So, I have an unhealthy obsession with my crock pot. Seriously, I use it ALL of the time. When people aren’t looking {even when they are}, I talk to it–like an old reliable friend. So when a friend {not the crock pot} told me I could melt chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, etc. in a crock pot, I nearly squealed with delight. Nearly.
I don’t know about you, but with all of the holiday recipes around here, this is going to make my life soooo much easier. Basically, all you need to do is fill chocolate chips, almond bark, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips {and the list goes on} into mason jars. I like to use the wide mouth pint sized because they are easy for dipping.
Simply put the chocolate filled jars into the crock pot {you can put multiple jars in at the same time} then pour water in around the jars, until it is about half-way up the side of the jars. Be careful NOT to get water INTO the jars. It has disastrous consequences on the melting process. Finally, turn the crock pot on high and LEAVE THE LID OFF, because again, you don’t want condensation dripping back into your jars. Stir the contents of the jars every so often until they are completely melted.
That’s it. Now you have melted whatever you need as you do your holiday recipes. Genius, right?
~Mavis
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Jennifer says
Would you keep it on warm or low possibly so that you could leave it in the crockpot while preparing things. I make all kinds of chocolat covered goodies at the holidays and keeping the chocolate “dippable” has been an issue.
Mavis Butterfield says
I kept this on low for quite a while and just gave it a stir when I was ready to dip. 🙂
Jennifer says
Yeah. The chocolate mice I make are what I was most worried about, since they take the most time to assemble…I can’t wait. Of course this means I have to get a new crock pot (oh darn!…lol) since I am usually already using the one I have during the holidays.
Em says
I never tried this. Brilliant!
Mavis Butterfield says
It’s super easy!!!
Linda says
I love this idea….thanks!!! I love all of your tips and tricks, recipes, and of course garden stuff!!!
Mavis Butterfield says
You bet! 🙂
Cheryl says
Perfect timing for this post as I had leftover caramels from Halloween and wanted to melt them for dipping but wasn’t sure how to keep it in a melted state. I love my crockpot too, we got it for a wedding gift 26 years ago and it still works perfectly!
Mavis Butterfield says
Awesome! 26 years. 🙂
Sarah says
Brilliant! Do you think you could let whatever’s left in the jar (ha ha, I know) solidfy, and then remelt it later?
Jamie says
This did not work out correctly for me, I think my slow cooker on high is too hot.
Jennifer says
Try putting just a bit of shortening in with it next time. I did this this past weekend to make chocolate mice and the chocolate stayed smooth the whole time. Also don’t forget to turn it down to low once it has melted.
J says
how long did it take to melt the chocolate? did you have to have the crock pot on for more than an hour to get it all to melt?
Mavis Butterfield says
I think maybe an hour or two.
auntie M says
Do you have any crockpot recommendations? My new crockpot totally blows. It doesn’t get as hot as my old one (now deceased) and I hate to shell out money for a new one without some assurance that it will measure up.
Jen says
I use the “lunch crocks” by Crock Pot to melt my chocolate chips, almond bark and candy melts. No water needed. It seems to be the perfect temperature to keep the chocolates melted. I have never had a problem with the candy burning and I have left it on for hours. I use my large crock pot to keep the small bottles warm. I add a bit of water to the bottom. I no longer have to play with a microwave for 20 seconds at a time to melt chocolate. The crock pot is a life saver!
Natalie says
DO you use the plastic squeeze bottles? Do you just set them in there with a little bit of water? The bottles don’t melt? I am so excited about this prospect!
Jen says
Also, with the lunch crock, my chocolates melt in less then an hour.
Jenny Harkins says
Can i melt Wilton candy melts directly in the lunch crock pots? Or is a mason jar a MUST? I ‘m making small candy molds. Thanks for your prompt reply.
Kristie says
This is the same question I need to know
Denise says
Hello,
Can I use a glass bowl? Or does it need to be a mason jar?
Elizabeth says
I made beautiful chocolate covered rods using this method. Using multi Mason type drinking glass mugs. This was a great and easy way to do this project.