Description
Making homemade chocolates is fun and rewarding! Learn how to use chocolate moulds to create professional-looking chocolates with a smooth, glossy finish. This guide covers everything from tempering to creative flavor variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Chocolate Recipe:
- 200g high-quality chocolate (dark, milk, or white) – use couverture chocolate for best results
- 1 tsp cocoa butter (optional, for added smoothness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- Pinch of sea salt (balances sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins & Variations:
- Chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, or raisins)
- Caramel or peanut butter filling
- Sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch
- Flavored extracts (peppermint, orange, or almond)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chocolate Moulds
- Ensure your chocolate moulds are clean and dry. Any moisture can cause chocolate to seize.
- Lightly polish plastic or silicone moulds with a soft cloth for extra shine.
- Melt the Chocolate
- Using a double boiler:
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces for even melting.
- Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (without touching the water).
- Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Using a microwave:
- Microwave chopped chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Stop heating once 75% melted, then stir until fully melted.
- Using a double boiler:
- Temper the Chocolate (Optional but Recommended)
- For dark chocolate: Heat to 45°C (113°F), cool to 27°C (80°F), then reheat to 31°C (88°F).
- For milk/white chocolate: Heat to 40°C (104°F), cool to 26°C (79°F), then reheat to 29°C (84°F).
- Fill the Moulds
- Pour the tempered chocolate into moulds using a spoon or piping bag.
- Tap the mould gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
- If making filled chocolates, coat the moulds first, let set, add filling, then cover with more chocolate.
- Chill and Set
- Refrigerate the moulds for 15-30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
- Avoid freezing, as it may cause condensation and dull the surface.
- Unmould the Chocolates
- Once fully set, gently tap or twist the mould to release the chocolates.
- If chocolates stick, chill them for a few more minutes before trying again.
Notes
- Shiny Chocolates: Tempering is key for a professional finish.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add orange zest, espresso powder, or chili flakes for unique flavors.
- Marbled Chocolates: Swirl dark and white chocolate together before setting.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at 16-18°C (60-65°F) for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigeration if possible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Moulding, Tempering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: homemade chocolates, chocolate moulds, tempered chocolate, filled chocolates, easy chocolate recipe