Quick Answer: How to Melt Chocolate Wafers Wafers in the Microwave?
Empty chocolate wafers into a microwave-safe bowl and adjust the power level to 50% for 15 seconds at 90 degrees Fahrenheit / 32 degrees Celsius. Remove and whisk thoroughly. Microwave wafers in 15-second intervals. When a few chunks are left, stop microwaving and keep whisking until it reaches a smooth consistency.
This article is the ultimate guide on how to melt Chocolate Wafers in the microwave. I will provide you with simple and easy steps needed to melt Chocolate Wafers using the microwave.
I have tried this method of melting chocolate wafers for years without fail and it has been the most convenient and time-saving method I have ever used to melt chocolate wafers.
Let us get into it.
How to Prep the Chocolate Wafers for Microwaving
Not a lot needs to be done to melt Chocolate wafers in the microwave. Just empty the wafers into a microwave-safe bowl.
Keep the Chocolate Wafers in a moisture-free environment. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Check the bottom of the container to see if the container is microwave-safe.
How to Melt Chocolate Wafers in the Microwave?
Materials
- Chocolate Wafers
Tools
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula/Whisk
Instructions
- Put the container containing the Chocolate Wafers in the microwave: The Chocolate Wafers should be put in a dry microwave-safe bowl. Pop the bowl into the microwave.
Adjusting the microwave settings: Switch on the microwave. Set the power at 50% or medium at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Microwave in 15-second intervals.
- Do not heat the wafers excessively. The temperature should be maintained in the 90 - 120 degree Fahrenheit range.
- Checking in between the process: Every 15 seconds, take out the bowl and check for progress. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or whisk.
This will even out the temperature throughout the chocolate wafer.
If 80% of the volume of the Chocolate Wafers has melted, use the residual heat to melt completely by whisking thoroughly. - Heat Bursts: If the quantity of the Chocolate Wafers is large, there might be chunks of Chocolate Wafers left.
Put the bowl back in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds only. Take out and whisk again. Avoid overcooking the chocolate.
Tips to Remember While Melting Chocolate Wafers in Microwave12
Here are some tips to melt Chocolate Wafers in the microwave without burning:
- The Chocolate wafers melt more easily than dark chocolate. This happens because chocolate wafers contain more milk and sugar.
- Always work in small quantities. The temperature is easier to control with small batches and the risk of the chocolate wafers turning is also less.
- Remember to never add any water to the Chocolate Wafers. Make sure the containers and utensils are completely dry.
- Any moisture causes the Chocolate Wafers to seize.
- The great thing about chocolate wafers is that you can re-melt them at least 3 times without having to worry about tempering or crystallization.
- Keep scraping the melted Chocolate Wafers from the edges of the bowl.
- Chocolate thinners or any kind of shortening that is essentially solid at room temperatures can be used to adjust the consistency of melted wafers.
Alternate Methods to Melt Chocolate Wafers
You can also melt Chocolate Wafers using the double boiler method on a stovetop or using the water bath method.
1. The makeshift Double Boiler Method: Heat water in a pan. The water should cover 1/3rd of the pan. Bring it to a boil and let simmer. In a heatproof bowl, add Chocolate Wafers.
Place it on the pan. Stir continuously until the Chocolate Wafers melt. This method takes more time but the risk of overcooking is less.
2. The Crockpot Method: This method uses a Crockpot to melt Chocolate Wafers.
It is ideal to melt chocolate wafers this way. In a dry crockpot pour the chocolate wafers and set the heat to low. Heat the wafers for 3 hours. Keep the lid on for another 2 hours.
This is a great way to melt large quantities of chocolate without the risk of burning it. There is no need to whisk or check in-between.
How to Melt White Chocolate Wafers?
Pour the Chocolate Wafers into a microwave-safe bowl. Lower the power to 50%. Pop in the microwave for 15 seconds at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and give it a mix. Put the bowl back into the microwave for 10-second intervals. Whisk again until completely melted.
White chocolate wafers melt more quickly than dark or milk chocolate wafers. It is because they contain milk solids and sugars.
Most of the other colored wafers available are white chocolate-based. Follow the same method to melt colored wafers as well.
Follow this procedure:
1. Adjusting the microwave settings: White chocolate burns easily. Lower the power to 50%. Pop the wafers into the microwave at 90 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds only.
Take the bowl out and whisk thoroughly for 15 to 20 seconds. The residual heat will help melt the wafers some more.
2. Heat Bursts of 10 seconds: Give heat bursts of 10 seconds only. Repeat the process for a total of 50 seconds of microwaving time or until the 70% volume of the Chocolate Wafers has melted.
The residual heat from the bowl will do the rest of the work for you.
Should You Add Butter or Oil to Melted Chocolate Wafers?
No, do not add butter or oil to melted Chocolate Wafers. To smooth the consistency and thickness, add a suitable amount of chocolate thinners. You can add Shortening or Vegetable oil. Butter contains water and may seize the chocolate.
Use warm oil, if necessary. Cold oil can lower the temperature of the Chocolate Wafers causing them to seize.
The oil should have a neutral flavor e.g. Coconut oil. Add in small frequent amounts while whisking.
How Long Does it Take to Melt Chocolate Wafers in the Microwave?
It takes an average of 50 seconds to 1 minute of microwaving time and 1 to 2 minutes in totality to melt Chocolate Wafers in the microwave. Microwaving times also depend on the quantity of chocolate wafers and the amount of cocoa butter present in them.
Melt Chocolate Wafers in small quantities. To prevent them from burning, take the bowl out every 15 seconds and stir.
How to Melt Chocolate Wafers Quickly?
The quickest way to melt Chocolate Wafers is by using a microwave. It only takes about 1-2 minutes to melt Chocolate Wafers in this way.
Try to not leave the chocolate in the microwave for more than 15 seconds at a time. Most chocolate wafers have a high amount of cocoa solids and sugar.
These ingredients burn easily. Do not leave the Chocolate Wafers in the microwave for more than 30 seconds at a time.
The microwaving bowl also heats up. Use this heat in melting the Chocolate Wafers to avoid overcooking.
Is it Safe to Melt Chocolate Wafers in the Microwave?
Yes, it is safe to melt Chocolate Wafers in the microwave. In fact, microwaving is the most convenient technique to melt chocolate wafers. There is a minimum risk of the chocolate coming in contact with moisture and seizing.
To avoid overcooking, remove Chocolate Wafers from the microwave when 80% of the volume has already melted.
Avoid using a plastic bowl. Plastic can release harmful chemicals into the melted Chocolate Wafers. Instead, use microwave-safe ceramic or glass bowls.
How to store melted Chocolate Wafers?
To store-melted chocolate wafers, let it set at room temperature. Use a plastic container with an airtight seal to store the melted wafers. Keep in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.
Chocolate wafers can be re-melted at least 3 times. Do not worry about leftovers. It is advisable to melt only a sufficient amount at one time.
If you have melted Chocolate Wafers, store them in an airtight plastic container.
The wafers tend to absorb smells from their surroundings. Keep the container away from spices and condiments.
FAQs
Yes, chocolate wafers can be used instead of chocolate chips in baking and dipping. The only difference will be that chips hold their shape when cooked, Wafers on the other hand will melt.
Avoid using chocolate wafers while baking. In a chocolate chip cookie, it will only create a mess.
Microwaving temperatures and times for both these chocolate derivatives are different.
For overcooked wafers, add vegetable shortening or one or two tablespoons of flavor-free oil. When the Chocolate is overcooked the cocoa butter crystallizes.
This causes the chocolate to turn into a thick lumpy mess. Prevent overcooking by removing chocolate from the microwave when it is 80% melted.
Bottom Line
I hope this write-up on melting Chocolate Wafers using the microwave helped you solve your queries.
If you have any suggestions or questions, mention them in the comments or mail them to us. We would also like to hear tips and tricks on melting chocolate wafers.
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