While you may think it is down to tempering chocolate, not every chocolatier has the time to do such a thing – and that is the same with you as an at-home baker.
Not only that, tempering chocolate is a skill in itself that many people do not have. While it is useful to learn, there are easier ways to get shiny-looking chocolate.
One of those ways is by using food-grade paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is widely used within the chocolate-making industry. It creates a wonderful shine that makes chocolate very appetizing to consumers.
If you are looking to add some shiny appeal to your chocolate, then you may be wondering where to even buy paraffin wax from.
If you are one of the many who do not have it readily available to hand, then you will want to look at these paraffin wax substitutes.
From using oil and shea butter, all the way to almond bark, here are 6 of the best substitutes in place of paraffin wax.
What Is Paraffin Wax In Chocolate?
To put it simply, paraffin is a type of hydrocarbon that is made using crude oil. It is then processed and put into products with a petroleum base. It is a type of material that is created synthetically and has a lot of uses.
While some paraffin is food-grade, which means that it is safe for humans to consume, it is also used in skincare, candles, and so much more.
It is often used to create shiny desserts, candies, and chocolate. The reason for this is that it is attractive to the consumer. Paraffin is naturally shiny and can coat the top of chocolate-based items very well.
Paraffin also has the ability to soften skin and help to combat dryness too. It is also used for joint pain, as well as an ointment.
For these reasons, paraffin wax is very versatile. While people may have heard of paraffin wax, many people are shocked to hear that it can be edible too.
The Best Substitutes For Paraffin Wax?
If you are interested to find some alternatives to using paraffin wax, then you have definitely come to the right place. Here we have 6 of the best substitutes for paraffin wax when you do not have any to hand:
1. Shea Butter
Along with paraffin wax, shea butter is another common ingredient used in skincare. It has the ability to make both hair and skin shiny.
However, a good brand will always choose to use shea butter instead of paraffin wax any day – it is far more luxurious.
Having said that, if you are planning to use shea butter in place of paraffin wax to make shiny chocolate, then make sure that you choose the edible kind.
Picking up some shea butter from the skincare aisle will not be fit for human consumption. You will need to make sure that you find it in a food aisle and that it says it is okay to eat.
2. Candy Coating
While candy coating will not make the chocolate shiny per se, it can add a smooth and shiny coating to sweet treats and desserts.
This makes it a great finishing touch to the likes of chocolate truffles, mini cakes, and cake pops.
They can also add some outer crunch too, as well as another sweet flavor. Also, just like chocolate, you will be able to dip your bake into the melted candy coating easily.
Lastly, candy coating offers many different color options too. This makes using candy coating very fun, as you can theme your sweet treat too.
Have fun experimenting with the different flavor and color combinations. You are sure to find some that work well for you.
3. Almond Bark
Even though it is called almond bark, there are absolutely no almonds present. Those with a nut allergy or a dislike for almonds can breathe a sigh of relief.
However, the reason it is called that is because originally this recipe was used to cover almonds.
Almond bark is often made using a type of vegetable oil (veggie fats) along with sugar and colorings.
Flavoring can also be added. This is especially exciting around the festive season when peppermint is added to the almond bark.
Many people use almond bark as the chocolate itself, however, it can also be used as a shiny coating.
You can create the almond bark and then mix it directly into chocolate for a shiny and smooth appearance.
4. Compound Coating
If you are looking for a versatile way to bring shine to not only chocolate but also desserts, then using a compound coating is a great idea.
In a similar fashion to almond bark, a compound coating is made using a plethora of different oils.
When it comes to creating a compound coating for a sweet treat that is made from chocolate, it is usually a mixture of vegetable oils mixed with cocoa powder.
The great thing about this kind of coating is its versatility. It can go nicely with a lot of different flavors, making it a favorite among many bakers.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is likely to be something that you already have in your kitchen pantry. This already makes it a great substitute for paraffin wax.
While it is often used to make the hair and skin look shiny and healthy, it can also be consumed.
It is readily available too, and easy to work with. You can use it to coat chocolate and other sweet treats to make them appear very shiny.
However, olive oil stays in its liquid form even at room temperature. For this reason, you will not want to use it as a binding agent.
It is really good at keeping cakes moist too, so drop a couple of spoonfuls into your cake mix too!
6. Coconut Oil
Lastly, we have coconut oil. Coconut oil has become a popular ingredient to use when it comes to the likes of hair and skin, but also when cooking.
It can be used in delicious desserts as well as when making chocolate. This makes it a wonderful substitute for paraffin wax.
You might even find that coconut oil does a better job than olive oil. This is because it hardens at room temperature.
Once mixed into chocolate it will not stay as a liquid. Instead, it will harden alongside the chocolate mix and create a shiny finish.
However, it will add a coconut flavor, so do keep this in mind.
Final Thoughts
Paraffin wax is often used commercially to make chocolate look extra shiny. While you could just temper your chocolate, it is much easier to use a shortcut. This is where paraffin wax comes in.
Many chefs and chocolate experts use food-grade paraffin wax to make very shiny chocolate.
It is not only an easier way to make chocolate shiny-looking, but it also makes the chocolate look extra appealing too.
You can use other natural substances such as oil or shea butter when finding a paraffin wax substitute.
If you have enjoyed this article, why not check out the rest of the website? There are plenty of substitute help and recipes.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
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