Easter is all about celebration, and here at IDEAL we think that the yearly ritual of cracking into a giant sized egg and hearing that snap as the chocolate shatters is one of the most joyful things about this time of year, no matter how old you are.
That said, while breaking into an Easter egg can be a joyous affair, finishing a whole one can be a chore. Even more so if you’ve been gifted a collection of eggs that aren’t exactly pushing above the 70% cocoa content mark, if you know what we mean…
As such, leftover chocolate Easter eggs are a common occurrence after the holiday season, with some hanging around forlornly in the back of a cupboard all the way until the following April.
Don’t let yours gather dust. Instead, there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose all that leftover Easter egg chocolate, helping you create something that is arguably – no, definitely – even more delicious than the original.
Here are 8 recipe ideas for using up your leftover Easter egg chocolate.
Easter Egg Chocolate Fridge Cake
This no-bake dessert is perfect for using up leftover chocolate Easter eggs. Simply melt the chocolate – either on the stovetop or in the microwave, which is the quickest and easiest way to do things – and mix it with crushed biscuits, dried fruits, and nuts.
Press the mixture into a lined baking tin and refrigerate until set. Once firm, cut the cake into squares and enjoy a deliciously rich and indulgent treat. You can also add marshmallows or other sweets and treats to the mix for added texture and flavour.
Check out the BBC’s roundup of fridge cake recipes for more inspiration.
Read: The IDEAL recipe for quick and easy chocolate brownies
Mini Egg Cheesecake Cookie Bars
Enjoy the best of both worlds with these Mini Egg Cheesecake Cookie Bars. Start by making a cookie dough base and press it into a lined baking tin. Next, prepare a cheesecake filling and fold in crushed chocolate Easter eggs. Spread the cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough and bake until set. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and enjoy a deliciously rich and creamy dessert.
This one goes fantastically well with an espresso!
Chocolate Egg Brownies
Give your classic brownie recipe an Easter twist by adding chopped chocolate Easter eggs to the batter. The chocolate eggs will melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate goodness throughout the brownies. Serve these decadent treats warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Easter Rocky Road
This no-bake treat is perfect for using up leftover chocolate from your family’s Easter eggs, as well as other sweet treats you might have lying around. Melt your chocolate and mix it with crushed biscuits, marshmallows, and any other random sweets that every family seems to have in the house. Press the mixture into a lined baking tin and refrigerate until set. Once firm, cut the rocky road into squares and enjoy a sweet and crunchy treat.
Chocolate Egg Baked Tart
Transform your leftover chocolate Easter eggs into an elegant dessert with this Chocolate Egg Baked Tart recipe for BBC Goodfood. Start by making a simple pastry crust and blind bake it until golden. Next, melt the chocolate Easter eggs and mix them with butter and flour, and then eggs, to create a rich chocolate filling. Pour the filling into the baked crust and bake until set (some may choose to add mini eggs to the mix for a bit of theatre!).
Serve the tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Microwave Chocolate Cookies
This microwave cookie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the commitment of baking an entire batch of cookies. The addition of Easter egg chocolate adds a festive touch, making it a delightful treat to enjoy over the holiday or any time you’re craving a quick and easy dessert.
Easter Hot Chocolate
Use up leftover chocolate Easter eggs by melting them down and turning them into a decadent hot chocolate. Simply heat milk in a saucepan and add the chopped chocolate Easter eggs, stirring until melted and smooth.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and any other toppings you desire. This is the perfect way to enjoy a cosy and comforting drink while using up leftover chocolate treats – and to teach the kids about reducing food waste, too!
Easter Mini Egg Fudge
This easy fudge recipe is perfect for using up leftover chocolate Easter eggs. Melt the chocolate and mix it with sweetened condensed milk and butter. Fold in crushed mini eggs or other candies and press the mixture into a lined baking tin. Refrigerate until set, then cut the fudge into squares and enjoy a sweet and creamy treat.
So, there you have it; 8 great recipe ideas for using up your leftover Easter egg chocolate! Need more inspiration? With the help of Michelin starred Bohemia Restaurant, here’s some more top tips on how to use your leftover Easter eggs – not suitable for the calorie-shy!