Melting chocolate is neither easy nor difficult. If you don’t use the right technique, the chocolate can burn during the melting process. To make it easier, today we’ll share 5 methods for melting chocolate without burning it.

Bain-Made Chocolate (Using Steam)

Bain-Made Chocolate is probably the most popular method for melting chocolate. One method uses steam. First, bring water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Then, break the chocolate chips into small pieces by hand.

Alternatively, chop the chocolate chips with a knife (using chocolate chips eliminates the need for chopping). Place the chocolate in a large heatproof glass bowl and place the bowl over the rim of the pot, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the hot water. Finally, gently stir the chocolate while the steam heats it.

Basking in hot water

You can also place broken or chopped chocolate in a glass bowl and immerse the bowl directly in a pot of hot water, stirring until the chocolate is melted.

However, the recommended water temperature is between 45°C and 50°C, never exceeding 60°C. Above 60°C, the chocolate can easily burn, so you’ll need a cooking thermometer to measure and control the water temperature.

Microwave

If you have a microwave, melting chocolate is easy. Simply break the chocolate into small pieces or chop it into crispy pieces, place it in a microwave-safe bowl or other suitable container, and microwave on high for about 40 seconds.

Remove the bowl and stir the chocolate until well combined. However, everyone’s microwave varies. If the chocolate isn’t completely melted after 40 seconds, microwave for another 10 seconds, or until melted.

Rice Cooker

Place the crushed chocolate in the inner pot and cover with the lid to prevent water from escaping during steaming. Then, add a little water to the outer pot and press the steam button. Once the button pops up, continue to use the keep warm function to simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Then, open the lid and stir the chocolate in the inner pot to see if it’s well mixed.

If so, remove the inner pot and stir thoroughly. If not, continue simmering until it’s well mixed. You can also leave the outer pot out of the heat and use the keep warm function to simmer the chocolate until it melts, but it will take longer than adding water.

Heat-Resistant Zipper Bags

Some ziplock bags available on the market can withstand temperatures up to 100°C.

Place the broken or chopped chocolate in a heat-resistant ziplock bag. Then, take a large bowl and pour 50°C hot water into it. Finally, place the ziplock bag in the hot water and wait for the chocolate to melt.

How can you use melted chocolate in baking?

When melted, chocolate becomes a smooth chocolate sauce, which offers a variety of ways to use it in baked goods.

Dipping

Cut fresh fruit, bread, or other chocolate-friendly foods and enjoy them with chocolate sauce. You can also use a Swiss pan to create the famous Swiss Chocolate Pan.

Sprinkling

Chocolate sauce is also a great way to drizzle it over cakes, cookies, muffins, and other desserts. You can use it as a garnish or drench them generously.

Mixing into Dough or Batter

When making chocolate-flavored desserts like brownies, combine chocolate sauce with other ingredients to create a dough or batter. Then, bake, steam, or other methods to create a variety of delicious chocolate desserts.