Unless you’re the Easter Bunny’s logistics manager, you’re likely not terribly stressed about Easter’s arrival. The candy-coloured holiday just doesn’t come with the same social/financial/psychological burden the festive season can. It’s a chocolate-forward celebration with offerings as delightful as the soft yellow fluff on a chick’s head. And while Mini Eggs, the candy-coated GOAT, have their rightful place of honour, why not properly mark the most delightful of all long weekends with some of the very best in locally made, handcrafted chocolate creations. Here are eight such treats from across the city.
Stubbe Chocolates, painted eggs, $16.75 each
From the cool marble slab of a sixth generation konditor, a German title for a master confectioner, come these exquisite hollow eggs painted in floral motifs using cocoa butter. You can choose your chocolate of choice — white, dark or milk — and if you’re playing Easter Bunny from afar, there’s the option to include a message with these highly giftable objets d’art. Shop here
Chocolat de Kat, Eggies, $5.50
Not to be confused with Hershey’s attempt to compete with Mini Eggs, these eggies are tiny works of art filled with inventive marshmallow fillings, paired with something crunchy for textural harmony. There’s a blush pink Biscoff Blondie, a robin’s egg Malted Mini Egg Crunch and a saffron yellow Passionfruit Cornflake Crunch. Shop here
Monde Du Chocolat, Easter eggs, from $28
Just calling these “Easter eggs” feels like a gross undersell. These are miniature works of art made from 46 per cent milk chocolate and then filled with your choice of epic fillings: Caramelized chocolate with popping candy or feuilletine crunch or Maldon sea salt, or for something truly unexpected, yuzu chocolate clusters with coconut and passion fruit crispies. Shop here
Aline Nasseh, Bonbunnies, $23 (set of 5)
Perfectly formed and utterly precious, these colourful “bonbunnies” are a sophisticated take on the traditional moulded bunny. Available in five flavours — salted caramel, strawberry cheesecake, milk chocolate, lemon poppyseed and marshmallow, Dulce de Leche — have a surprise interior filling for your enjoyment. Like Cream Eggs, but more chic. Shop here
Laura Slack Chocolate Artist, bunny family, $40 (parents), $16 (kids)
From of the creative brain of chocolate artist Laura Slack, comes this shimmering hand-painted bunny family crafted from couverture chocolate. Couverture chocolate’s higher than average cocoa butter content makes these bunnies smoother and richer and all around more delicious than your average Easter treats. Mama and Papa stand an impressive 27 centimetres tall. Add to the family with as many kid bunnies as you like. Shop here
SOMA Chocolatemaker, Cosmo the baby owlet, $72
If you’re looking for an alternative baby animal to grace your celebration, this very limited edition masterpiece would be a real hoot. (So sorry.) Made from an impressive array of impeccably made chocolates — including matcha, mango and white, dark and milk — Cosmo nests on a bed of roasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate fed through a pasta maker. Don’t miss the bonus firefly sidekick made filled with pop rocks. Shop here
Purdys, Vegan “mylk” chocolate egg, $6
Lest we forget the lactose averse among us, this surprisingly creamy vegan “mylk” chocolate egg is the perfect way to make sure everyone feels included. Canadian-owned since 1907, Purdys, with its 88 locations across the country, is also a bit more accessible — but still just as high-quality and delectable — if you’re outside the downtown core without quite so many artist chocolatiers at your doorstep. Shop here
Christy’s Gourmet Gifts, Easter platter, $58
If you’re west of the city and/or fancy a baked-good-based alternative to all this chocolate, the Easter cookie platter from this Burlington treasure is an inspired move. Packed with shortbread, decorated Bunny Bum cookies, two kinds of bark and a duo of Christy’s signature “Crunch” (biscuity-y, chocolate-y heaven), it’s a fantastic host gift if you’ve been invited over for the requisite lamb. Shop here
