How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave

The process of melting chocolate can be temperamental. Follow this technique to learn how to melt chocolate in the microwave without burning or seizing it. Pin it for Later »

Microwave Melted Chocolate Overview

• Skill Level: Beginner

Melting chocolate is a skill that seems like a no-brainer, however it can actually present some big issues. Chocolate burns easily and it can also seize up, meaning it turns into a thick gritty paste, if it gets too hot or if water is introduced.

I find that melting chocolate in the microwave is the easiest method for melting chocolate that will be used in a batter or for a sauce or frosting. Melted chocolate using this method can be used for coating cookies or strawberries, however the chocolate will not be tempered meaning that it will not dry to a shiny finish.

How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave

STEP 1: CUT THE CHOCOLATE INTO SMALL UNIFORM PIECES

The process of melting chocolate in the microwave will work the best when the chocolate is cut into small and fairly uniform pieces. Chocolate chips work well for this but bars can also be cut down to be melted.

STEP 2: HEAT IN SHORT BURSTS, STIRRING IN BETWEEN

Because the microwave heats things very quickly and chocolate burns easily, you want to heat the chocolate in short bursts. I suggest setting the cook time to 2 minutes and staying right beside the microwave. Stop it about every 15-20 seconds and stir the chocolate using a rubber spatula so you can scrape down the sides.

At first, the stirring will seem unnecessary because the chocolate will not be melted yet, but this will help evenly distribute the heat. And after each short burst of heating, the chocolate will start to become more and more melted.

STEP 3: STOP HEATING BEFORE THE CHOCOLATE IS COMPLETELY MELTED

You want to stop the heating process BEFORE the chocolate is completely melted. When it is almost completely liquid with just a few small solid pieces remaining, take it out and continue stirring. The residual heat from the melted chocolate will continue melting the rest of it.

The total time needed to melt your chocolate in the microwave is highly dependent on the amount you put in and the kind of microwave you are using. It will likely take anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes.

Uses for Chocolate Melted in the Microwave

• Swirl melted chocolate into buttercream frosting to make a chocolate buttercream!
• Use melted chocolate to make a chocolate glaze to dip donuts or eclairs in!
• Use it to make chocolate turtle candies!

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Microwave Melted Chocolate

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes

Total Time 4 minutes

Ingredients

• chocolate chopped into small even pieces or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Place the chocolate into a microwave safe bowl and place it in the microwave.
2. Set the cook time to 2 minutes and start the microwave. Do not step away. Stop the microwave every 15-20 seconds and stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula. At first, the chocolate will still be solidified, but this will help to evenly distrubute the heat.
3. Stop heating the chocolate and remove it from the microwave once the chocolate is mostly liquid but there are a few solid pieces remaining. Continue stirring until completely melted.
4. Use the melted chocolate for chocolate glaze, to make chocolate buttercream, or to dip strawberries or other things in.

Notes

Note: Melting chocolate using this method will not temper the chocolate or keep already tempered chocolate in tact. This means that it is perfectly useable, but it will not harden to a shiny state if used for dipping. 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0