There are a few effective different techniques you can use to melt chocolate. Also, each method has its own advantages based on what you are using the chocolate for. You can melt your baking chocolate using the microwave, on the stovetop or using the water bath method. Below are some of the different methods you can try for melting baking chocolate.
Contents
The Microwave Method
One of the easiest methods of melting chocolate is using the microwave. You do not need a lot of tools plus it is fast and effective. Simply follow these steps when melting your chocolate using the microwave.
What You Need
- A microwave safe dish or bowl
- Your baking chocolate
- A non metallic spatula
Steps for Heating Baking Chocolate In The Microwave
- First chop your baking chocolate into tiny pieces and put your bowl in a microwave-safe dish or bowl,
- Set your microwave to about 70% power for a minute or so and let the chocolate heat up.
- Remove your baking chocolate from the microwave and stir it.
- Put the bowl back in the microwave for another 30-seconds and stir the chocolate frequently until it has melted
- Repeat the process until you get your desired results,
It is important to keep an eye on your chocolate especially because each microwave behaves differently. It can be tempting to just leave the chocolate in the microwave but make you sure you take out your chocolate and stir it regularly for the best results.
The Stovetop Method
Another effective method heating up your chocolate is on the stovetop. Also known as the double Boiler method. You will need to take extra precautions when using this method to heat up your chocolate.
What You Need
- A small pot or pan with a bowl if you do not have a double boiler
- Your baking chocolate
Steps For Heating On The Stovetop
- First chop your baking chocolate
- Put some water inside your pot or pan and place your bowl over your pot or pan
- Place your chopped baking chocolate inside the double boiler over barely simmering water/ put your chopped chocolate inside your bowl
- Make sure that the bottom part of your bowl does not touch the water inside your pan or pot
- Stir your chocolate gently until it has completely melted.
- Make sure that you use of a heat-safe rubber spatula to scrape the sides of your bowl as you stir your baking chocolate
The Water Bath Method
Also on our list of methods for heating up baking chocolate is the water bath method. This is the lazy way or hands off way of heating up your baking chocolate. This method is quick and best for melting multiple chocolate all at once.
You Will Need
- A slow cooker
- Mason jars
- Chocolate
Follow These Steps
- Chop your baking chocolate
- Fill your slow cooker with some hot water
- Set your heat on high and leave the lid off
- Put your chopped baking chocolate inside the large mason jars
- Put your wide-mouth mason jars into the water.
- Make sure that no water gets inside the jars
- Leave your cooker with the lid off for 20 to 30 minutes for your baking chocolate to melt
The Slow Cooker Method
The slow cooker method is one the best ways to melt your baking chocolate. It is also ideal for melting chocolate in large batches.
You Need
- A slow cooker
- Your chocolate
Follow These Steps
- Chop your baking chocolate
- Place your chopped pieces directly into the slow cooker
- Set your cooker to high heat
- Cover the cooker and let it cook for an hour or so,
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until it has melted
- Stir your chopped chocolate until your desired results,
The Sandwich Bag Method
The last effective method for heating up your baking chocolate is through the sandwich bag. This method is perfect for drizzling and decorating melted chocolate.
What You Need
- A plastic
- Your baking chocolate
Follow These Steps
- Place your chopped chocolate inside a reusable plastic bag
- Seal the bag completely
- You can place the plastic bag inside another reusable bag to ensure that water does not sip in
- When your chocolate has melted use a scissors to cut a small corner of the bag when you want to drizzle
Tips For Melting Baking Chocolate
When breaking your baking chocolate into pieces it is best to take the time you need to chop it with a knife instead of using your hands. That way your baking chocolate will melt evenly. Another important tip is to use quality baking chocolate and not cheap chocolate for a smooth and silky finish. When shopping for baking chocolate simply look for one that has a high cocoa butter content. If you can, buy two or three different brands and perform a taste test at home to determine the one you like best. Controlling heat is crucial because when exposed to too much heat too fast, chocolate tends to get an icky, grainy texture or it can burn completely. Make sure that you cook your baking chocolate on low heat. Also stirring your chocolate for most methods of melting chocolate is crucial for best results. If you follow any one of these methods to melt your baking you will get a rich, silky-smooth melted chocolate.
Uses Of Melted Chocolate
- Dip: You can use your melted chocolate for an easy, light dessert,
Melted chocolate makes a good dip for your favourite fresh or dried fruits,
Simply place your melted chocolate on a parchment paper; add sprinkles and then, let it stand until the chocolate has set.
- Drizzle: You can also use your melted chocolate as a drizzle,
Give your waffles, milkshakes or homemade candies a Jackson Pollock treatment by dripping, drizzling or splattering your melted chocolate on top.
You can use coloured chocolates to make the decoration pop.
- Decorate: Lastly, you can use melted chocolate for decorations if you have a birthday or a special event.
You can use a sandwich bag method to create your DIY piping bag, using your melted baking chocolate for icing.
You can also write a special message on top of your cake or add a nice design.
