Tempering Semi-Sweet Chocolate Made Easy

Tempering semi-sweet chocolate doesn’t have to be difficult. If you want to learn about the basics of what tempering is, you can read my post on it here. Otherwise, let’s move on. You’ll want to know the basic temperature for the type of chocolate you are working with as noted in the table below:

I treat semi-sweet like a cross between milk and dark chocolates. Often, semi-sweet chocolates have started putting in milk which makes it a little more prone to burning, so I heat it slowly. Start out at 30 seconds, stir and repeat until 3/4 is melted. Then drop down to 5 – 10 seconds until you reach 113F. Remove, cool to 88F (31C) and you are ready to go! I’ll include a pictorial explanation.

Enjoy your new knowledge and happy chocolate making. What will you make now that you learned how easy tempering semi-sweet chocolate can be. Think of all the possibilities!

Tempering Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Tempering Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Use the microwave method to make your life easier.
Print Recipe
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings8
Calories 233.3

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (226g) semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions

  • In a microwave safe bowl, heat 3/4 of chocolate for 30 seconds and stir.
  • Repeat this step until most of the chocolate is melted.  Check the temperature.  If you are close to 113F (45C) start heating in 5 second intervals, stirring between each cycle and rechecking temperature as it can heat quickly in the end stages and burn.
  • Add in the remain chocolate.  Continue to stir until the temperature drops to 88F (31C.)
  • Your chocolate is now in temper and ready to use.

Notes

Any amount of chocolate can be used, but in general, it is not recommended to melt less than 3 oz at a time as smaller amounts scorch easily.

Nutrition Facts
Tempering Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Amount per Serving
Calories
233.3
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
13.3
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
 
8.3
g
52
%
Sodium
 
8.3
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
33.3
g
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.

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Comments:

4 Comments
  1. Cheryl L Bokolor

    I am substituting this method for an old recipe that calls for Paraffin wax. Wish me luck.

    Reply
    • Jackson

      Good luck!🍀 The parrafin wax technique is a great alternative to tempering. It’s great for dipping berries or making peanut butter balls.

      Reply
  2. Edwin Berto Alexander

    5 stars
    I’m going to use this method for Valentine’s day 2021 to make my Husband turtles. You’re instructions are very well written. And I’m confident in my ability.
    Thank you very much

    Reply
    • Jackson

      I’m glad it was helpful. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your husband! Turtles are amazing. He’s going to love them. 🙂

      Reply
4.50 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)
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