Here’s How To Stop Chocolate Sticking to Plastic Molds
Molding chocolate is pretty easy, but if not done correctly, it can cause a couple of issues. One common issue people ask is how to stop chocolates from sticking to plastic molds.
To prevent chocolate from sticking to plastic molds, thoroughly wash them about a day before using them and keep them somewhere cold. Sticking happens because you didn’t clean the plastic molds properly or because they are too warm.
What is the best way to stop your chocolates from sticking to plastic molds? Do you need to spray the molds to fix the issue? What is the best way to get your chocolates out of silicone molds without them breaking? These and more are the frequently asked questions that I’ll further address in the rest of this article. 🙂
How to stop chocolate from sticking to plastic molds?
Making chocolate with plastic molds is undoubtedly one of the easiest things to do. If you don’t know how to go about it, let me quickly walk you through the simple and direct steps for making molded chocolates.
Melt chocolate properly
First, you’ll need to buy chocolate bars or chocolate chips if you’re looking for the cheapest option. The better option, however, is to consider buying couverture chocolates, as they are of high quality and deliver great taste.
If you’re using chocolate bars or chips, you’ll need to microwave them to achieve a smooth consistency. To do that, all you need to do is heat the chocolate (medium heat) for 30 seconds. After that, bring it out and stir properly. Next, continue microwaving it for another 30 seconds, and then continue the process until you achieve a smooth and consistent texture.
Couverture chocolate needs to be heated for 15 minutes until it reaches about 110 °F (43 °C). Of course, you’ll need to stir the chocolate now and then as soon as you notice that it has started melting.
The last part is to pour the melted chocolate into the plastic molds and carefully place it inside the freezer for about 10 minutes.
Wash Your Molds Using Warm Water
As you can see, the molding process is pretty easy and direct. However, even with the steps above, you can run into a couple of issues.
One common issue is chocolate sticking to plastic molds. If you experience this issue most of the time, you need to understand that there are reasons for it.
One reason is that you didn’t wash your plastic molds properly. Moisture is one of the biggest reasons why chocolates break into molds. To avoid this issue, I advise you to wash your plastic molds in advance.
Yes, try to wash the molds at least a day before using them to make your chocolates. This way, they’ll have enough time to dry and you can also be sure there’s no moisture inside them.
Keep your molds somewhere cold
Another common cause of this issue is that the molds are too warm. The next time you’re molding your chocolate, check the molds and ensure that they aren’t too warm.
Lastly, when pouring the melted chocolate into the molds, you need to do it properly and avoid leaving a film of chocolate on the molds. Yes, ensure that you scrape the excess chocolate from the molds before the refrigeration process.
Do you need to spray plastic chocolate molds?
You don’t need to spray the plastic chocolate molds with any form of oil to prevent the sticking issue. Instead, all you need to do is use the right type of molding chocolates, let them melt appropriately, and then pour the melted chocolate into the molds the right way.
Additionally, you must ensure that your chocolates are set in the refrigerator before bringing them out. This way, the chocolates will easily fall out of the molds with little or no effort.
How to get chocolate out of silicone molds without breaking?
When making chocolates in silicone molds, the first step is to melt the chocolate bars or couverture chocolate under medium or low heat. Check the previous section of this post for the appropriate time frame for heating the different types of chocolates.
After that, pour the melted chocolates into the molds and follow the following steps:
- First, place the already filled chocolate molds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Some chocolates may require waiting about 20 minutes for them to set well.
- After that, remove the molds from the refrigerator and turn them upside down on a table.
- You only need to remove the edges of the molds from the chocolate. Have patience and steady hands.
- After that, press the top of the mold for each chocolate with your thumb. Gently do that to remove the chocolates without breaking them. Continue the process until you’ve successfully removed all the chocolates.
Do you need to spray the silicone candy molds?
Some people believe that you need to spray the silicone candy molds to prevent the chocolates from breaking when removing them. Well, you need to understand that this process is not necessary.
Instead, follow the simple and direct steps listed above, and you’ll be fine.
How to get chocolate out of polycarbonate molds?
Another molding device that you can consider using to make your chocolates is the polycarbonate Molds. Getting your chocolates out of these molds starts with making sure the molds are completely dry. After that, pour the melted chocolate into the molds using a ladle, bench scraper, or a confectionary funnel.
Next, scrape off excess chocolate around the molds and place the tray in the fridge for about 20 minutes. If you do this properly, you shouldn’t have any issues getting your chocolates out of the molds.
How do you prevent air bubbles in chocolate molds?
The best way to avoid air bubbles in your chocolate molds is to ensure the chocolate is completely melted, delivering a smooth, consistent texture. Also, don’t add any water to melted chocolate.
You can also remove any traces of air bubbles in the chocolate by gently tapping your filled molds on your work surface before they set.
How long exactly can molded chocolates be stored?
The first thing you need is to avoid storing the chocolates in a too cold or too hot area around your home. Instead, make sure that you store the chocolates at a moderate temperature. This way, the molded chocolates can last for several weeks.
Furthermore, avoid storing your chocolates in an area with a strong smell, as they can absorb the smell. Another way to store your chocolate is to place them inside an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place.
