Making Chocolate Treats: Best Melting Chocolate for Molds

If you want to make chocolate treats, but are not sure where to start, then check out this guide to learn about the best melting chocolate for molds!

 Whether you're a seasoned chocolatier or a newbie in the kitchen, using the right chocolate can make all the difference in creating beautiful treats.

In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of choosing the perfect chocolate for molding, but I also have blog posts for coloring chocolate, and dipping cake pops. 

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.

What are the different types of chocolate for molds?

First things first, let's talk chocolate! There are many types out there, from white chocolate to dark chocolate, and each has its characteristics. 

Milk Chocolate

The most common form of milk chocolate is in bars or blocks.

•    Easily available at grocery stores.
•    Best for simple molds and beginners.
•    Ideal for drizzling over molded treats.

Dark Bittersweet Chocolate Feves or Couverture Chocolate

Chocolate feves are small, flat pieces of chocolate, similar to chocolate chips but bigger and better for melting smoothly. 

•    Higher quality with a higher cocoa solids content.
•    Lower melting point, suitable for intricate molds and detailed pieces.
•    Perfect for treats that need to look good and taste great. 

 

Wilton Candy Melts, Compound Chocolate, and Confectionery Coating

Compound chocolate, also known as confectionery coating or compound coating, is a type of chocolate substitute made from a combination of cocoa powder, vegetable fats, and sweeteners. Almond bark is a type of compound chocolate.

•    Easy to use, great for beginners, or when you're short on time.
•    Available at craft stores and requires less effort compared to tempering.
•    Convenient for a variety of projects.

Mercken brand candy melts are my favorite for coating cake pops and molding dipped Oreos and cakecicles.

Unsweetened Chocolate

Unsweetened baking squares are made by grinding cocoa beans without removing the cocoa butter. They don't have added sugar, so they taste bitter. People use them mostly for baking and cooking, where they can control the sweetness separately.

•    Best for recipes where you control the sweetness.
•    Used in combination with sugar and other ingredients for customizable chocolate blends.

What can you make with chocolate molds?

With chocolate molds, you can create a variety of trendy treats like hot cocoa bombs, chocolate-covered Oreos, cakecicles, and breakable hearts, to name just a few. 

here's a list of ideas of more ideas for things to make with chocolate molds:

•  Chocolate bars
•  Chocolate lollipops
•  Chocolate truffles
• Marine-themed sea shells

• Mini bows 
• Cakecicles
• Cocoa bombs
• Chocolate covered Oreos
• Customized chocolate chips for baking recipes

There are so many options for using chocolate molds to create delicious treats and decorative elements for any occasion!

How to Melt Chocolate

Here are two different ways to melt chocolate. Choose the method that works best for you!

Double Boiler Method:

  Fill a small saucepan with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

  Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This creates a double boiler.

Add the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the bowl.

Stir the chocolate continuously as it melts, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.

Once the chocolate is almost completely melted, remove the bowl from the heat and continue stirring until it's smooth and fully melted.

Microwave Method:

   Place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl.

   Microwave the chocolate in short intervals, such as 15-30 seconds at a time, on medium power.

   After each interval, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the chocolate thoroughly.

   Continue microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Be careful not to overheat it.

   Once the chocolate is almost melted, remove it from the microwave and continue stirring until it's smooth and fully melted.

Both methods work well for melting chocolate, but the double boiler method gives you more control and helps prevent the chocolate from overheating, while the microwave method is quicker and more convenient for smaller quantities of chocolate. 

How to Use Silicone Molds

For molded chocolates, silicone molds are your best friend. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for creating anything from chocolate flowers to peanut butter cups. Before filling your molds, make sure they're clean and dry to prevent any unwanted marks on your chocolates.

Once your chocolate is melted and smooth, you can fill the molds using a spoon or a disposable pastry bag for more precision. Tap the molds gently on a flat surface to release any air bubbles, then transfer them to the fridge to set for about 5-10 minutes.

To unmold your chocolates, simply flip the molds over onto a work surface and gently push on the bottom of each cavity. If they don't release easily, pop them back in the fridge for a few more minutes.

For those looking to get creative, you can use different colors of chocolate candy wafers or candy coatings to add visual interest to your treats. Simply melt them following the same process as regular chocolate and use them to decorate or fill your molded chocolates.

Once your chocolates are done, store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight. 

FAQ's About Melting Chocolate

How can I avoid wasting chocolate when filling molds?

• When filling molds with melted chocolate, it's common to have excess chocolate. To prevent waste, tap the molds gently on a cookie sheet to remove any excess chocolate before chilling. This ensures each mold cavity is filled evenly, resulting in perfectly shaped chocolates.

Why is using vegetable oil or coconut oil important when melting chocolate?

• Adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil to your melted chocolate can help achieve the right consistency and texture. Plus, it can make it easier to work with, especially when using a squeeze bottle to fill molds or decorate treats.

How do I know if I've melted the chocolate properly?

• The melting process is crucial for achieving the best results. Real chocolate should be melted slowly and gently over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave. Be sure to stir frequently and stop heating just before the chocolate is completely melted. This prevents overheating and ensures a smooth texture.

Why is it important to use high-quality chocolate for molding?

• Using high-quality chocolate is essential for getting the best quality results. It contains cocoa butter, which gives the chocolate its smooth texture and glossy finish when melted. Lower-quality chocolates may contain added oils or artificial ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of your chocolates.

What's the best type of chocolate for making molded chocolates?

• The best choice for molded chocolates is real chocolate, such as couverture chocolate or high-quality chocolate wafers. These chocolates have a higher cocoa solids content and are specifically designed for melting and molding, ensuring beautiful results every time.

What is the best type of chocolate to use for melting?

For melting chocolate, it's best to use high-quality chocolate bars or chips that contain cocoa butter as one of the main ingredients. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture when melted, resulting in beautifully glossy chocolates. Chocolate feves are designed to melt smoothly and set properly without the need for tempering.

 How can I prevent chocolate from seizing when melting?

To prevent chocolate from seizing, it's important to avoid getting any water or moisture into the chocolate. Make sure all utensils and bowls are completely dry before melting the chocolate, as even a small amount of water can cause it to seize. Additionally, melt the chocolate slowly and gently over low heat, stirring constantly to ensure even melting and to prevent overheating.

What is the best melting chocolate for molds?

When it comes to crafting delicious molded chocolates, it's essential to choose the best chocolate for the job. Opting for high-quality chocolate from reputable brands ensures superior results every time. Remember, the best way to melt chocolate is through indirect heat, such as a gentle water bath, to prevent scorching or burning.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chocolatier, silicone candy molds make the process easy and fun, allowing you to create beautifully shaped chocolates with ease.

So, next time you're at the grocery store or craft store, pick up some high-quality chocolate and silicone molds, and get ready to have fun creating your own molded chocolate treats!

 Share your go-to chocolate brands or any tips you have for achieving perfect results in the comments below!