How to Melt White Chocolate in the Microwave

Learn how to melt white chocolate perfectly every time. Melting white chocolate in the microwave is so simple, and it's easy to work with. Use white chocolate to dip, drizzle, and dunk and decorate fruit, candy and baked goods.

Melting white chocolate seems like it should be easy to do, and it is, but it's also hands-on. You can't just stick it in the microwave oven and walk away, as a few minor mistakes can lead to burnt or separated chocolate. While there are different ways to melt chocolate, the easiest way to me is this one.

The micowave method of melting white chocolate is an easy method, but all microwaves are different. You need to stick close by and adjust based on your microwave.

You'll notice that I recommend microwaving in 10 to 15 second increments for best results. That's simply because the shorter bursts are more forgiving and allow you to quickly recognize potential problems. I also start with high power but as the chocolate starts to melt, I like to use half power.

What is white chocolate?

White chocolate can be more tricky to melt than regular milk chocolate or dark chocolate, primarily because of how it's made. In fact, white chocolate is not real chocolate because it doesn't contain any cocoa solids so it has a lower melting point. It's made from a mixture of sugar, cocoa butter, milk products, vanilla, and lecithin.

You may also notice that many products are not authentic white chocolates which must have at least 20% cocoa butter. Bars are likelier to be labeled as white chocolate, while most chips and wafers may not.

White chocolate has a lower burning point which is the main reason there can be scorching and separating, which essentially ruins the chocolate into an unusable mess. It's not possible to fix at that point, so the best way is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Types of white chocolate

• Chips - Chips are found in bags in the baking aisle with chocolate chips.
• Bars – Also called white chocolate bark or almond bark, these white chocolate bars are usually found in the baking aisle.
• Discs/Wafers/ Candy Melts – These white chocolate melts are sold in bags and can be found with cake decorating supplies.

Steps to Melting White Chocolate

1. Pour the chips or discs into a ceramic or glass bowl. If using bark or a white chocolate bar, break or cut into smaller pieces before adding to a bowl. Make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat in the microwave for 10 to 15-second intervals on high power. Once the chocolate starts to melt adjust to half power.
3. Stir well to get everything from the bottom of the bowl mixed in.
4. Repeat heating and stirring until the melted chocolate is smooth.

White Chocolate Melting Tips

• Be sure to cut or break bars into small pieces.
• Use a serrated knife for easier cutting.
• Stir well after each 10-15 second heating, even if it seems like nothing has changed.
• A clean, dry rubber spatula is the best tool for stirring. You can also use plastic spoons but I don't use a wooden spoon as the chocolate will stick to it and it can get messy.
• Stirring is the key! Stir and stir and stir some more after each step.
• Don't add any liquid while melting as it will cause the chocolate to seize.
• To add flavorings, extracts or color, add after melting the chocolate.

Recipe Ideas using Melted White Chocolate

White chocolate adds a creamy, dreamy layer of deliciousness to fresh fruit, makes beautiful dipped cookies, and can be drizzled on baked goods for a professional finish. I don't go a holiday season without melting white chocolate for some of my family's favorite desserts.

Here are some of my favorite white chocolate recipes:

• Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels
• White Chocolate Covered Clementines
• Chocolate Covered Cherries

RECIPE

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