If you’re a baker, chances are you’ve used candy melts at some point. Candy melts are typically made from a combination of sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and flavorings.
Candy melts are a type of chocolate that is specifically designed for melting and molding. They are available in a variety of colors and flavors, and they can be used to create all sorts of fun candy creations.
They’re great for dipping fruit, pretzels, and marshmallows, and they hold their shape when used to make molded chocolates.
So, if you’re in the middle of making your favorite candy recipes and you realize you’re out of candy melts or maybe you’re just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional candy melts. Whatever the reason, you’re on the hunt for the best candy melts substitutes.
Luckily, there are plenty of options available. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular substitutes for candy melts. With these substitutes, you’ll be able to create delicious candy recipes that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
9 Best Candy Melts Substitutes
1. Compound Chocolate
Compound chocolate is a type of chocolate that is made from a combination of cocoa powder, sweeteners, and vegetable oil. It’s often used as a coating for candy and baked goods.
Compound chocolate can be melted and molded just like candy melts, making it a great substitute. Plus, it’s usually cheaper than candy melts and it’s easy to find in most grocery stores.
If you want to use compound chocolate as candy melts substitute, you’ll need to melt it down and add in some vegetable shortening. This will help the chocolate to have a smoother texture and make it easier to work with.
2. Almond Bark
Almond bark gets its name from the fact that it resembles bark. It does not have any almonds or chocolate in it.
Almond bark is made from sugar, vegetable oil, and flavorings. It’s available in both vanilla and chocolate varieties. It’s often used as a coating for candies and other sweets.
Almond bark can be melted and used in the same way as candy melts. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a flavor that is similar to candy melts but with a bit of a nutty twist.
3. Couverture Chocolate
Couverture chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter. It’s often used by professional chefs and chocolatiers.
Couverture chocolate can be melted and used in the same way as candy melts. It has a smooth and shiny texture. However, it may be more difficult to work with because of its higher cocoa butter content. It is available in milk, white, and dark chocolate varieties.
4. Frosting
Frosting is another great candy melts substitute. It’s made from sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and flavorings. It’s often used to frost cakes and cupcakes but you could also use it for coating cake pops.
Frosting can be melted down and used in the same way as candy melts. However, it will harden more quickly than candy melts, so you’ll need to work quickly when using it.
5. Marshmallows
Marshmallows are a type of candy that is made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavorings. They’re often used in desserts and as a topping for hot cocoa.
Marshmallows can be melted down but it will have a marshmallow flavor, so they may not be a perfect substitute for some of the recipes. They have a sweet and fluffy texture that is perfect for dipping pops, fruit, or making molded chocolates.
6. Soybeans and Sugar
Soybean powder and sugar can be used to make a candy melts substitute. This combination is often used in vegan and dairy-free recipes.
Kinako is a type of soybean powder that is available in most Asian grocery stores. It is a Japanese ingredient that is often used in desserts.
To make the candy melts substitute, mix one cup of Kinako powder with one cup of sugar. Then, add enough water to create a paste. This mixture can be melted down and used in the same way as candy melts.
They’re often used to make pancakes, muffins, cookies, cupcakes, and traditional Japanese desserts like Dango and Wagashi.
7. White chocolate
If you can’t find candy melts or don’t like the taste of them, white chocolate make a great substitute. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, milk solids, and sugar. It has a sweet, creamy flavor that pairs well with a variety of different foods.
They have a similar consistency and can be melted in the same way. You can also add colors and flavorings to white chocolate to create your own custom candy melts.
Add a tiny quantity of shortening or butter to your white chocolate melt if it becomes lumpy and stiff.
8. Powdered Sugar, Milk, And Vanilla
This combination is often used to make homemade frosting. It can also be used to make a candy melts substitute.
To make the candy melts substitute, mix together one cup of powdered sugar, two tablespoons of milk, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture can be used in the same way as candy melts.
You can also add colors or flavors or alter the recipe to create your own custom candy melts.
9. Homemade Candy Melt
Lastly, you could also make your own candy melts at home. This is a great option if you want to avoid using store-bought ingredients.
To make homemade candy melts, you’ll need white chocolate, coconut oils, and flavorings. You’ll also need food coloring if you want to add color to your candy melts.
Pour the melt in a piping bag and pipe it into small disks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the candy melts to harden completely before using them.
These are some of the best candy melts substitutes that you can use. If you can’t find candy melts or don’t like the taste of them, try one of these substitutes instead.
With a little creativity, you can create your own custom candy melts that taste great and are perfect for any occasion.
Related Questions
What does candy melts taste like?
Candy melts have a sweet, milky flavor that is similar to chocolate. However, they are not as rich or creamy as chocolate and have a slightly waxy texture.
Candy melts come in a wide range of flavors, from chocolate and vanilla to more exotic options like green apple and bubble gum.
How do you use candy melts?
Candy melts can be melted down and used to coat cake pops, fruit, or to make molded chocolates. They can also be used to make a variety of different desserts, like cookies, cakes, and cupcakes.
What is the difference between candy melts and chocolate?
The main difference between candy melts and chocolate is that candy melts are made from sugar, milk solids, and vegetable oils whereas chocolate is made from cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and sugar.
How to melt candy melts?
Candy melts can be melted in the microwave or on the stove. If you are using the microwave, melt the candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval. If you are using the stove, melt the candy melts over low heat, stirring constantly.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate instead of candy melts. However, the taste and texture will be different. Chocolate is richer and creamier than candy melts. It also has a stronger flavor.
Final Words
Candy melts are a type of chocolate that is specifically designed to be melted down and used for a variety of different desserts.
If you can’t find candy melts or don’t like the taste of them, there are several substitutes that you can use.
White chocolate, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract make a great candy melts substitute. Compound chocolate or almond bark are also good substitutes.
Alternatively, you can also make your own candy melts at home using white chocolate, coconut oil, and flavorings.