master-cooks | How To Thin Candy Melts, And Common Mistakes To Avoid

Thinning candy melts is essential for achieving the right consistency for dipping, drizzling, or coating treats. To thin candy melts, start by melting them gently in a microwave or double boiler, stirring frequently to avoid overheating. Once melted, gradually add a small amount of vegetable oil, shortening, or paramount crystals, stirring constantly until you reach the desired fluid consistency. Be cautious not to add too much at once; it’s easier to add more if needed than to correct a mixture that’s become too thin. Common mistakes to avoid include overheating the candy melts, which can cause them to become grainy or seize. To prevent this, always use low heat and stir often. Adding water to thin candy melts is another mistake, as it causes the chocolate to seize and become unusable. It’s also important to avoid adding cold ingredients directly into the melted candy, as the temperature change can affect the texture. Instead, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before combining. Lastly, don’t rush the process; take your time to achieve the right consistency, ensuring your candy melts are smooth and perfect for your culinary creations.

What are candy melts?

At this stage, you might still be asking yourself, "What exactly are candy melts?" and "How do they differ from chocolate chips?" Rest assured, they are quite distinct. Candy melts are composed of sugar and oils. The added oils and other ingredients facilitate a smooth and even melting process, allowing them to maintain a silky texture for a longer time. Even the chocolate-colored varieties are not purely chocolate.

Take, for instance, Ghirardelli's milk chocolate-flavored melting wafers. The first clue that these are not merely chocolate discs lies in the word "flavored" in their name. If you examine the ingredient list, you'll notice that sugar and vegetable oil are listed first. (Ghirardelli also offers chocolate wafers that do not contain vegetable oil but do include chocolate and cocoa butter.)

The benefit of using candy melts is that they melt more quickly and are less temperamental than pure chocolate. They also have a mild, sweet taste and are available in a wide range of colors.

Tools you will need

Considering the information provided, it might not come as a surprise that the best method to thin your candy melts is by adding more vegetable oil. You can achieve this with shortening, coconut oil, or liquid vegetable oil, and we will be opting for the latter.

Along with the oil, you'll need a double boiler, a heatproof bowl that fits over a pot, or a candy melter like the one made by Wilton.

Common mistakes to avoid

Under no circumstances should you add water. This includes avoiding any physical water to thin the melts, as well as refraining from using water-based food dyes or oils that contain water, like butter or margarine. Introducing water can lead to the candy melts seizing up. If that occurs, instead of achieving a smooth consistency, your candy melts will turn into a lumpy disaster, often requiring you to begin again with fresh melts.

Furthermore, be cautious not to overheat your candy melts, as this can also result in seizing. The key is to go low and slow.

Prepare your station

Activate your melting device or set up your double boiler. Arrange everything, and incorporate your candy melts following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Melt your candy melts

Completely melt your candy melts. Refer to the instructions for your particular candy melts, but generally, you want to achieve a temperature between 90-100°F. This should feel warm, similar to your normal skin temperature, rather than hot or cold.

Check your candy

Ensure that your candy melts have the perfect consistency. If they don't, verify the temperature, as being too hot or too cold can alter the texture. Also, check that no water or external contaminants have gotten into the pot.

Add a small amount of oil

If you've verified everything and the candy melts remain solid, it's time to add your oil. A small amount is sufficient. Begin with one teaspoon of oil and mix well. Keep adding oil until you achieve the desired consistency.

How to store leftover candy

Begin by ensuring that no debris or food particles enter your candy melts. You can pour any clean leftover candy melts into molds and let them cool. Once cooled, these candy pieces should be stored in a sealed container. When kept in optimal conditions, leftover candy melts can last for several months and will be ready for your next project whenever you need them.

What to do with candy melts

Candy melts are perfect for creating chocolate-covered strawberries or seasonal treats like pumpkin chocolate-covered pretzels. If you're a fan of cake pops but prefer not to splurge at Starbucks, consider making your own at home. Additionally, you can substitute candy melts for real chocolate to achieve a more neutral or vibrant dessert, such as chocolate-covered caramels.

How To Thin Candy Melts, And Common Mistakes To Avoid