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A pile of white chocolate curls
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4.72 / 7 votes

How to Make Chocolate Curls

We explain exactly what to do to make stunning chocolate curls or shavings at home for topping cakes, cupcakes, tarts, and pies with nothing more than a vegetable peeler and a chocolate bar.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 144

Ingredients

  • 1 bar or block chocolate, whether dark, milk, or white (the exact amount depends on how many curls you need), room temperature
  • Parchment paper

Instructions

  • Unless it's a hot and humid summer day, you'll probably need to microwave the block of chocolate on medium power until it's ever so slightly softened. Try heating the chocolate for no more than 20 seconds at first.
  • Hold the chocolate above a piece of parchment paper and gently but firmly scrape a vegetable peeler against a long, smooth side of the chocolate.

    ☞ TESTER TIP: Hold the block of chocolate with a piece of parchment paper so that the heat from your hand doesn't transfer to the chocolate and melt it.

  • If the chocolate curls without the curl shattering or breaking, it's warm enough.  If the chocolate doesn't easily curl, nuke it again on medium power in 5-second intervals until the desired softness has been reached. Depending on the microwave, it may take a total of about 35 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate or it won't curl.
  • Continue to make chocolate curls or shavings with the vegetable peeler, letting the curls fall onto a piece of parchment paper and reheating the chocolate as necessary.
  • Let the chocolate curls set. Avoid touching the chocolate curls as much as possible. If not using the curls within a short time, transfer the parchment and curls to the refrigerator.
  • Gently scatter the chocolate curls atop cakes, cupcakes, tarts, or any other place a little chocolate loveliness is desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz | Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 5mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g