How to Melt Chocolate
Learn how to melt chocolate in a makeshift double boiler or the microwave. This quick and easy how-to guide is helpful for baking and making candy.
Melted chocolate is simply delightful. It gives any dessert a tasteful finish. However, it is not always easy to work with. If you follow these easy tips and tricks, you will surely have no trouble at all! You can use either a bain-marie, makeshift double boiler or melt chocolate in the microwave.
Before we get started on the methods of how to melt chocolate, read over the tips first to guarantee perfection. There are tricks to melting chocolate that you need to know in order to guarantee success. It will also improve your baked goods in the end!
Tips for Melting Chocolate
- Always make sure the chocolate you are melting is chopped in uniform pieces. You can use chocolate chips, baking chocolate or wafers.
- NEVER add water when melting chocolate. The chocolate will become lumpy and unmanageable. If you must add a liquid (such as heavy cream of milk) to chocolate, do so before the chocolate melts. Heat up the liquid first, then add the chocolate. The chocolate will melt more evenly and distribute into the liquid.
- Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat source immediately. You can always reheat if it starts to harden.
- Shortening will add an even, shiny coating to the chocolate when it hardens. I recommend one tablespoon shortening per cup of chocolate.
What is a double boiler or Bain-Marie?
A double boiler (or bain-marie) is simply one pot stacked on top of another. You place water in the lower pot and heat it to barely a simmer. The steam from the lower pot gently heats the upper pot where the chocolate is gradually melted. This method prevents the chocolate from burning. This double boiler is the BEST because it comes in a set. The top and bottom fit perfectly and there is a spout to make pouring chocolate easy and mess-free.
How to make a double boiler
If you don’t have a double boiler, it is very easy to make one. Just add a bit of water to a sauce pan and place a heat resistant bowl on top so it is resting on the edges of the pan, but not touching the water. Heat water on low. Put chopped chocolate or chocolate chips in the bowl, stir often, and watch it melt. Remove bowl from the heat once the chocolate is melted to prevent burning.
How to melt chocolate in microwave
You can use a microwave to melt chocolate too. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on 50% power level. This lower power level is essential. Normal power will not melt the chocolate evenly and will most likely burn the chocolate.
Timing is roughly 1 minute for an ounce of chocolate and 3 minutes for 8 ounces of chocolate. Be sure to stop the microwave and stir every 20-30 seconds. This will ensure even melting.
How to melt white chocolate
White chocolate tends to be harder to work with than dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate. It has a lower burning point, which means it heats up more quickly and burns more easily. I recommend heating on very low heat being extra patient. I also find that adding another tablespoon of shortening helps thin out the chocolate a bit and prevent it from seizing up. My favorite white chocolate for melting is Ghiradelli white melting wafers.
How to melt chocolate for dipping
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or makeshift double boiler by following the instructions above or in the recipe card. Once melted, use dipping tools or a fork to dip candies or truffles into the melted chocolate. Gently tap the tool on the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Place truffle onto a wax-lined plate or baking sheet to harden.
If chocolate begins to harden during the dipping process, simply return the bowl of chocolate back to the pot of simmer water or place in the microwave for 30 seconds on 50% power level.
Recipes that use melted chocolate
Now that you’ve perfected the method for melting chocolate, give these recipes a try. Enjoy!
- Oreo truffles – This no-bake recipe uses melted chocolate to coat the Oreo cookie truffles.
- Sugar cookie truffles – Another no bake recipe that is popular at Christmas uses melted white chocolate.
- Fudgy, chewy brownies – The key to fudgy brownies is melted chocolate.
- Chocolate covered strawberry brownies – The chocolate ganache on top of these brownies require melted chocolate.
- Flourless chocolate cake – This cake is thick and rich thanks to melted chocolate in the batter.
- Peppermint bark is easily made by simply melting chocolate!
I hope these tips, tricks and methods have helped you melt chocolate more easily. If you find it helpful, be sure to leave a review below and tag @ifyougiveablondeakitchen on social media!
Get the Recipe: How to Melt Chocolate
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips, chopped chocolate or melting wafers, (2 cups or 240 grams)
Instructions
Bain Marie / Double Boiler Method
- Fill bottom saucepan of your bain marie/double boiler with 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Place bain marie insert in the sauce pan and add chocolate. Steam from the bottom sauce pan will heat the bain marie allowing the chocolate to slowly melt. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted. Remove bain marie from the saucepan and use melted chocolate for your recipe.
Makeshift Double Boiler Method
- In a medium sauce pan, bring 1 cup of water to simmering over low heat. Place a glass bowl (metal works too, but use an oven mitt) on top of the pot so it rests above the simmering water, but doesn't touch it.
- Place chocolate chips in the bowl and allow the steam to heat the bowl and melt the chocolate. Stir occasionally until the chocolate chips are melted. Once melted, remove the bowl from the pot and use the melted chocolate for your recipe.
Microwave Method
- Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 1 minute at 50% power level. Stir the chocolate and return it to the microwave. Heat again at 50% power level for 20 second intervals, stopping to stir every 20 seconds. Once melted, remove the bowl from the microwave and use for your recipe.
Notes
- You can also use baking chocolate squares. Chop it up into uniform pieces to guarantee even melting.
- Never add water to melted chocolate. The chocolate will seize up and you will no longer be able to work with it.
- If you need to thin out melted chocolate, add a tablespoon of shortening for every one cup chocolate.
