How To Thin Out Melted Chocolate For The Drizzle Of Your Dreams
A chocolate drizzle is the perfect complement for everything from cakes to pretzels. While you'll commonly see strawberries finished with melted chocolate, there are not many desserts that cannot be improved with a drizzle of chocolate. It may look easy to achieve the perfect drizzle, but there are some tips and tricks to make sure your melted chocolate comes out in a neat, thin drip instead of a sticky glob.
Before making your chocolate drizzle, you first need to make sure your chocolate is fully melted. Chocolate needs to be completely melted to ensure a shiny, drizzly texture that is perfect for dipping and decorating. There are several methods for melting chocolate, including microwaving it and melting it slowly in a double boiler. If it's too thick to drizzle with a fork or in a piping bag, it will need to be thinned out for the perfect texture. Adding some fat in the form of oil or cocoa butter will help thin the chocolate to the desired consistency.
Thinned out chocolate requires additional ingredients
The type of chocolate used will determine how much thinning is required. White chocolate thins out more than milk or dark due to the high amount of cocoa butter. No matter which kind you choose, you'll want to make sure you use a neutral-flavored fat that doesn't change the flavor. Vegetable or canola oil will thin the chocolate and add some shine. Coconut oil is also a good option, but make sure to use refined coconut oil if you don't want your chocolate overpowered by coconut flavor.
Professional bakers will often use cocoa butter or paramount crystals to thin out the chocolate without adding flavor. Whichever addition you use, you'll want to add only a little at a time and stir constantly until it is absorbed. If it's still a little too thick, add more fat and stir until it gets the perfect drizzling consistency. Starting with a higher quality chocolate with a higher cocoa butter content will put you in the best position to achieve that picture-perfect chocolate drizzle. Chocolate can be finicky, even for professionals, so keep practicing!