How to Thin Candy Melts: Simple and Easy Methods

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Last Updated on February 13, 2023

You may be wondering how to thin candy melts. Candy melts are versatile and easy to use, whether you are dipping cake pops, fruit, or your favorite snacks. However, candy melts can thicken up when you are working with them, making them difficult to use. Fortunately, you can thin candy melts with ingredients such as vegetable oil, so it is easier to work with.

Vegetable oil is a staple in most people’s kitchens. It is a versatile product, used for both cooking and baking. However, many people don’t realize it is a beneficial ingredient when working with candy melts.

Why Does Melted Candy Get So Thick?

Whether you are dipping Oreo balls or cake pops, you will notice after a while your candy melts will thicken up. When this happens, it becomes difficult to work with and lumps tend to form. This leads to an unsmooth consistency in the food you dip.

Temperature plays a large factor in your candy melt thickening. A cold room or work area will cause the melts to thicken up and set, making them hard to work with. To avoid this, you can keep your candy melts on low heat, stirring regularly, or use a melting pot.

Humidity also affects the texture of candy melts. When moisture is introduced into the melts, they stiffen up. Try to work in an environment with low humidity, using a dehumidifier if necessary in the room.

In addition, make sure your candy melts are still good. Expired candy melts may not melt as well, or thicken up very quickly, as they could have been exposed to various temperatures over time.

How to Thin Candy Melts With Vegetable Oil

There are many different items you can use to thin candy melts when it thickens up. Since most people have vegetable oil on hand, it can be a quick and easy fix. It is also a more affordable option than other thinning agents and it can be used for many different things as well.

When your candy melts thicken up while dipping desserts, add between 1/2-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to your melts. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to make sure the vegetable oil gets fully incorporated into the candy melts. This will help prevent any separation between the two ingredients.

Wilton Candy Melts Pastel Color

You may need to microwave or heat your melts on the stove to warm them up again. This will make mixing the vegetable oil much easier.

If you are working in a cold or humid environment, it may be a good idea to mix the vegetable oil in at the very beginning, before you start dipping. Start by adding two teaspoons of vegetable oil per bag of candy melts. Heat as you normally would and be sure to mix it well to fully combine.

With the addition of vegetable oil, your dipped items may need to sit for longer than normal. Be sure not to add too much vegetable oil, as the candy melts may not fully harden on your dipped desserts. The oil will not change the taste or color of your candy melts.

Thinning Candy Melts Using Other Oils

In addition to vegetable oil, coconut oil can also be added as a thinning agent. Adding a 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil at a time can help your melts achieve a smooth, thin consistency. However, it is important to note coconut oil will add a slight coconut taste.

Canola oil can also be used in a pinch. Start with 1/2 teaspoon to begin, adding more as you see fit. Avoid using olive oil to thin your melts, the melts will not set properly and it can affect the taste.

Vegetable shortening is also a great option for thinning your melts. It is the go-to method for many people and adding one teaspoon at a time will help achieve a lovely, smooth consistency. It will not change the flavor or color of your melts.

Can I Use Coconut Oil to Thin Candy Melt?

If you’re thinking of using coconut oil to thin your candy melts, you absolutely can! However, it will change the taste of your candy melts, so if you don’t like coconut, this may not be the right thinner for you. Coconut oil may change the texture too, which is important to bear in mind.

How to Make Candy Melts Taste Better

If you’re looking for a way to make candy melts taste better, the quickest way is to use oil-based flavorings. They should be oil based so that they don’t interfere with the texture and consistency of the candy melts. You’ll only need around 1/4 teaspoon of flavoring per packet of candy melts – the flavors really are that strong! Also, nowadays, you can even buy flavored candy melts, such as cocoa and mint.

My Candy Melts Won’t Melt – Why?

If your candy melts aren’t melting, there are many reasons why this might be happening. However, the main reason is the temperature. Candy melts are very temperamental to changes in temperature. Whether it overheats or becomes too cold, the candy may not melt. Another reason could be moisture getting into the candy melts; the smallest amount can cause the liquid to seize and leave it unusable.

What Methods Can I Use to Thin Candy Melts?

If you’re looking for a way to thin candy melts, there are a few methods you can try. Let’s take a closer look.

• Shortening. To use shortening to thin your candy melts, you just need to melt your chocolate and then add around a teaspoon of shortening at a time. Mix well and then add more if needed. It’s important not to make the candy melts too thin, so try not to add too much. Shortening is a great option because it’s so accessible and inexpensive.
• Thinners. Baking brands like Wilton actually make thinning products ready-made and their sole purpose is to thin candy melts. They’re made from a variety of oils and you’ll only need a small amount to thin the candy melts out.
• Cocoa Butter. Cocoa butter is quite expensive, but in terms of taste and texture, there is no better thinner to add! As cocoa butter is one of the main ingredients in chocolate, it’s a perfect addition. For a smooth, creamy taste, this is the choice for you.
• Paramount Crystals. Paramount crystals are small dry crystals that melt when added to the heat. So when you add them to melted chocolate, they’ll instantly melt and thin out your chocolate. The problem with this option is that they’re quite difficult to find and can be expensive.
• Oils. Along with shortening, using oil is one of the most common methods. The trouble with using oil is that it can alter the texture of your melts and may mean that it doesn’t harden properly when you need it to. However, lots of people use this option with little difficulty. Only add small amounts at a time; around 1/4 teaspoon at a time. The best options to use are either canola oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil. While canola and vegetable oil are tasteless, coconut oil is not.

Say Goodbye to Lumpy and Thick Melted Candy Melts

Candy melts are a wonderful tool for dipping all your favorite desserts. They come in many beautiful colors, which is great for different parties. However, they can easily become thick and difficult to work with when you are dipping.

Fortunately, vegetable oil, which most people have in their house anyway, can be used to thin out lumpy candy melts. This will allow the snacks you dip to have a smooth, clean candy coating. It will also make the candy melts much easier to work with in general.

Do you have any questions on how to thin candy melts with vegetable oil? If so, please ask them in the comments down below.

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