If you’re passionate about chocolate and baking, you’ve likely heard of Valrhona’s iconic Dulcey 35% blonde chocolate.
Since its creation, this chocolate has become a true favorite among pastry lovers.
In this article, discover its fascinating origins, key characteristics, and delicious ways to use it in your desserts.
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Who invented Dulcey 35%? The origins of “blonde chocolate”
Valrhona’s Dulcey 35% was created in 2012 by Frédéric Bau, pastry chef and Creative Director at L’École du Grand Chocolat Valrhona. This chocolate, now a flagship in the Valrhona range, was actually born from a happy accident.
During a chocolate event, Chef Bau accidentally left some white chocolate melting in a bain-marie for too long. When he returned, the chocolate had developed irresistible biscuit and caramel notes.
However, the texture was grainy and unstable, and it took more than seven years of research by Valrhona’s R&D team to perfect the recipe, achieving a silky-smooth texture and uniquely balanced flavor.
Where to buy Dulcey 35%, Valrhona’s blonde chocolate
Craving those comforting, biscuit-like notes? Good news, you’re just a few clicks away! For home baking, Dulcey 35% baking chocolate is available as feves (easy-melt baking pieces) in 250g bags or 1kg bags.
For tasting, you’ll also find Dulcey chocolate bars, as well as chocolate-covered almonds and hazelnuts for a mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
What does Dulcey 35% taste like?
Dulcey 35% is incredibly smooth and creamy, offering a truly unique flavor experience. On the palate, you’ll notice a gentle sweetness balanced with a hint of salt, biscuit notes, and the richness of caramelized milk.
It’s a comforting chocolate that evokes the nostalgic taste of childhood treats: soft caramels, freshly baked shortbread, and sweetened condensed milk.
How to use Dulcey 35% blonde chocolate in baking ?
Beloved by pastry chefs around the world, Dulcey 35% brings a distinct flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture to countless creations.
You can use it for mousses, ganaches, creams, or glazes, and it’s perfect for tarts, éclairs, macarons, entremets, cakes, and frozen desserts.
Here are some ideas to get inspired:
In chocolate making, blonde chocolate is ideal for crafting bars, molded chocolates, and creamy ganache-filled bonbons, its warm blond color adds a sophisticated touch to any confection.
All of our blonde chocolate recipes
What flavors pair well with Dulcey 35%?
Dulcey’s balanced sweetness allows it to pair beautifully with both sweet and savory ingredients.
Try it with fresh fruits or fruit mousses such as apricot, banana, or mango. For extra indulgence, combine it with soft caramel or roasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds.
To highlight its toasty notes, pair Dulcey with coffee for a cappuccino-inspired flavor profile.
How to melt Dulcey chocolate
You can melt Dulcey either in a double-boiler or in the microwave, just remember: never add water!
Water is chocolate’s worst enemy, as even a drop can ruin the texture.
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Double-boiler method: This is the most commonly recommended technique. Be careful of steam, especially in cool kitchens where condensation might form and drip into your chocolate.
- Microwave method: Melt gradually, in 10-second intervals at no more than 500W, stirring between each interval to avoid overheating
What exactly is “blond chocolate”?
The term “blond chocolate” isn’t an official classification, it’s a nickname given by pastry chefs and chocolate lovers to describe Dulcey’s unique golden hue.
Often considered the “fourth color of chocolate”, Dulcey stands alongside dark, milk, and white chocolate in Valrhona’s range.
Technically speaking, it’s a white chocolate made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk powder, but its distinct color and flavor come from Valrhona’s careful ingredient selection and a precise, innovative production process that creates its signature toasty notes.
In conclusion: Dulcey 35% is a must-try for any chocolate or baking enthusiast. Its unparalleled gourmet aromas, silky texture, and versatility make it the perfect ingredient for indulgent creations that delight every palate.
Order Dulcey 35% online and enjoy a moment of pure sweetness.
