Most people don’t know how to melt Hershey’s chocolate in a microwave. You might think that microwaving chocolate would make it too hot and therefore unusable for some recipes. But the truth is that you can actually microwave Hershey’s chocolate without any problems at all!
Here are some easy step-by-step instructions on how to melt Hershey’s chocolate in the microwave:
- Unwrap your Hershey’s chocolate bar.
- Microwave for 30 seconds at low power.
- Microwave for 10 to 20 seconds, then stir. Then microwave for another 10 to 20 seconds.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave.
- Apply it immediately to the recipe you are following.
1. Unwrap Your Hershey’s chocolate
Start by unwrapping the chocolate bar, discarding the paper wrappers. Next, chop the bar into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. The pieces don’t have to be uniform; simply break up the chocolate into small, bite-sized squares. Or you can use chips and crush them with your fingers.
2. Microwave at Low Power for 30 Seconds
Place them in a heat-proof bowl and set the microwave at low power for about 30 seconds (or 20 seconds if at a medium temperature). Since Hershey’s chocolate has a high cocoa butter content, it will burn quickly, so it’s best to use low to medium power settings.
3. Stir the Chocolate Halfway Through Microwaving
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir. Place the bowl back in the microwave and continue to microwave in thirty-second intervals, stirring after each, until totally smooth.
4. Remove the Bowl From the Microwave
Once the chocolate is slightly melted and looks very glossy, remove the bowl from the microwave. It’s not necessary to microwave the chocolate until it is completely melted. That can cause it to burn, which can ruin your recipe or even your batch of chocolate! The chocolate will continue to melt once it’s removed from the microwave due to carryover cooking from the hot bowl.
5. Use It
Now, you can use it as you like in the application where it’s needed. For example, you can mix it with peanut butter and cookies to create a custom chocolate-peanut butter cookie mix. Or you could dip a banana into the melted chocolate and enjoy this treat!
Can I use Hershey kisses as melting chocolate?
You can use Hershey kisses as a substitute for chocolate chips, but keep in mind, Hershey kisses melt at a higher temperature. Expect to cook them for 30 seconds increment at 108 degrees Fahrenheit to melt them properly. Keep in mind also that Henry’s kisses come in several variants, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate. All have fundamentally different materials with different compositions, which means they will all have different melting points.
Can I use Hershey Chocolate bars as melting chocolate?
Yes, you can use Hershey’s Chocolate bars as melting chocolate. However, since they tend to burn easily, it is best if you don’t heat them up too high and for too long during the process–which will cause seizing to happen.
Mistakes to Avoid While Melting Hershey’s Chocolate
A lot of people think that you can just melt chocolate in the microwave because it’s quick and easy. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a soupy mess instead of delicious chocolate. Here are some tips to help avoid these common mistakes:
- All must dry. Check all the equipment and make sure it’s dry before you start to heat it. Even a droplet of water can create a reaction with the sugar and cause it to seize, which is when the chocolate turns from a glossy sheen to a dry lump.
- Don’t cover-up. Remove any lid or film that might be covering the chocolate, as introducing a layer between the heat and chocolate may cause condensation to occur and drip into the mixture, which can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Use a glass bowl. Glass is best for microwaves since it can handle the heat easily, and you can easily check the chocolate’s progress since you can see through it.
- Go low. Chocolate burns easily, so you want to make sure you don’t start with too high of a power setting. Instead, heat your chocolate on a lower power setting you can get away with. It’s better to add more time than to burn your chocolate by using too high of power. Start with tinier 15-second increments and always stir in between each increment.
- Chop up the chocolate into even pieces. This makes it easier for the chocolate to melt evenly and thoroughly, making it less likely to overheat.
Why Is My Chocolate Not Melting Properly?
If your chocolate is not melting the way you want it to, chances are there are small drops of water or water droplets trapped in the chocolate. This is usually the case if you are using the microwave to melt your chocolate.
That’s why as mentioned above, you have to make sure your bowl and all utensils are completely dry. Also, don’t cover your chocolate while it’s melting as it will collect the steam and cause condensation to form.
What’s the Best Chocolate for Melting?
For easy homemade treats, I usually like to use chocolate chips. Since it’s already tempered, you don’t have to worry about tempering the recipe yourself. That doesn’t mean you can’t use chocolate bars — they are great for melting, too. Just remember that they may not be as glossy as chocolate chips when you’re done.
Here are some of my favorite brands:
- Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate Morsels
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Baking Chips
- Callebaut Finest Belgian Dark Chocolate Callet Couverture
- Lily’s Sweets Chocolate All Natural Baking Chips
- Merckens Melting Wafers Milk Chocolate
- Ghirardelli Premium Baking Chips Classic White
- Ghirardelli Candy Making and Dipping Dark Chocolate Wafers
- Wilton Chocolate Pro Melting Chocolate Wafers for Chocolate Fondue
- Dolci Frutta Hard Chocolate Shell Dip and Done
If you’re vegan, here are some dairy-free chocolate chips:
- Enjoy Life Baking Chocolate Dark Chocolate Morsels
- Hu Gems Chocolate Vegan Baking Snacks
- Vegan Baking Chocolate Melting Bar White
Related Questions
1. Can You Reheat Melted Chocolate?
Yes. However, it is best to use melted chocolate immediately after melting. Remelting the chocolate will cause it to lose its flavor and texture, and no one likes bland chocolate.
2. Is It Better to Melt Chocolate on the Stove or Microwave?
If you are trying to decide between melting chocolate on the stove or microwave, melting chocolate on the stovetop is the safer and easier option. There’s no worrying about accidental burns since it uses the steam of the simmering water to help the chocolate melt.
3. How To Save Seized Chocolate?
If you accidentally interrupt the melting process by stirring or adding something while it’s still hot, your chocolate may seize. If this happens, add a tablespoon of hot water and whisk the chocolate until it looks somewhat even out again.
