Download Article
Make mouthwatering milk or dark chocolate using just 4 ingredients
Co-authored byKyle HallReviewed byMarrow Private Chefs
Last Updated: January 1, 2024Fact Checked
Download Article
- Ingredients |
- Milk Chocolate |
- Dark Chocolate |
- Video |
- |
- Tips |
- Things You'll Need
ARTICLE
VIDEO
If you’ve got chocolate on your mind (who doesn’t?), why not skip the trip to the store and make your own at home instead? That’s right—you can easily make your own smooth, creamy chocolate in the comfort of your kitchen using just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re craving classic milk chocolate or some luscious dark chocolate, we’ve got you covered with 2 easy recipes below. Let’s get mixing!
Things You Should Know
- All you need to make chocolate is cocoa butter, cocoa powder, milk powder, and confectioners' sugar.
- Combine all of your ingredients in a makeshift double boiler until everything is melted together and smooth and creamy.
- Pour your chocolate into a candy mold or onto a nonstick surface and harden it in the fridge for 1 hour.
Ingredients
Milk Chocolate
- ¾ cup (140 g) of cocoa butter
- ¾ cup (80 g) of cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (30 g) of milk powder, soy milk powder, almond milk powder, or rice milk powder
- 1 cup (100 g) of confectioners' sugar, 1 cup (240mL) of agave syrup, or 1–2 teaspoons (4.9–9.9mL) of liquid stevia
- Salt (optional—to taste)
Makes 12 oz (340 g) of chocolate
Dark Chocolate
- 1/2 cup (50 g) of cocoa powder
- 1⁄2 cup (120mL) of coconut oil
- 4 tablespoons (59mL) of honey
- 1⁄2 tablespoon (7.4mL) of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (25 g) of confectioners' sugar, 1⁄4 cup (59mL) of agave syrup, or 3-6 drops of liquid stevia (optional)
Makes 10 oz (283 g) of chocolate
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Milk Chocolate
Download Article
1
Make a double boiler using a pot of water and a mixing bowl. Fill a pot halfway with water and place it on the stovetop over medium heat. Then, set a small, heat-safe mixing bowl over the opening of the pot. The water will heat the bowl from underneath so you can melt your ingredients in the bowl without burning them.[1]
- The water should be hot, but not boiling. If it’s boiling, it might scorch your chocolate as it cooks!
- Think you’ll make your own chocolate regularly? Consider investing in a real double boiler so you don’t have to make one every time.
2
Melt ¾ cup (140 g) of cocoa butter in the heated mixing bowl. Keep the cocoa butter moving continuously at the bottom of the bowl so it melts faster. Cocoa butter melts at about the same speed as ordinary butter, and it looks pretty similar when it melts too.[2]
- Find cocoa butter in the baking aisle at any health food store, as well as some major supermarkets.
- An equal amount of coconut oil works great as a substitute for cocoa butter.[3]
Advertisem*nt
3
Sift ¾ cup (80 g) of cocoa powder into the melted cocoa butter. Add the cocoa powder little by little using a sieve to break up any clumping. Use a whisk or metal spoon to stir the two ingredients together until the cocoa powder dissolves completely. Make sure there aren’t any clumps or dry pockets in the mixture.
4
Shake in ¼ cup of milk powder and 1 cup (100 g) of confectioners' sugar. Give the mixture another thorough stir to make sure the last of your dry ingredients are fully incorporated. The chocolate should be starting to take on a lighter, more delicate color after adding the milk powder.[4]
- Want to make vegan “milk” chocolate? Just use an equal amount of soy milk powder, almond milk powder, or rice milk powder instead.[5]
- If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, use 1 cup (240mL) of agave syrup or 1–2 teaspoons (4.9–9.9mL) of liquid stevia instead of confectioners' sugar.
- You might think you should use regular milk to make milk chocolate, but milk is actually too liquidy! All that excess liquid would leave your chocolate runny and prevent it from setting.[6]
Tip: A small pinch of salt can offset the sweetness of the sugar and give your chocolate a more complex flavor.
5
Remove the bowl from the heat and stir the chocolate until it thickens. Fold the chocolate over on itself repeatedly from the bottom of the bowl until it’s smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.[7]
- Your chocolate will still be somewhat thin at this point. Don’t worry—it will continue to thicken as it sets up.
- For even more deliciousness, mix in nuts, mint, or dried fruit.
Tip: Soak raisins in rum for an hour and use them as a flavoring agent.
6
Pour the chocolate onto a nonstick surface or into a candy mold. If you want your chocolate to harden into a single large sheet, spread it out over a nonstick baking mat or sheet of parchment paper to a thickness of about 1⁄2 inch (1.3cm) edge-to-edge. To make individual chocolates, transfer the warm chocolate to a candy mold instead.[8]
- No candy mold? Use a well-greased ice cube tray!
- If you’re using a mold, tap the bottom onto a hard surface a few times to get rid of any bubbles in the chocolate.
7
Let your chocolate harden in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Once your chocolate sets up, break it into pieces or pop individual chocolates out of their molds and dig in!
- Store your homemade milk chocolate in a covered container on your countertop, or inside a pantry or another cool, dry place. It should keep for up to 1 year.[9]
Advertisem*nt
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Dark Chocolate
Download Article
1
Melt 1⁄2 cup (120mL) of coconut oil in a small pot over low heat. Coconut oil has a low melting point, so this should only take a few seconds. Keep the coconut oil moving continuously at the bottom of the pot to help it melt faster.[10]
Tip: If possible, use stainless steel cookware to prepare your homemade chocolate (or another type of nonstick cookware that’s safe to soak). Otherwise, cleanup can be quite a hassle.
2
Add 4 tablespoons (59mL) of honey and 1⁄2 tablespoon (7.4mL) of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or metal spoon to scrape the sticky honey into the pot. Then, drizzle in the vanilla. Stir the ingredients into the melted oil until they dissolve and form a thin, syrupy mixture.[11]
- Be sure to keep your cooktop on a low heat setting. If the oil gets too hot, it could scorch the sugars in the honey and spoil the flavor of the finished chocolate.
- For sweeter dark chocolate, add 1/4 cup (25 g) of confectioners' sugar, 1⁄4 cup (59mL) of agave syrup, or 3-6 drops of liquid stevia at the same time that you add the honey and vanilla.
3
Sift in 1/2 cup (50 g) of cocoa powder gradually. Rather than dumping all of the cocoa powder in at once, add it a little at a time using a sieve over the pot to break up any clumps. As you do, keep your whisk or spoon moving to help distribute the cocoa powder evenly throughout the mixture.[12]
4
Take the chocolate off the heat and continue stirring it as it thickens. You’ll know your chocolate is done when it takes on a smooth, dark color and the surface becomes slightly glossy. At this point, it just needs to be left to harden![13]
5
Transfer the warm chocolate to a nonstick surface or candy mold to cool. Carefully pour the chocolate out of the pot and onto a flexible nonstick baking mat or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate about 1⁄2 inch (1.3cm) thick. For cute, bite-sized pieces of chocolate, pour your chocolate into a candy mold instead.[14]
6
Refrigerate your chocolate for 1 hour. Once it’s fully set, it’s ready to break into pieces or remove from the mold. Enjoy![15]
- Store your finished chocolate in the refrigerator, or keep it in a covered container on your countertop. Dark chocolate will last for up to 2 years.[16]
- If your chocolate begins to melt or soften at room temperature, place it back in the refrigerator at any point to harden it back up.
Advertisem*nt
Community Q&A
Search
Question
What does it mean when chocolate "seizes"?
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff AnswerThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
When chocolate seizes, the sugars and fat separate. This can happen if you overheat the chocolate or add cold ingredients or any liquids to the mixture as you're making your chocolate. If your chocolate has seized, try adding more cocoa butter.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 0Helpful 7
Question
Can't we melt the butter in the microwave?
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff AnswerThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
Yes, you can! Microwave the cocoa butter for 20-30 seconds to melt it. If it still hasn't melted, keep microwaving it in 10-second intervals.
See AlsoVegetarian Recipe: Pumpkin ChiliThanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 4Helpful 5
Question
Do I need to add vanilla to chocolate to help the flavor?
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff AnswerThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
Although this is often added as part of the process of making chocolate commercially, you don't need to add it when making chocolate at home. If you do want to add vanilla as a flavoring, don't use vanilla extract as the liquid will cause the chocolate to seize. Instead, use powdered form instead.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 14Helpful 29
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
Video
Read Video Transcript
Tips
You can decorate your homemade chocolates in various ways, including using patterned transfer sheets and piping white chocolate details onto molded chocolates.
Thanks
Helpful5Not Helpful0
Homemade chocolate makes a wonderful gift, especially around the holidays.
Thanks
Helpful3Not Helpful0
Enjoy your chocolate by itself, or add it to your favorite dessert recipes.
Thanks
Helpful2Not Helpful1
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisem*nt
Things You'll Need
- Small pot (and a heat-safe mixing bowl if you're making milk chocolate)
- Whisk or metal spoon
- Sieve
- Flexible nonstick baking mat or a decorative candy mold
- Spatula
You Might Also Like
Advertisem*nt
References
- ↑ https://bakingbites.com/2009/09/how-to-make-a-double-boiler/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5wt7-NO4AM&t=48s
- ↑ https://poormansgourmetkitchen.com/homemade-milk-chocolate.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5wt7-NO4AM&t=86s
- ↑ https://www.myfrugalhome.com/powdered-milk-substitute-non-fat-dry-milk/
- ↑ https://damecacao.com/chocolate-making-milk-powder/
- ↑ https://www.namscorner.com/homemade-milk-chocolate-how-to-make-chocolate-in-home/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5wt7-NO4AM&t=139s
- ↑ https://sweets.seriouseats.com/2011/08/best-way-to-store-chocolate-how-to-store-bonbons.html
More References (7)
- ↑ https://thecoconutmama.com/coconut-oil-chocolate-bars/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236212/homemade-melt-in-your-mouth-dark-chocolate-paleo/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236212/homemade-melt-in-your-mouth-dark-chocolate-paleo/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkVi_1GflZc&t=152s
- ↑ https://www.precisionnutrition.com/chocolate-making
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236212/homemade-melt-in-your-mouth-dark-chocolate-paleo/
- ↑ https://sweets.seriouseats.com/2011/08/best-way-to-store-chocolate-how-to-store-bonbons.html
About This Article
Reviewed by:
Marrow Private Chefs
Private Chefs
This article was reviewed by Marrow Private Chefs and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collaborative comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. This article has been viewed 4,912,797 times.
38 votes - 79%
Co-authors: 281
Updated: January 1, 2024
Views:4,912,797
Categories: Featured Articles | Making Chocolate
Article SummaryX
To make chocolate, first melt ½ cup (110 g) of coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat. Then, add ½ cup (65 g) of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons (42 g) of honey to the saucepan and mix everything together for 2 minutes. Next, turn the heat off and mix in ½ teaspoon (2 g) of vanilla extract. Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or salt if you’d like to give your chocolate some spice. Then, stir everything together for 1 more minute. Finally, pour the chocolate into muffin-tin liners or silicone molds and store it in the refrigerator until it turns solid. To learn how to make easy dark chocolate with just 4 ingredients, read on!
Did this summary help you?
In other languages
Español:hacer chocolate
Português:Fazer Chocolate
Nederlands:Chocolade maken
Italiano:Fare il Cioccolato
Français:faire du chocolat
中文:制作巧克力
日本語:チョコレートを作る
Bahasa Indonesia:Membuat co*kelat
ไทย:ทำช็อกโกแลต
Čeština:Jak vyrobit čokoládu
العربية:عمل الشوكولاتة
हिन्दी:चॉकलेट बनाएं (Kaise Chocolate Banayen)
Tiếng Việt:Làm Sôcôla
한국어:초콜릿 만드는 방법
Türkçe:Çikolata Nasıl Yapılır
فارسی:شکلات درست کنیم
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,912,797 times.
Reader Success Stories
Marlon Arthur Higgins
Aug 15, 2016
"As a first line manufacturing manager in the bread industry, I happened to find making chocolate very interesting..." more
More reader storiesHide reader stories
If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Advertisem*nt