Most chocolate has a low melting point that can cause it to melt on your kitchen counter on a warm summer's day. This makes it easy to melt down chocolate bars when you want to use it for other recipes.
Chocolate bars melt between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Library of Congress, so finding a way to heat them usually isn't difficult. Of greater importance is protecting the chocolate from high heat that can burn and ruin your chocolate.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Tip
Cooking chocolate on low heat is the key, even if it takes awhile for the it to fully melt.
How to Melt Chocolate Bars in a Pan
Things You'll Need
Hershey's chocolate bar
Heat-proof bowl
Pan or skillet
Water
Stirring spoon
Instructions
- Break the bars into smaller chunks — this will help them melt faster, and you'll be able to stir the chunks in the bowl as they melt.
- Place the chunks of chocolate into a heat-proof bowl (glass works well).
- Add a small amount of water to a skillet or frying pan. Put the pan on medium-low heat, or just until the water starts to slowly simmer.
- Put the bowl of chocolate into the simmering water and allow the bowl to heat up. Stir the chocolate occasionally.
- Continue heating the chocolate, stirring until it becomes melted and smooth, then remove the bowl from the pan.
Tip
Be patient with your chocolate and give the bowl time to heat up. Cooking at too high a heat can burn the chocolate.
Don't let water get into the chocolate. Make sure your stirring spoon is completely dry. Water can cause the chocolate to seize up, causing it to turn hard and grainy and lose its creamy texture.