom, it is still safe to eat but may have a slightly different texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your favorite chocolate candy stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
What Is the Shelf Life of Chocolate Candy?
The shelf life of chocolate candy varies depending on the type of chocolate and how it has been stored. Generally, milk and white chocolate can last up to 8-10 months, while dark chocolate can last up to 1-2 years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors.
As a general rule, for peak quality, it is best to enjoy your soft chocolates and candy bars within a few weeks to a month. The shelf life of candy can vary based on the added ingredients.
Therefore, for food safety issues, it’s always best to check the expiration date on the packaging and consume the candy before that date.
Most Popular Chocolate Candy
Did you know that in 2020 the average person consumed 23 pounds of chocolate in a year? Here are the top 5 chocolate candy treats according to Eat This.
According to research, the most popular chocolate candies is the Snickers Bar, which is made of nougat, caramel, and peanuts, and coated in milk chocolate. It was first introduced in 1930 and is still widely enjoyed today.
Coming in at number 2 is the ever popular. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a popular candy made of a milk chocolate cup filled with peanut butter filling. They were first introduced in the United States in 1928 and have since become a beloved treat around the world.
Third is Hershey’s Kisses. Hershey’s Kisses are bite-sized chocolates made by The Hershey Company. They are shaped like small teardrops and are wrapped in foil wrappers.
Fourth is the Kit-Kat. Kit-Kat is a chocolate-covered wafer bar that was first created in the United Kingdom in 1935. It is now sold in many countries around the world and is popular for its unique shape and crisp texture.
Fifth are Peanut M&Ms. Peanut M&Ms are a type of candy-coated chocolate that contain peanuts in the center. They are a popular snack and are sold worldwide.
Chocolate Candy Making for Beginners
To make chocolate candy as a beginner, start by melting chocolate chips or chunks in a double boiler or microwave.
Pour the melted chocolate into molds or onto parchment paper, then add any desired mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Allow the chocolate to cool and harden before removing from the molds or breaking into pieces. Experiment with different types of chocolate and mix-ins to find your favorite combination!
Homemade Chocolates for the Holidays
Learn how to make three chocolate candy recipes
What says “I Love you” better than chocolate candy? Well, for chocolate lovers, not much else. These three chocolate candy recipes are simple to do, but have a big taste. They would be great for both the holiday season giving and Valentines day treats for someone special in your life.
Chocolate makers often have their go-to recipes for special occasions. These are my three.
My three most requested chocolate candy recipes. These are tried and true and they have been made for generations. You can’t go wrong adding these decadent chocolates to your Holiday specialty treats. Give these easy decadent chocolates a try. You and your sweetheart will enjoy your efforts.
Peanut Butter Balls
The peanut butter balls recipe is one that I have made for my family and friends well over thirty years. I like the smooth creamy peanut butter taste. A bit like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup the second most popular chocolate candy in America, but a bit sweeter.
Get the full recipe for Peanut Butter Balls
English Toffee
This English toffee recipe has been in my family over 100 years! That is a long time for a family tradition of making candy. My grandmother showed me how to make it and I have shown my daughter in hopes that someday when I pass, the family tradition will be carried on.
Get the full recipe for English Toffee
Truffles
The truffles recipe is one that I stumbled upon many years ago. The original recipe called for alcohol, but since I was making this for my family, I opted to change it and not have alcohol. They are very easy to make and delicious. You can have the young ones help scoop out the chocolate and roll the chocolate balls in the ground almonds or outside topping of your choice.
Get the full recipe for Truffles
How to Store Candy So It Stays Fresh and Safe to Eat
You might be wondering about candy in general. Here are tips on how to store candy so you have the longest shelf life. And treats that are safe to eat too.
Whether it is hard candies, soft candies, chocolate, or other types of candy. Following a few basic storage tips will help you enjoy your candy the longest.
Here’s a revised list for candy storage tips:
- Keep candies in their original packaging when possible, and seal opened packages in a jar.
- Store candy in the pantry or an airtight container for optimal freshness.
- Avoid freezing candies with fruits and nuts, but toffee and truffles can be frozen for up to two months.
- Don’t mix candies that absorb moisture with those that lose moisture to prevent texture changes.
- Store candy out of reach of pets and children to avoid choking hazards and chocolate toxicity for dogs.
Easiest Chocolate Candy: Fudge Recipe
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Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate Chips about 2 cups or 1 bag
- 1/3 Cup Corn Syrup
- 1 Teaspoon Almond Extract or Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap or wax paper.
- In 2-quart saucepan, melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly.12 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- Remove from heat and add the corn syrup and vanilla extract. Mix to combine.1/3 Cup Corn Syrup, 1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
- Immediately pour into loaf pan. Spread the chocolate mixture out evenly.
- Refrigerate uncovered until firm, about 30 minutes. Cut into 36 pieces. To do this cut 9 rows one way and 4 rows across.
- To keep the chocolate candy from sticking to each other. It is best to wrap each individual piece in a piece of plastic wrap making sure to twist the ends closed.
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You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.