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Candy melts are a fantastic chocolate creation that allows you to easily melt chocolate and create delicious treats. However, if you have ever used candy melts, you may have found that when melted, they can still have a very thick consistency, making dipping the treats difficult to do.
When you want to get a nice smooth candy coating using candy melts, you may want to try one of these methods to thin them. Take a look at these tips and tricks and you will have candy melts with the perfect consistency in no time.
Uses for Candy Melts
Before we get into thinning candy melts, let’s take a look at all the uses for candy melts- there are many!
One of the easiest and most popular ways to use candy melts is to create your own chocolate lollipops. You can find many different lollipop molds (like this one) in stores and online so you will be sure to find one that fits your occasion.
Then, all you need to do is melt your favorite color candy melts and pour them into the lollipop molds, add a stick and you’re done! Skip the stick and you just made customized chocolates instead!
Candy melts are also often used to create a chocolate coating on almost anything. You can melt the candy melts and then dip cake pops, cookies, pretzel sticks, or even fruit. Anything that you want to coat in chocolate can be done using candy melts.
In addition, candy melts are already pre-colored so you do not need to worry about adding food coloring to the chocolate. You can simply purchase any color candy melts to match the theme of your event.
It is clear why people love this easy, versatile candy making tool!
Why Thin Candy Melts
While it may seem like you can simply melt the candy melts and start dipping or pouring the chocolate into molds, even after heated, candy melts can be quite thick.
Unfortunately, that is just the consistency of melted candy melts. This can make it hard to dip your treats, creating a super thick coating or causing the item your dipping to break. You also do not want to keep trying to heat the candy melts as it may cause the chocolate to burn.
By thinning out the hot, melted candy melts , you will get much better consistency that is easier to work with. Your final product will also have a smooth chocolate coating with no lumps or thick bumps.
Thinning is definitely the way to go!
How to Thin Candy Melts
1 – Store Bought Thinning Aid
In order to help address the thick consistency of candy melts, several brands have developed their own “thinning aid” which you can purchase anywhere you but candy melts.
Thinning aids, like this one from Wilton, are typically made with a combination of oils with each brand being slightly different. Typically, two tablespoons of the thinning aid are mixed into one 12 oz bag of candy melts after they have been melted according to the directions.
However, if you already bought your candy melts and don’t want to run back to the store, there are a few other ways to help thin the chocolate!
2 – Shortening
Shortening is the go-to method for many people when it comes to thinning out candy melts. It is also a food product that you may already have at home, making it a convenient option.
After you have melted your candy melts according to the directions, add a teaspoon of shortening and stir it into the melted chocolate. Keep adding one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Keep in mind that you still want the candy melt mix to be thick enough to coat the food you are dipping. Making it too thin may cause the candy to slip right off. Add a little shortening and then do a “practice dip” to test the consistency.
3 – Paramount Crystals
Paramount Crystals are another product that you can purchase specifically to help with thinning out melted chocolate, carob or, of course, candy melts.
Paramount crystals are primarily made with hydrogenated palm kernel oil yet it is not a liquid oil as you may expect. Instead, they are packaged as little crystals that seem dry but will instantly melt when added to your hot candy melts.
Many people prefer to use paramount crystals as they give the candy melts a perfect texture when hardened. While shortening can make the hardened candy melts a little too soft since shortening is soft at room temperature naturally, paramount crystals are naturally a hard solid at room temp meaning the candy melts will be nice and crisp as well.
So, if you are looking for a product that will make your candy melts liquid when hot and crisp when solid, this is the one to use!
4 – Cocoa Butter
Chocolate is made with cocoa butter which is what gives it hat smooth texture as it melts in your mouth. Adding pure cocoa butter to hot, melted candy melts will instantly make the mixture much more liquid and smooth.
Using cocoa butter also sticks to the traditional ingredients in candy melts, staying true to their chocolate origins.
Cocoa butter can be expensive which is one downside of using this rather than a different method for thinning candy melts. However, you will definitely get that smooth chocolate mouth feel!
5 – Oils
Adding just a half teaspoon of oil can help thin candy melts but should only be used when in a pinch. Most oils are liquid at room temperature which means your candy melts may not harden as firm as you would like. However, adding the oil will definitely make the candy melts easier to work with.
Coconut oil is a great option as it is a solid when room temperature (pending that you are in a room that is 75 degrees or cooler!). Coconut oil will, of course, add a slight coconut taste so keep that in mind when stirring it into your candy melts!
Vegetable or canola oil will also work and have no noticeable flavor. Just be sure to add ½ teaspoon at a time! Oil can be quite powerful.
While all of these methods will work perfectly to help thin your candy melts, you may find that you love one option more than another.
Whenever you are planning on using candy melts, be sure to have one of these thinning tools on hand! You will be very happy when you are dipping those cake pops that you can work with a perfectly textured candy melt mix.
As a seasoned enthusiast with extensive experience in the realm of chocolate crafting, I can attest to the intricacies of working with candy melts. My hands-on expertise spans various methods to achieve the perfect consistency, allowing for smooth coating and delightful treats. The article delves into the nuances of candy melts, from their diverse uses to the challenges of dealing with their naturally thick consistency when melted.
Let's explore the concepts discussed in the article:
1. Candy Melts and Their Uses:
- Candy melts are a versatile chocolate creation known for their convenience in melting and crafting delicious treats.
- They are commonly utilized to make chocolate lollipops using molds, offering a simple and creative way to personalize sweets for different occasions.
- Candy melts serve as a chocolate coating for an array of items, including cake pops, cookies, pretzel sticks, and fruit.
- The pre-colored nature of candy melts eliminates the need for additional food coloring, making them a popular choice for themed events.
2. The Challenge of Thick Consistency:
- Melted candy melts often have a thick consistency, posing challenges when dipping treats, potentially resulting in a too-thick coating or breakage of the dipped item.
- Repeatedly heating candy melts is discouraged as it may lead to chocolate burning.
- Thinning the melted candy melts is crucial for achieving a smoother consistency, making them easier to work with and ensuring a flawless final product.
3. Methods to Thin Candy Melts:
- Store-Bought Thinning Aid: Various brands offer "thinning aids" specifically designed to address the thick consistency of candy melts. These aids typically contain a combination of oils.
- Shortening: A common method involves adding shortening to melted candy melts, gradually adjusting the quantity until the desired consistency is reached.
- Paramount Crystals: These crystals, made primarily with hydrogenated palm kernel oil, provide an effective solution for thinning melted chocolate, including candy melts. They contribute to a perfect texture when hardened.
- Cocoa Butter: The addition of pure cocoa butter to hot, melted candy melts results in a more liquid and smooth mixture, preserving the traditional chocolate texture.
- Oils: Adding a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil, can help thin candy melts in a pinch. However, it may affect the hardening of the candy and introduce a distinct flavor.
4. About the Author, Sarah Bridenstine:
- Sarah Bridenstine is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog dedicated to sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake.
- With a background shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of a baker, Sarah brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to the world of baking, making her a reliable source for insights into confectionery techniques.
In conclusion, mastering the art of working with candy melts involves understanding their uses, recognizing the challenges posed by their thick consistency, and employing effective methods to achieve the desired texture. The insights provided in the article, coupled with practical tips from an experienced baker like Sarah Bridenstine, offer valuable guidance for anyone venturing into the delightful world of candy melt creations.
