Have you ever melted candy melts and it became a goopy mess? Totally undippable chocolate.  I had the same issue.  My very first time making cake pops, I decided to use real chocolate. Oh my, what a challenge that was… I had so much difficulty thinning out the chocolate.  I cringe each time I think about it, but, the experience has been permanently singed into my brain.   After that debacle, I decided to try the Wilton candy melts since it was available locally.  I had the same issue it was way too thick (it was a goopy mess), after several attempts I knew I had to figure out how to thin the candy melts. Do you see the goop?

All of that goop is fixable. Guess what, I am going to show you three ways to thin candy melts for the perfect consistency.  No more goop or thick candy melts.  The right consistency to make it is easier to dip, drizzle and coat cake pops, pretzels sticks or whatever your heart desires.

Before we begin, lets talk a bit of about candy melts.

What are Candy Melts?

Candy melts are candy coating or wafers used to cover cake pops and other treats. They are not real chocolate. Unlike real chocolate, it does not contain cocoa butter.  Instead, some have cocoa powder listed as an ingredient (not to be confused with cocoa butter) which is a cocoa solid i.e. what is left after the oil is removed.  Other ingredients of candy melts are hydrogenated palm kernel oil and soy lecithin (more about that later). These two ingredients are the key to how we are able to thin candy melts.

Nevertheless, there are some candy melts that doesn’t need to be thinned out, one that comes to mind is Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers (which are delicious by the way).  The downside, they are expensive and are only available in dark and white wafers.  Which means that you would have to color your own.  As a side note, only color with oil based colors or the candy melts will seize.

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How to Thin Candy Melts Three Ways

There are three ways I like to thin candy melts and they are listed below.  In the photo above, I show the results using three different methods.  The shortening and the vegetable oil were very similar in texture.  Therefore, they are worth considering if you need a quick solution.  For this project, I used one pack of yellow candy melts and two packs of blue candy melts.  Each package was 12 ounces each, even though some candy melts come in 10-ounce packages.

1. Vegetable Shortening
2. Vegetable Oil
3. Wilton EZ Thins/Paramount crystals

How to Thin out Candy Melts with Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable shortening is my go-to method when I run out of EZ Thins. If I had to place this list in order, shortening would come in at number two.  I like it because it is something I always have on hand.  It dries very well and I have not noticed any change in taste.

To thin candy melt using vegetable shortening, I use 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening for each 12 ounces bag of candy melt.  The package says two teaspoons, however, I find that is not to be enough and usually use more to get the right consistency.  The key is to make sure to add at the right temperature and add a bit at a time.  Of course, the temperature and age of the candy melt do affect the amount used.

Directions using Shortening:

• Melt the candy melt in the microwave according to the directions on the bag, which is one minute at 50 percent power, then 30-second intervals thereafter.
• Then, melt the vegetable shortening in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted. This is different from the package as well, but, it incorporates so much better.  Remember to test the temperature, if it is too hot let it cool down before using.  Don’t let it get too cold or it will solidify again.
• Add a tablespoon at a time and stir to incorporate.  Continue to add the second tablespoon and stir, at this point the candy melt should be thin.  You can add a little bit more if it is not thin enough.
• Keep in mind the thinner you make it, the faster it dries and that is a factor when you are adding sprinkle and other decorations.

How to Thin Candy Melts with Oil

Of all the ways to thin candy melts, this is my least favorite.  However, oil works the same way as vegetable shortening.  I used canola oil.  Use up to one tablespoon of vegetable/canola oil to a cup of candy melts.  In the project, I used four teaspoons which is equivalent to one tablespoon, plus one teaspoon.  However, it could have used another teaspoon, but I didn’t want to risk affecting the consistency and the amount of time it takes to dry the candy coating.

Adding oil did not affect how hard the candy dried.  However, it does affect real chocolate.  One thing to note, it did dry faster than the shortening.

There is no noticeable change in taste.  However, I don’t believe that an additional tablespoon would likely affect the taste either. You also cannot see make any distinction between the oil and the shortening.  At least I didn’t notice one.

EZ Thins/Paramount Crystals

I saved the best for last.  My absolute favorite method to thin candy melts is using Wilton EZ-Thins. It is a game-changer.  EZ Thins and Paramount crystals are the same things, they are sold under different brands.  Both are made up of two ingredients, you guessed it: hydrogenated palm kernel oil and soy lecithin (remember the reference above), similar to the candy melts. Use two tablespoons of EZ Thin or Paramount Crystals for every twelve ounces of candy melts.

Directions for using EZ-Thins or Paramount Crystals:

• Melt the candy melts according to the instructions on the package.
• Melt the EZ-Thins/Paramount Crystals in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Then add to the melted candy melts (this is the secret).  Of course, you may add unmelted EZ-Thins, however, I find that sometimes it doesn’t melt all the way and might not be as smooth. So, to avoid that I melt it every time.

That’s it, now you know my secret for getting a perfect candy melt consistency the next time you get ready to make cake pops.  For additional troubleshooting methods see 7 tips and tricks to make perfect cake pops.  For even more tips check out my book, the ultimate cake pop guide.  It is loaded with tips and tricks and even a few projects.