Melt Chocolate in a Microwave the Easy Way
It's not difficult to melt chocolate at home. One of the quickest and easiest methods for melting chocolate wholesale is actually using a microwave. The microwave is an great tool for completing things fast, whether you're testing a new recipe, preparing a small batch of chocolate or making chocolate fondue for guests.
One thing to watch out for though, is that chocolate includes cocoa butter which is extremely heat-sensitive. An too high temperature has the potential to scorch cocoa butter, giving the chocolate a gritty texture, and a burnt taste. To prevent this issue, it is advisable to keep the heat low because cocoa butter burns at about 120°F.
What kind of bowl you use is also important. In the microwave, glass bowls can heat up unevenly and hold on to heat, which can make the chocolate burn even if it doesn't look that hot. You should use a plastic bowl that can go in the microwave than a metal one. This makes the chocolate heat up more evenly and lowers the chance of burn.
Here’s an easy way to melt chocolate using your microwave.
Steps to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave
1) Use a microwave-safe plastic bowl: Place the chocolate in a bowl that is safe for use in the microwave. Avoid glass bowls, as they can hold heat and cause the chocolate to burn.
2) Set the microwave to 50% power: It’s important to use a lower power setting. This helps the chocolate melt slowly and prevents it from burning.
3) Microwave in short bursts: Set the microwave for 15 seconds at a time. Pause and mix the chocolate well between each turn. This allows the heat to be distributed evenly and keeps the chocolate from overheating.
4) Stop when about 80% of the chocolate is melted: When you notice the chocolate is mostly melted, take the bowl out of the microwave.
5) Keep stirring until fully melted: Stir the chocolate until all the remaining pieces melt and blend together. If you’ve done it right, the chocolate will be smooth and shiny. The temperature should be around 87°F to 89°F, which is perfect for dipping or pouring.
Fast Chocolate Treats at Home
Once your chocolate is melted, you can use it to make quick and tasty treats. One fun idea is to make chocolate mendiants, which are small chocolate drops topped with fruits and nuts. Here’s how:
- Use a spoon to drop little blobs of melted chocolate onto a sheet of wax paper.
- Top each chocolate drop with your favorite toppings like almonds, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.
- Place them in the freezer for a few minutes to set.
- Serve them as a surprise snack or dessert for guests.
You can also dip strawberries, pretzels, or marshmallows into the melted chocolate for a quick dessert. Another idea is to drizzle the melted chocolate over ice cream, pancakes, or cookies. The microwave makes it easy to create these treats in just minutes.
A Few More Tips
- Use good quality chocolate: The quality of the chocolate makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Pick chocolate that has more cocoa butter to make it smooth and rich.
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces: This helps the chocolate melt faster and more evenly. Large chunks may take longer to melt and can cause uneven heating.
- Be patient: Microwaves can heat unevenly, so it’s better to stir often and use low power. Going too fast can make the chocolate taste burnt.
- Avoid moisture: Water and chocolate don’t mix well. Even a small amount of water can cause the chocolate to seize and turn grainy. Make sure the bowl and spoon are completely dry before starting.
Why Use the Microwave?
It's easy, quick, and less messy to clean up after using the microwave to melt chocolate than a double boiler. This works well for small amounts, or when you need to get something done quickly. If you follow these steps, your chocolate will be smooth and melted, ready to dip, drizzle, or pour into shapes.