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How To Make Dark Chocolate Sweeter
It’s one of those days when I crave for something sweet. I needed a pick-me-up just because. And what else would I be craving for but chocolate!
My friend came over last week and brought several blocks of dark chocolates. They are perfect for baking and can easily be turned into some delectable treats. Some times I like to make milk chocolate out of dark chocolate, but today is not one of those days.
There are a lot of ways I can show you how to make dark chocolate sweeter – a few extra calories won’t hurt!
Yes, sometimes a little sweetness is all we need. And indulging every now and then is even helpful to our mental health.
But did you know that chocolate goes way, way back in history?
Dark chocolate was discovered around 3,000 years ago. During that time, the only form of chocolate the people knew was dark chocolate. For a time, that was all they had.
Many years later, in 1900 BC, it was developed as a beverage in a place that is now known as Central and South America. From there, the Aztecs and Mayans made bitter chocolate beverages that they used in their ceremonies and even used it for medicinal purposes.
It was when the Spanish travelers brought chocolate back to Europe that they discovered its goodness when they added honey or sugar to sweeten it.
So you see, chocolate has had a long history before becoming the chocolate that we know now.
Based on records, it wasn’t until 1689 that milk was first added to chocolate. The world’s first milk chocolate drink was made by Hans Sloan in Jamaica. But even when milk chocolate drinks were discovered during that time, it wasn’t until 1866 when the first chocolate bar was made by Joseph Fry.
And the rest they say, is history.
From there, the world has discovered that there’s a lot more that can be done with chocolates. You can incorporate a lot of flavors into it, from fruits to liquor. Some savory dishes are even known to have chocolates as their ‘secret ingredient.’
But today, what I wanted out of my dark chocolates is to make them sweeter. We’ll discuss baked goods and chocolate dips some other time. My hormones are calling for good ol’ sweet chocolates and I just can’t say no. HAHA.
How To Make Dark Chocolate Sweeter – Two Ways
There are two ways you can transform your dark chocolate into a sweeter treat. You can have it the standard way or you can do it in the microwave.
Here’s how you can make dark chocolate sweeter using each method.
Double Boiler Method
This method is also outlined in the recipe card above.
Chocolate is best melted over indirect heat. To do this, the best equipment you should use is the double boiler.
It’s a special kind of pans that come in sets. It consists of a saucepan or the bottom pan that holds hot water and a top pan or bowl that fits perfectly over the saucepan. The top pan is where you place the ingredient you want to cook or melt.
If you don’t have a standard double boiler, you can improvise using a saucepan and a glass or metal bowl that fits securely over whatever saucepan you have. This setup is also known as a bain-marie.
Whatever you’re using, the general concept is that you let the heat of the water underneath the top pan melt the chocolate. The water should not touch the bottom of the top pan. This is how you do the melting over indirect heat.
Instructions
STEP 1 – Chop the chocolate into uniform-sized pieces to ensure they melt together at the same time.
STEP 2 – Melt the chocolates using the double boiler over low heat.
STEP 3 – As soon as the chocolates start to melt, start stirring using a rubber spatula for about 2-3 minutes.
STEP 4 – Remove the chocolate from the heat and add in the butter and condensed milk. If the chocolate is too thick, add a dash of whole milk and stir. If the sweetness is not enough, add in more condensed milk and stir again.
STEP 5 – Pour the chocolate mixture into the mold and let cool for 30 minutes.
In The Microwave
Prep Time: 3 mins
Cook Time: 1 mins 30 sec max
Total Time: 4 mins 30 sec max
Resting Time: 30 mins
We are now in a world where almost anything can be done in an instant. Instant coffee, instant noodles, instant rice, instant soup. Things that we usually take time to make can now be done in a short period.
The same goes for melting chocolates. If you’re in a rush or just not feeling like channeling your inner baker, the microwave is such a savior.
All you need to do is place your chopped chocolates in a microwavable bowl, put it in the microwave for either 30 seconds at medium temperature or 20 seconds at high temperature.
Afterwhich, give the chocolate a quick stir to level out the temperature and put it back in the microwave for another 20-30 seconds. Give the chocolate another stir to see if it has completely melted.
If you’re still seeing some lumps after stirring, put it back for a shorter interval at around 8-10 seconds.
The only thing to look out for in this method is not to skip the stirring step. This is because chocolate is known to hold its shape even at high temperatures. It will look lumpy even when melted, that’s why you have to stir it in between intervals.
If you want to get accurate temperature readings, this is only thermometer I use and recommend.
Instructions
STEP 1 – Chop the chocolate into uniform-sized pieces to ensure they melt together at the same time.
STEP 2 – Put the chopped chocolates in a microwavable bowl and melt in the microwave for either 20 seconds at a high temperature or 30 seconds at medium temperature.
STEP 3 – Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir the chocolate.
STEP 4 – Put it back in the microwave for another 20-30 seconds.
STEP 5 – Take the bowl out and stir again. If there are still lumps after stirring the chocolate, proceed to step 6. If the chocolate has melted completely, jump to step 7.
STEP 6 – Put the chocolate back in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. Stir again and repeat until completely melted.
STEP 7 – Add in the butter and condensed milk. If the chocolate is too thick, add a dash of whole milk and stir. If the sweetness is not enough, add in more condensed milk and stir again.
STEP 8 – Pour the chocolate mixture into the mold and let cool for 30 minutes.
Additional Tips
Feel free to add in some mix-ins if you feel like it. This is best with rice crispies, dried fruits, and nuts.
Store in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place. No need to refrigerate.
Print
How To Make Dark Chocolate Sweeter
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 10 oz. 1x
Description
This is the double boiler method. For the instructions on how to do this in a microwave please scroll down farther.
Ingredients
- 1 – 8oz. dark chocolate bar
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- A dash of whole milk
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate into uniform-sized pieces to ensure they melt together at the same time.
- Melt the chocolates using the double boiler over low heat.
- As soon as the chocolates start to melt, start stirring using a rubber spatula for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the chocolate from the heat and add in the butter and condensed milk. If the chocolate is too thick, add a dash of whole milk and stir. If the sweetness is not enough, add in more condensed milk and stir again.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the mold and let cool for 30 minutes.
- See below for additional Microwave Method
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: Candy
