Think Outside the Dark Chocolate Box

Since it doesn’t contain chocolate solids, white chocolate isn’t really technically a chocolate—and it’s often thought of as the “lesser” chocolate, even put on the back burner in favor of its darker cousin. But a good, high-quality white chocolate (look for one made with cocoa butter and try to avoid vegetable solids) can add a sweet, buttery richness to baking recipes that you just can’t find elsewhere. And bakers and food writers are taking note, incorporating it into everything from brownies and cookies to ice cream and party cakes. We chose a few of our favorite recipes around the Web to help reacquaint you to this sweet classic—or, perhaps, to introduce you for the first time to the more glamorous, delicious side of white chocolate.
Red Beet & White Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

The standout color of this ice cream makes a bold initial statement—the flavor reaffirms it's quite special, indeed. We love the unique combination of earthy beets and sweet white chocolate.
Get the recipe here.
Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Guaranteed to be a quick new classic at home, these soft, buttery cookies boast white chocolate chips and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
Get the recipe here.
Raspberry White Chocolate Scones

Need to add a splash of color to your morning routine? Try these decadent scones made moist with sour cream and milk, and packed with flavor thanks to lemon, white chocolate and berries.
Get the recipe here.
Seven-Layer Bars

A roundup of white chocolate sweets wouldn’t be complete without the classic seven-layer bar—with its famous buttery graham crust, toasted coconut, sweet white chocolate bits and nuts, it’s a favorite with kids and adults alike.
Get the recipe here.
White Chocolate Brownies

Love blondies? Then you’ll fall for these white chocolate brownies (they have actual white chocolate melted into the brownie batter).
Get the recipe here.
White Chocolate Cupcakes

These cupcakes celebrate rich white chocolate at every opportunity: in the cupcake itself and the frosting. They're a pretty addition to baby showers, birthday parties or just the average Friday.
Get the recipe here.
White Chocolate Key Lime Pie

Many cheesecake recipes can feel heavy and overly rich, but this light, citrusy version is almost sunny thanks to the addition of lime juice and zest. A little slice goes a long way, and brightens even the grayest of days.
Get the recipe here.
White Chocolate Malt Cake

A true celebration of white chocolate in every nook and cranny, this special occasion cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Layers of white cake are soaked in malted milk with a scattering of white chocolate chips and a smooth layer of white chocolate frosting.
Get the recipe here.
White Chocolate Popcorn

Straddling sweet and slightly salty with ease, this addictive snack takes popcorn to a whole new level—and elevates white chocolate to star status.
Get the recipe here.
White Chocolate Rocky Road

This simple rocky road candy makes a great gift—or a pretty addition to any dessert spread. It’s infinitely adaptable, so feel free to use your favorite dried fruits or nuts.
Get the recipe here.