How to Melt Chocolate
on Sep 16, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Melting chocolate for baking or making other desserts is a simple and satisfying process. It can be tricky to melt chocolate just right. No matter what type of chocolate you’re using, here are our best tips for melting it perfectly every time.
How To Melt Chocolate in A Double Boiler
- Add one cup of water to the bottom of the double boiler. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.
- Place the top bowl or pot with the chocolate in it on top.
- Allow the steam from the lower pot to gently melt the chocolate. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
How To Melt Chocolate In A Microwave
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe dish or bowl and put it in the microwave for one minute at 50% power. Stir the mixture and replace it in the microwave for 20-second intervals. Remove, stir, and repeat until the chocolate reaches desired consistency.
What Is A Double Boiler?
A double boiler is a great way to melt the chocolate evenly and without clumps. It’s basically a pot of hot water with another pot or bowl inserted above it. This allows the heat to be transmitted gently so it melts the chocolate slower. You can also make your own double boiler by placing an oven-safe bowl over a pot. The bowl should rest on the pot without going into the water.
Tips and Tricks
- The bowl should be completely dry without any water in it otherwise it will make the chocolate lumpy and difficult to melt. If you need to add liquid, warm it up first and then pour it into the chocolate. It will help the chocolate melt more evenly.
- Keep pieces of chocolate as evenly sized as possible to ensure they melt smoothly.
- Add coconut oil to your chocolate to give it a shiny finish once melted. Add one tablespoon per cup of chocolate.
How Do You Melt Chocolate And Keep It Smooth?
You can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to your chocolate while melting to make sure it melts smoothly and the consistency is just right.
Why Did My Melted Chocolate Clump?
If any water gets into your chocolate, it can cause the mixture to get clumpy when melting. It can quickly turn into a paste-like substance that is very difficult to work with. Make sure no water gets into your chocolate.
How To Melt White Chocolate
White chocolate is a little trickier than dark or semisweet chocolate. It heats up much quicker and when chocolate is heated too much, it clumps and burns. The best way to melt white chocolate is to do it very slowly and at low heat. Adding a tablespoon of vegetable or coconut oil can help thin your chocolate out if it is starting to thicken.
How to Reheat Melted Chocolate
Wait for the chocolate to solidify once again and then place it back in the double boiler to re-melt it. You can also melt it in the microwave but only heat it for 20-second intervals. Remove from the microwave, stir, and continue until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Melt Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups baking chocolate
Instructions
Double Boiler Method
- Add one cup of water to the bottom of the double boiler. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.
- Place the top bowl or pot with the chocolate in it on top.
- Allow the steam from the lower pot to gently melt the chocolate. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
Microwave Method
- Place chocolate in a microwave-safe dish or bowl and put it in the microwave for one minute at 50% power. Stir the mixture and replace it in the microwave for 20-second intervals. Remove, stir, and repeat until the chocolate reaches desired consistency.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
