4 MINUTE READ
Most people know at least one chocolate superfan among their friends, family, and acquaintances. And a chocolate gift basket is a perfect way to treat the chocolate connoisseurs in your life. However, building a great gift basket and truly making things special can be a little intimidating. Fortunately, your chocolate gift basket doesn’t have to be commonplace. With some planning, you can craft a delectable chocolate gift basket that the recipient will love. Try these six must-haves for a unique and inspired chocolate gift basket.
A tempting truffle
Chocolate truffles originated in France, but when Antoine Dufour brought truffles to London at the turn of the 20th century, they became a more popular confectionery. Now, chocolate truffles come in a vast array of flavors. However, the chocolate truffle and the fungus of the same name share an appearance only—you’re not likely to find the earthy truffle in your chocolate truffle.
For your gift basket, try creating truffles at home. The classic truffle includes a chocolate ganache made with heavy cream that is boiled and poured over chocolate. After chilling, you’re left with an intense and sometimes gooey lump of chocolate. To finish the treat, dust the outside with cocoa powder or dip in a chocolate coating. But if crafting candies isn’t for you, there are many local and global chocolate truffle artists.
A decadent drink
On cool, crisp nights, a chocolatey drink is so satisfying. You can opt for hot chocolate or cocoa if you know your recipient loves those drinks. However, you might want to go further and select decadent drinking chocolate. Also known as sipping chocolates, drinking chocolates can range from mild and sweet to deeply rich and slightly bitter.
As with chocolate truffles, you can craft drinking chocolate yourself or purchase a container to include in the gift basket. Since drinking chocolate is a more concentrated flavor, a little goes a long way.
This collection is pictured in a 10 in x 8 in x 3½ in wooden gift basket crate with lid by Carpenter Core.
A bittersweet bar
Whether your giftee loves them for baking or intense tasting, a bittersweet chocolate bar is a must-have in the perfect chocolate gift basket. Bittersweet chocolate contains a higher percentage of cacao, which is why they taste more bitter than milk or semisweet chocolates. To cover your bases, you can include a bittersweet bar that is sized and made for snacking and another for baking and melting.
A captivating cocoa
Another item for cooking and baking that no chocolate lover would be without is cocoa powder. Cocoa powder contains only around 10-15% cocoa butter since processing extracts most of it. In addition, there are two common ways to process cocoa powder that lead to either a Dutch or natural product. Dutch cocoa is more acidic, and it is essential to note which type of powder a recipe requires.
A different dessert
Many people have already discovered how delightful savory bacon is with sweet maple syrup or brown sugar, so it’s no surprise that chocolate and bacon are also a heavenly match. If your gift basket recipient has never tried chocolate and bacon before, you’ll win them over with a bar of either milk or semisweet chocolate with rich, smoked bacon bits included.
You can purchase delightful bacon and chocolate bars from several chocolatiers, or you can craft your own. Many baking and craft shops sell semisweet melting chocolate. Cook some flavorful bacon until crispy, then drain and break into bits. Mix with melted chocolate, and pour to set in molds for handcrafted happiness.
A covered confection
No chocolate gift basket would be complete without a chocolate-covered fruit. From blueberries to candied orange peels, fruit and chocolate go wonderfully together. As with several other treats on this list, you can make your own in the kitchen for a truly original chocolate gift basket, or you can find incredible treats locally and online at candy shops. If you can deliver your gift basket quickly or keep it chilled until right before delivery, then try including sweet and juicy chocolate-covered strawberries or bananas. If heat and time are factors, then chocolate-covered candied citrus peels or smaller, dried berries will keep for longer.
Conclusion
Ensure that you select a container that is large enough to hold all of your sweet treats. Wooden crates are a sturdy yet elegant way to create a stunning presentation for a gift basket that fulfills a chocolate lover’s fondest dreams. Chocolate might be the overall theme, but you can create interesting, unique collections of this beloved confection.
What other ideas do you have for making a chocolate gift basket?