10 Uses for Candy Melts
When it comes to adding a pop of colour and sweetness to your bakes, candy melts are an absolute game-changer. These versatile little discs of fun are more than just coating chocolate – they’re the unsung heroes of the cake decorating world! Whether you're a hobby baker or a full-blown cake artist, here's a look at the many ways you can put candy melts to delicious use.
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Cake Pops’ Best Friend
Let’s start with the classic. Candy melts are the go-to coating for cake pops – they melt smooth, come in loads of colours, and set with a lovely shine. You can even mix and match shades or drizzle one colour over another for added flair.
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Drizzle Decor
Melt, drizzle, and done! Candy melts are perfect for adding colourful drizzles over brownies, cakes, cookies, and traybakes. Just pop them in the microwave, stir until smooth, and pipe or flick across your bakes for instant visual impact.
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Homemade Chocolate Moulds
Pour melted candy melts into silicone moulds to make your own colourful shapes, hearts, or seasonal characters. Great for cupcake toppers, themed treats, or just a cheeky nibble on the side.
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Dipping & Coating
Strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, biscuits… pretty much anything becomes an edible masterpiece when dipped in candy melts. Once dipped, you can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed nuts before the coating sets.
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Easy Edible Paint
Add a few drops of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to melted candy melts to thin them down to a paintable consistency. Perfect for brushing onto cake decorations, biscuits or details on character bakes.
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Make Your Own Sprinkle Shapes
Piping melted candy melts into tiny dots, zigzags, or hearts on baking paper gives you bespoke sprinkle decorations once they set. Match your colour scheme exactly and add a handmade touch to your toppers.
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Drip Cakes
Want a coloured drip effect without using coloured chocolate or faffing with oil-based colourings? Candy melts are your friend! Melt for a drip that’s vibrant and fuss-free.
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Edible Glue Substitute
In a pinch, a dab of melted candy melt can hold lightweight decorations in place on your cakes or bakes – especially useful for sticking things to chocolate or candy surfaces.
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Themed Lollipops & Suckers
Perfect for party favours! Use moulds or freehand designs to create your own lollies in matching party colours or characters.
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Lettering & Writing
Pipe words, names or numbers onto greaseproof paper, let them set, then lift and place onto cakes or cupcakes for a neat and pro-looking finish. Much easier than writing directly onto the cake!
Top Tips for Working with Candy Melts:
- If your melts are too thick, try adding a bit of vegetable shortening or oil-based candy melt thinner – never add water!
- To avoid overheating (and ending up with a clumpy mess), melt in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each.
- Store in a cool, dry place – not the fridge! Moisture is candy melts’ nemesis.