Ann Reardon

Chocolate decorations for desserts

Chocolate is so versatile it makes a great decoration for most plated desserts.  Here are just a few examples of what you can do.

Firstly make sure you are using tempered chocolate or your decorations will not set firm.
 
VIDEO PART 1

 
 
VIDEO PART 2


 

Chocolate Curls (pictured below on Banoffee Tart)

chocolate decorations fun with chocolate

Spread some chocolate onto overhead projector sheet, then roll the sheet and place in a glass or round object to hold the shape until set.
 
 

Chocolate Shards (pictured below on top of choc pavlova)

 
how to make chocolate shards decorations for desserts recipe

This one is the easiest of decorations and adds impressive height to desserts and cakes.  Place a sheet of alfoil over a chopping board or back of cooking tray.  Spread the melted choc over the alfoil then place in the freezer until set hard then snap into shards.
 

Chocolate Swirlies (on top of Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting)

how to make chocolate decorations

Three dimensional swirls of chocolate can be made by piping melted chocolate into a glass of alcohol that had been sitting in the freezer for at least an hour.  I like to use marsala for making swirlies.  They look great on top of frosting on cupcakes.
 

Chocolate lolly Pops

how to make chocolate decorations for dessertsPlace lolly pop sticks on a tray lined with baking paper or tin foil.  Pipe circle swirls of chocolate over one end and sprinkle with hundreds and thousands.
 

Chocolate Sticks

"howSpread some chocolate at one end of baking paper then run through it with an icing comb.  For twisted sticks like these ones use overhead projector paper, roll and put in glass as for chocolate curls.

Below is a template for piped chocolate decorations. click on it to open in new window then select ‘file’ ‘save as’ to save it to your computer.
"template

This is the book that I used for the ‘texture mats’ from: Rubbings, the mats are at the back of the book.

You may also be interested in
* how to temper and chocolate and what chocolate to use for decorations
* How to make chocolate bowls
* How to make a box out of chocolate

My Cookbook

ann reardon crazy sweet creations cookbook
Stores that sell my book listed by country: http://bit.ly/ARcookbook
All recipe quantities in the book are in grams, ounces and cups.

87 Comments View Comments

  1. Rating: 5

    Hello Ann, I have learn a lot from seeing your tutorials. Thank you for sharing your experience with the world. I have a question. Can I make decoration using temper chocolate and store it at room temperature until I need to put it into the cake?

  2. 3separable

  3. Rating: 5

    Fantastic talent!! I once had a chocolate envelope stuffed with raspberries. I have always wanted to try and replicate it. If there is anyone who will know “how to cook that” it’s you!!

  4. […] Bûche de Noël entremets Adapted from: L’Atelier Vi, BBC Food, Rosa’s Yummy Yums, and How To Cook That […]

  5. Rating: 5

    Which chocolate we can use for these show Pcs.

  6. hi, I am having trouble understanding how to do the chocolate sticks. could you please if its not to much trouble do a youtube video on it please that would be very helpful.

  7. Hi Ann
    My name is Victoria. I love watching your videos and plan to make the chocolate pavlova. I was looking at some of the other decorations to put on the pavlova and I was wondering if there was an alternative for the overhead projector paper?
    Thanks and keep up the great work.

    • Hi Victoria, You can buy the clear plastic sheets from a newsagency or office supply store. People often use them for cover sheets fro projects or assignments.

  8. Hi, I am trying to get that specific texture mat showed in your video (the one with the small swirls) and I just can’t find it. Could you, please, let me know where I can find it and also other small beautiful patterns? Thank you so much and your videos are a must see.

    • Hi Flavia, some of these mats, Ann found many in a kids book for use in art rubbings, so you may not be able to buy the exact same ones. Other than that Ann collects texture mats from baking supplies etc as she sees ones she likes.

  9. Hi Ann
    In the chocolate garnishes part 2 video you mention children’s rubbing books. Can you give more information about these and where to get them please.

    Thanks

    • Hi Bron, Occasionally you can pick up children’s books that contain a variety of textured pages that can be used for crayon rubbings or craft activities. I can’t give you just one supplier but if you want to hunt down something similar, search on line for crayon rubbing plates or books. Here is one example of a kids book that has rubbing plates in it. They can be handy for small quantities. For best results use a proper texture mat, but that these can be a cheap alternative if you come across them in a bargain book store.

  10. I’m going to make the chocolate swirls to make tendrils for a jack-o-lantern cake. There will be pictures!

  11. Es realmente extraordinario el trabajo que realiza. Son magníficos sus proyectos. Agradezco el compartir ese conocimiento. Quiero ponerlos en práctica. Extraordinaria su labor. La felicito!

    • Gracias Gaby!

    • Good point. I hadn’t thouhgt about it quite that way. 🙂

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