Melted chocolate is great for dipping, molding, splashing, and garnishing. Melted chocolate is easy to add to all your favorite dessert recipes. While chocolate melts very easily, it also tends to burn or clump if not handled properly. You can avoid this by melting the chocolate in a double boiler or briefly placing it in the microwave.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Double Pans
Step 1. Use dry and clean kitchen utensils
A small drop of water can make the chocolate lumpy, hard, dry, and rough in texture. Before starting the process, make sure the double pans, spoons, cutting boards, and other utensils used are completely clean and dry.
If a little water gets into the melted chocolate, you can add a little vegetable oil to keep the chocolate working, but the texture will turn out to be rough
Step 2. Put water in the bottom pan and heat it up
Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot, but don't let it touch the bowl at the top. Next, turn on the stove over medium heat and heat the water until it releases steam.
- If you don't have a double pot, you can place a glass, ceramic, or metal bowl over a pot of hot water. Do not use plastic bowls as they can melt and contaminate the chocolate with chemicals.
- If the hot water in the bottom pan touches the bowl above, it will overheat, causing the chocolate to scorch, not melt.
Step 3. Measure the chocolate as needed, then put it in the top bowl
While waiting for the water to heat up, measure out the chocolate according to the recipe used and place it in the top bowl. Place the bowl over a pot of hot water to start the chocolate melting process.
It's a good idea to chop or grate the chocolate first so that it melts more quickly and evenly
Step 4. Stir the chocolate continuously until it melts
Use a spoon or rubber spatula to stir the chocolate chunks in the bowl, and scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl regularly. The melted chocolate will begin to coat the bottom of the bowl quickly. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes for the chocolate to completely melt.
- Chocolate scorches easily so you shouldn't leave it out or leave it unstirred for long periods of time.
- If the chocolate melts too quickly and you're afraid it will burn, reduce the heat.
Step 5. Remove the bowl from the stove and use the chocolate immediately
Once the chocolate has melted, you can use it however you like! However, the chocolate will start to harden again in just a few minutes, so you should use it as soon as possible.
If the chocolate starts to harden before you're done using it, reheat the chocolate to melt
Method 2 of 3: Using the Microwave
Step 1. Measure the chocolate as needed and cut it into small pieces
If you want to use the microwave to melt the chocolate, it's a good idea to chop it into small pieces. You can chop it with a knife or grate it.
Step 2. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl
After measuring and chopping, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe container. Some objects that can be used include containers made of ceramic, glass, or plastic that are said to be microwave safe.
- If you're unsure whether the bowl is microwave safe, look at the bottom of the container for a symbol with 3 wavy lines, or a picture of a plate with a few wavy lines on it. These two symbols indicate that the container is safe to use in the microwave. The container also sometimes displays something like "Microwave safe" at the bottom.
- Using a container that is not microwave-safe can burn the chocolate, break the container, or even cause a fire.
Step 3. Heat the chocolate in the microwave on the lowest setting for 15 to 30 seconds
Set the microwave to the lowest heat setting, then heat the chocolate for 15 to 30 seconds. When the time is up, remove the bowl from the microwave immediately.
- Heat for 15 seconds to melt the chocolate in small pieces, such as mini chocolate slices. It will take you almost 30 seconds to melt a large piece of chocolate.
- Do not heat the chocolate in the microwave for more than 30 seconds as this can burn it.
- If the chocolate doesn't melt after 30 seconds of heating, increase the heat setting in the microwave to 50%.
Step 4. Stir in the chocolate and put it back in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, if necessary
Use a wooden spoon to stir the chocolate. If some of the chocolate hasn't melted, reheat the chocolate for another 10 to 15 seconds. Keep stirring and heating the chocolate until the texture is soft.
- Don't forget to always check that the microwave remains on the lowest heat each time you heat the chocolate.
- Unfortunately, the charred taste of chocolate cannot be removed in any way. If the chocolate is charred, you should throw it away and melt new chocolate.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Slow Cooking Pot
Step 1. Coat the slow cooker for easy cleaning later
Although optional, this will make it easier for you to clean the slow cooker once the chocolate has melted. Take a sheet of coating and place it in the slow cooker. When the chocolate has finished melting, you can pull the plastic sheeting off and throw it away!
Coatings for slow cookers can be purchased at grocery stores and bakeries
Are you worried about the release of chemicals when plastic is heated?
Slow cooker coatings made by well-known manufacturers have so far never contained phthalates (chemicals that make plastics flexible) or BPA (toxic chemicals that are often found in plastics).
Step 2. Slice the chocolate into several uniform pieces
To allow the chocolate to melt evenly, cut the chocolate with a knife into small slices (if you're using a chocolate bar). While the cuts don't have to be exactly the same, try to cut them to nearly the same size. Otherwise, large chunks will melt in a longer time.
- If you melt the chocolate chips, you don't need to cut them.
- This is perfect if you're melting a lot of chocolate, for example for fondue!
Step 3. Heat the chocolate in a slow cooker on high for 1 hour
Spread the chocolate thinly over the bottom of the pan before you turn it on. Cover the slow cooker, and heat the chocolate for about 1 hour.
Step 4. Lower the heat of the pan, then stir the chocolate every 15 minutes for 1 hour
After heating for 1 hour undisturbed, stir in the chocolate using a long spoon. Next, lower the slow cooker setting to low heat, and continue to cook the chocolate. Every 15 minutes, stir the chocolate again. After 1 hour, the chocolate should be completely melted.
