How to Make Delicious Ruby Chocolate at Home

 

Ruby chocolate is the "fourth type" of chocolate (after dark, milk, and white), known for its natural pink color and berry-like fruity flavor with a slight tartness. It's made from specially processed ruby cocoa beans, without added colors or fruit flavorings.

Making Ruby Chocolate from Scratch (Advanced/Home Artisan Method)

True ruby chocolate requires specific cocoa beans with high precursor compounds that develop the pink color through acidification. The commercial process is proprietary, but home chocolate makers can approximate it using unfermented or lightly processed beans.

Ingredients (for ~1 kg chocolate, adapted from Chocolate Alchemy):

• 80g cocoa nibs (from beans like Oaxaca Lavados or similar high-catechin varieties)

• 8g citric acid + 20g water (for acidification)

• 320g cocoa butter

• 300g milk powder (for milk-style ruby)

• 295g sugar

• Optional: 10g vanilla powder, extra 10g citric acid for tang

Steps:

1. Dissolve citric acid in water, mix with nibs, and let it absorb for 24 hours.

2. Dry nibs at 150°F (65°C) until original weight is restored (a few hours).

3. Refine/melange the treated nibs with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk powder (using a chocolate melanger or refiner for 12–24 hours until smooth).

4. Temper and mold.

This yields a reddish-pink chocolate. Results vary by bean source; it's experimental and requires equipment.

Easy Recipes Using Ready-Made Ruby Chocolate

Most home recipes use pre-made ruby chocolate (available as bars or callets from brands like Callebaut).

1. Simple Ruby Chocolate Bark (Quick & Elegant)

Ingredients (serves 8–10):

• 300g (10–12 oz) ruby chocolate, chopped

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries

• 1/4 cup toasted pistachios or almonds

• Optional: edible rose petals, flaky sea salt

Steps:

1. Line a tray with parchment.

2. Melt ruby chocolate in a double boiler (or microwave in 20-second bursts).

3. Spread melted chocolate into a rectangle (~10x7 inches).

4. Sprinkle toppings evenly.

5. Chill until set (1–2 hours), then break into pieces.

2. Ruby Hot Chocolate (Cozy Drink)

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 2 cups milk

• 100g (¾ cup) ruby chocolate, chopped

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Warm milk and vanilla over medium heat.

2. Remove from heat, add chocolate, and whisk until smooth.

3. Serve hot, optionally topped with whipped cream.