Your Guide To Melting Leftover Gifted Chocolate
Published on 5th Dec, 2025
Cupboards overflowing with chocolate? Don't let those generous gifts from friends and family go stale! Instead of watching them gather dust, turn that chocolate surplus into liquid gold and get the kids involved in some hands-on kitchen fun. It's the ultimate zero-waste solution! Want a perfect, glossy melt every time? Here are our chefs' top tips on how to handle chocolate, whether you're using a microwave, the hob, or an oven.
How to melt chocolate in a microwave
Place your chocolate in a wide, shallow bowl and put it in the microwave. Heat it on medium high for about 30 seconds to start with.
Remove from the microwave and stir the chocolate.
Keep heating at 30 seconds another 2-3 times, stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted and has a smooth, glossy consistency.
How to melt chocolate on a stove
Bring a small pan to the boil, heating several inches of water.
Cover the top with a tightly fitting, heat-proof bowl.
Make sure the surface of the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl - this may burn the chocolate.
Allow the chocolate to melt in the bowl, stirring occasionally until it is completely melted.
Remove from the heat and stir to make sure it's a smooth glossy and runny - use while still warm.
How to melt chocolate in an oven
Place your chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and place it in an oven set at 43°C (if your oven doesn't go that low, use the lowest temperature and keep the door slightly open).
Your chocolate will melt very slowly, so be patient, and keep checking every couple of minutes. If necessary give the chocolate a little stir.
These recipes all use blocks of chocolate or chocolate sauce, but we love making them with melted chocolate Easter eggs or Christmas chocolates to reduce waste:
