Just imagine the rich, dark, smooth chocolate syrup you saw running to the base of your favorite dessert. I know you’re wondering how in the world can chocolate look, taste, and smell so heavenly. There’s no need to fear because I’m here to share my “7 Steps to Melt Dark Chocolate to Success”.
Guess what? This can be done quite easily at home in your microwave.
When you hear chocolate you think of elegance, class, and sophistication. It is quite a sexy food as some associate it with romance and more. This may be due to the fact that it can be used in almost any of your favorite dishes while giving them an elaborate finishing look. It can be used as a dip, mocha, or even to add some excitement!
In this article, prepare to embark on a chocolate-filled journey. Here I will spill (Yes, literally!) all you need to know to get the chocolate of your dreams simply by melting it in your microwave.
Can you microwave chocolate?
MOST DEFINITELY! Chocolate can be melted in a microwave despite the fact that some people prefer to heat it on a stove. Yes, many people have tried this process and failed because their chocolate became hard as candy.
However, using a microwave is the preferred method of many. This may be so because:
- It is quick and easy and saves you energy.
- It melts the chocolate by weight and eliminates excess water vapor.
- The structure of a microwave allows for even heat distribution.
Even though the steps are easy to follow and it is possible to melt chocolate in a microwave, it is important that you follow each step. Or you’ll just end up with chocolate-type Jolly Ranchers.
Is It Bad to Melt Dark Chocolate In The Microwave?
It’s not bad to microwave dark chocolate in a microwave but if done incorrectly, the chocolate can burn.
Microwaving at high temperature allows the chocolate to melt evenly, but you must stir occasionally to get the perfect, silky texture that you’re looking for.
When microwaving, pause every 20 to 30 seconds and stir your dark chocolate using a wooden utensil. This will allow you to check the progress of the melting chocolate, and to ensure that parts of it don’t burn.
Microwaves tend to heat things unevenly and your dark chocolate is not exempt from this. Despite these possibilities, it isn’t bad to microwave dark chocolate and it is in fact one of the best methods of doing so.
What is the best chocolate for melting in a microwave?
My recommendation would be any high-quality, dark semisweet or bittersweet chocolate.
These melt faster and in turn are glossy and have a good viscosity once melted. Chocolate with good quality and no less than 70% cocoa content base will leave you with a darker richer flavor. In the end, it all depends on what you want or prefer. Whether you’re planning to pour all the richness on your cornflakes or use it as a dip, it’s all up to you.
How long is too long for melting chocolate?
Did you know that even after removing the chocolate from the microwave it continues to melt?
I know right! That’s so cool BUT it makes it even easier for the chocolate to be burnt if it spends too long in the microwave. The best way is to microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring after each, until fully smooth. If you microwave the chocolate until it is completely melted you risk the chocolate being burnt. See, I told you I would spill some secrets. There’s more so don’t stop reading here.
What temperature does dark chocolate melt?
Have you ever held chocolate in your hand for a while and realized that it starts to melt? Well, that is because chocolate has a lower melting point than us humans. Phew! No wonder it’s so silky smooth if melted correctly.
In a general context, most chocolate will melt between 104 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful as to not let it exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
For dark chocolate in particular, it melts between 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here’s a fun fact about dark chocolate: if you buy some and then put it in the refrigerator for some time, once it’s removed, it will immediately begin to melt at room temperature.
The crazy part is that, if you take that same slab of dark chocolate and store it at room temperature, it will not melt at that temperature. This phenomenon occurs due to what is known as sugar bloom.
Sugar bloom is what happens when you place chocolate in a refrigerator, and it separates from the mixture due to the moist environment of the fridge. When this happens, you will start to notice a thin white film over the chocolate.
This change in the chemistry of the chocolate will lower the melting point, causing it to melt quickly when taken out of the fridge.
How to prepare chocolate for melting in the microwave
Like any good thing, one has to prepare or all will end in failure. These are some easy steps to prepare your chocolate for melting. Not to worry, you’re almost at the good part!
One way to avoid lumps in your chocolate is to break them into small pieces.
Simply break your chocolate bar into small pieces by using your hand or a knife. I personally prefer to use my hands and massage my chocolate J
Always remember to never add water to your chocolate when melting. This will make your chocolate lumpy and unmanageable. If you wish to add another liquid (maybe heavy cream) do so before the chocolate is melted. If you do not have another liquid, that’s okay! This step is optional.
7 Steps to Successfully Melt Chocolate in The Microwave!
Here we are at the best part – dessert! Just kidding, but we are at the best part. Remember to follow these instructions step by step for success:
- Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it into a microwave-friendly bowl.
- Pour the melted liquid on your chocolate. This helps the chocolate to melt more evenly and distribute into the liquid. (Optional)
- Let it heat for 20-30 seconds.
- Remove the container from the microwave and mix the contents well with a spatula. (Don’t forget to show the chocolate some love)
- At this stage, it should be smooth and shiny.
- To get the best results you need to heat the chocolate at least 3 times at 20-second intervals.
- As mentioned earlier, do not melt the chocolate until it looks fully melted in the microwave.
How to properly store chocolate after melting
Now that we’ve successfully melted a nice batch of chocolate you may have some leftovers. Oh no! What will you do? No worries, chocolate is quite easy to store.
All you need is an airtight container. After the chocolate has cooled, place it into the fridge and it will serve you for up to 3 months! Just remember to reheat it properly the next time you need it using the “7 Steps to Chocolate Melting Success” method. There’s no way you can fail using this simple and efficient method.
How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave: Conclusion
Chocolate-filled desserts are the 4th most popular in the world. The flexibility and denotation of chocolate is breathtaking and is a very common flavor (apart from its sister vanilla).
Whether you’d like to have your chocolate frozen, blended, baked, or as I prefer melted, just add a little sweetness in your life. Now that you know how to properly melt chocolate at home, you can always enjoy your homemade recipes and transform your kitchen into somewhere filled with love (and chocolate).
I hope this article was helpful.