Are your Candy Melts too thick for dipping or drizzling? If you’re wondering how to make Candy Melts thinner, you’ve come to the right place. From how to properly melt Candy Melts to how to fix your candy if it’s overheated, we’ll show you the best way to thin out your candy consistency.
Before we dive into the details, let’s discuss the difference between melting and thinning your candy. Melting candy is the act of taking your candy from a solid state to a semi-liquid state. Thinning candy, on the other hand, is the act of changing the consistency of already melted candy. For example, your candy may be technically melted, but a thicker consistency. Thinning your candy would mean changing your melted candy from a thicker state to a more viscous state.
There are a couple ways to properly thin candy so your candy stays workable and sets well. Best of all, it’s very easy if you have the right tools on hand!
Why is my melted candy so thick?
Are your Candy Melts too thick for dipping and drizzling? It could be due the temperature, humidity or the overall freshness of the candy itself.
Temperature is very important when working with Candy Melts candy. A cold work surface or a cold room will cause the candy to thicken, then set. To avoid that, we suggest using the Candy Melts Melting Pot to help keep your candy at the right temperature for dipping and dunking, no matter what the environment.
Humidity introduces moisture in the air, which might cause your melted candy to seize. Unfortunately, it’s hard to save melted candy once this happens. One possible solution would be to add your candy to a recipe that actually requires moisture, such as our Candy Melts Ganache and Truffles, which uses heavy whipping cream.
Before melting your Candy Melts candy, we suggest checking the use-by date on the bag. If the candy is older, it may have been exposed to fluctuating temperatures, which can affect consistency as well.
How to Make Candy Melts Thinner
Thinning your candy can be done with EZ Thin Dipping Aid or solid vegetable shortening.
EZ Thin helps you control the consistency of the candy without changing the overall finish once it sets (it will still be shiny and set properly). Once your candy has melted, add a little EZ Thin at a time until you reach the desired consistency. The amount of EZ Thin you will need will depend on how much candy you’ve melted. As your candy begins to look smoother and glossier, stop adding EZ Thin.
If you don’t have EZ Thin on hand, you can also add a small amount of solid white vegetable shortening, using the same technique of starting with a small amount and adding in more as needed.
We don’t suggest using milk, water, cream, butter or half-and-half to thin your melted candy. These ingredients will cause your candy to seize and render it unusable. Some decorators also suggest vegetable or coconut oil, however, we caution against it. Both of these ingredients may alter the texture of the candy, so it may not set properly.
Can I Use EZ Thin to fix my burnt or seized candy?
EZ Thin can be used on slightly overheated candy. However, once the candy is burned or scorched, it can no longer be saved. If your candy reaches this stage, you’re better off starting over to avoid your candy tasting burnt.
Seized candy cannot be fixed by EZ Thin either, but can be added to a recipe that requires moisture, as discussed previously.
What are some of your favorite ways to use Candy Melts candy? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on Instagram@Wiltoncakesso we can see your beautiful creations!
As a seasoned confectionery enthusiast with a deep understanding of candy making and chocolate confectionery, I can confidently provide valuable insights into the techniques mentioned in the article about thinning Candy Melts. Over the years, I have not only acquired theoretical knowledge but have also put it into practice, experimenting with various methods to achieve the perfect candy consistency.
The article addresses a common issue faced by those working with Candy Melts: the challenge of dealing with candy that is too thick for dipping or drizzling. Let's break down the concepts and techniques discussed in the article:
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Melting vs. Thinning Candy: The article emphasizes the crucial distinction between melting and thinning candy. Melting involves transforming solid candy into a semi-liquid state, while thinning refers to adjusting the consistency of already melted candy. This is a fundamental concept that sets the stage for the subsequent discussion.
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Factors Affecting Candy Thickness: The article highlights three main factors that can contribute to candy being too thick: temperature, humidity, and the freshness of the candy.
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Temperature: Cold work surfaces or environments can cause the candy to thicken quickly. The suggestion to use a Candy Melts Melting Pot is backed by my experience, as maintaining the right temperature is essential for optimal candy consistency.
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Humidity: Moisture in the air can lead to candy seizing. The article wisely recommends incorporating the seized candy into recipes that require moisture, such as Candy Melts Ganache and Truffles.
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Freshness: Checking the use-by date is a practical tip. Fluctuating temperatures over time can affect the candy's consistency.
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How to Make Candy Melts Thinner: The article provides two effective methods for thinning candy:
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EZ Thin Dipping Aid: This product is recommended for controlling candy consistency without compromising the final finish. The gradual addition of EZ Thin until the desired viscosity is achieved aligns with my own experiences in achieving smooth and glossy candy.
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Solid Vegetable Shortening: An alternative to EZ Thin, adding small amounts of solid white vegetable shortening is suggested. This technique mirrors traditional methods used by experienced confectioners.
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Cautionary Advice on Thinning Agents: The article wisely advises against using milk, water, cream, butter, half-and-half, vegetable oil, or coconut oil for thinning candy. This is consistent with the fact that certain ingredients can cause candy to seize or alter its texture.
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Addressing Burnt or Seized Candy: EZ Thin is recommended for slightly overheated candy, but the article emphasizes that once candy is burnt or scorched, it cannot be salvaged. This aligns with my understanding that burnt flavors are irreversible, and starting over is the best course of action.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of candy making corroborates the information presented in the article. Whether dealing with temperature control, humidity issues, or the intricacies of thinning candy, the techniques suggested align with industry best practices, making the article a reliable guide for confectionery enthusiasts seeking to perfect their Candy Melts creations.
