DIY Hampers: Create Chocolate Desserts for That Special Someone in Your Life

Here are some ideas for chocolate desserts that you can make for your loved ones. Bake them all and assemble a little gift basket for the padre who might not be able to express his sentiments, but is as sweet as chocolate.

1. Chunky Chocolate Muffins

Ingredients

• 85 gm butter, room temperature
• 150 gm granulated sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 190 gm Greek yoghurt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 185 gm flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• A little pinch of salt
• 145 gm Cadbury Bournville Dark chocolate (chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, then grease a nine-cup muffin tray, fill them with paper liners and set aside.
2. Use an electric mixer now, on high speed, cream butter and sugar until it reaches a fluffy and airy consistency. Crack the egg next and whisk again to combine. Then add the Greek yoghurt and vanilla extract and combine again.
3. Take another bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix. In batches, add these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl, and mix after each addition. In the last step, add the chopped chocolate and lightly mix so it gets distributed in the batter.
4. Pour the batter or use a spoon and add them to the muffin tins until ¾ full. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar.
5. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 180°C and bake for another 15 minutes. The muffins will turn golden brown and be springy to the touch.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before packing or serving.

2. Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

• 200 gm Cadbury Bournville Dark chocolate
• 20 gm salted butter
• 6 eggs (whites and yolks separated)
• A pinch of salt
  
  

Instructions

1. Melt the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl using the bain marie method. Mix to combine.
2. Let it cool a bit then add the egg yolks, one at a time and whisk to combine.
3. Take a big bowl, add the egg whites, and use an electric whisk on high to medium speed until stiff peaks form.
4. Scoop up ⅓ of the whipped egg whites, and mix them into the melted chocolate, to dilute it a tad. Then pour the chocolate in three batches, mixing with a spoon.
5. Your mousse is ready, scoop it into serving bowls or cups or store it away in the fridge until ready to gift.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Makes 12 cookies)

Ingredients

• 100 gm granulated sugar
• 165 gm brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 115 gm unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• tsp vanilla extract
• 155 gm all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 110 gm Cadbury Milk Chocolate (chopped)
• 110 gm Cadbury Bournville Dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Take a large bowl, add the butter, sugar and salt and beat to form a paste. Crack the egg, add the vanilla and beat again. The liquid will fall off your whisk like silky ribbons.
2. In another bowl sift the flour and baking soda to remove lumps. Add them to the creamy butter bowl, and use a spatula to mix. Do not overmix or your batter will toughen.
3. Add the chocolate chunks, both the dark and milk ones, lightly mix to evenly distribute and let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Better flavour equals more chilling time.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Take a tablespoon and scoop the dough twice to form balls. Place the balls on the baking sheet, two inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the edges start to slightly brown.
7. Cool the cookies completely before packing.

4. Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients

• 135 gm sugar
• 25 gm Cadbury Cocoa Powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 25 gm cornflour
• 530 ml milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Take a deep saucepan, and add the cocoa powder, sugar, cornflour, and salt. Whisk to combine.
2. Pour the milk and heat on medium while whisking continuously.
3. Cook for a few minutes until the liquid starts to thicken and bubble.
4. Remove from heat and then add vanilla and the 1 tablespoon butter.
5. Pour the chocolate liquid into your serving cups or glasses and chill for a couple to hours for the pudding to set.