When having people over I love trying new things and making at least one item on the menu really stand out. Usually I pick between the appetizers or desserts and try to make them unique. These chocolate bowls are the perfect way to make your next dessert extra special! They only involve a few steps and can be prepared ahead of time as well. Use your imagination with the filling – just try to avoid hot items unless you really want a large melting mess!

To start you need to gather these items below:

– Balloons (I used regular balloons)
– Chocolate
– Supplies to melt the chocolate (I use a regular pot and glass bowl)
– Parchment paper
– Baking Sheet
– Spoon

Step 1:

I like to prepare myself fully before starting therefore I lined the baking sheet with parchment paper, got out my glass bowl, pot, spoons etc! Nobody has time to open drawers looking for spoons when you are mid chocolate melting!

Step 2:

Blow up your balloons to the size you prefer. I tried small water balloons and regular sized balloons but in the end preferred to go with the regular balloons. They provided the shape I wanted for the bowls but either would work!

Step 3:

Time to melt that chocolate – my fav part! I’ve described my method of melting chocolate in a few other posts like HOMEMADE CHOCOLATES or CHOCOLATE DESIGN SHAPES DIY if you need additional information.

Step 4:

Once the chocolate is melted – using your spoon to create small circles on the parchment paper. These will serve as the base of the bowls and will help the balloons stay.

Step 5:

Wait until the melted chocolate has cooled slightly and dip the balloons into it. When dipping try to keep a straight line around the balloon as this will be the edge of your bowl. I did 3-4 dips until the layer was thick enough and then placed the balloon onto the chocolate circle on the parchment paper.

JMS TIP: Do not dip your balloons too much or you risk the balloon popping and you do not want to be cleaning up that mess! If you prefer to have your chocolate bowls a bit more thicker wait until they harden and re-dip them into the chocolate to make them sturdier.

Step 6:

Once your chocolate has hardened  – place a tiny hole in the balloon to let the air out very slowwwwly. As the air releases the balloon will slowly come away from the sides. If you see it stuck, try to help slightly otherwise the whole wall will collapse. Remove the remaining balloon out carefully and remove from parchment paper without cracking the bowl. If the edges are not perfect – use scissors to straighten them out.

Step 7:

Fill the bowls with whatever you prefer and enjoy! Some fun ideas:

– Ice cream
– Fresh fruit
– Candy
– Whipped cream
– Smoothie bowls
– Sponge cake and strawberry sauce
Etc.

I’m not sure why but things always taste better when you can actually eat the bowl they are sitting in! Dessert aside I love having soup served in a bread bowl, eating my salad from a taco bowl etc. These chocolate dessert bowls are great for serving dessert or can also be used as a bowl in your own “build your dessert buffet” station. Lay out a few items people can choose from and this makes dessert a fun interactive activity as well.

How creative can you get with your topping choice?
List your favourites below!