Chocolate Chai Cups and a Tutorial: How to Make Chocolate Vessels

I’ve been waxing philosophical chocoholical lately, as you can tell.  It may be cliché, and it may be expected, but when Valentine’s day rolls around I’m in a complete chocolate state of mind. And why not? Chocolate supposedly mimics the feeling of falling in love via some crazy stimulant that gets released into our bloodstream after eating it.

I always like to plan ahead and prepare early, but this recipe requires little of that.  It’s great for those of you who have little time to bake or fuss over a special occasion dessert.

First, I’d like to talk about making the chocolate vessel.  It is SO easy and fun.  You’ll need to buy a pack of water bomb balloons (some of you may know where I’m going with this) or if you can’t find this small variety, any balloon 5″ or less with do nicely.

To prepare, you should have a few balloons blown up and resting on a clean surface. Balloons can be full of static, and are prone to pick up any stray fiber, hair, or particle on a seemingly dust-free surface. I gave both my table and platter a good wipe-down with a damp cloth.  Lay out a large piece of parchment for the dipped balloons. 

I used a small bag of Ghiradelli semi-sweet baking chips, melted in the microwave at 30 second intervals. You’ll want to be careful to not overheat your chocolate, or the completed cups will develop a chalky white film in the drying process. My advice would be to stir very well between heating intervals.

You can also melt your chocolate in a saucepan on top of the stove on the lowest heat possible.  This takes a bit longer, but your chocolate is less likely to develop the chalky white film.

Transfer chocolate to a small bowl. Your chocolate should not be hot. If you find that it is hot, let it cool slightly.  Dip bottom of balloon into the melted chocolate and transfer to a piece of parchment paper.  Continue to dip balloons until all chocolate is used.

Allow to dry for approximately 20 minutes.  You’ll know it’s ready when the previously glossy chocolate coating has taken on a matte finish. 

Now for the fun part.  After the chocolate has set, carefully cut the balloon at the top just below the knot.  Allow the air to escape slowly.  The balloon will pull away from the chocolate and leave a beautiful cup!

pimp myspace

Occasionally you may experience a sticky balloon that doesn’t want to let go of the chocolate.  If this happens, then imagine your vessel as a clock, and gently pull the balloon away at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00. Pull from the knot upward.  Your balloon should release.

Now you can fill them with anything your heart desires.  My heart desired some Chai Latte whipped creme.  This is very simple to make.  All you need is some heavy whipping cream, dry, instant Chai mix and a little sugar.

Chai Latte Whipped Creme

My very own Chai flavored whipped creme recipe.  So easy …See Chai Latte Whipped Creme on Key Ingredient.

I made some of the vessels into teacups (see above).  For the handle, just pipe some melted chocolate into a small candy-cane shape and allow to dry.  The handle can be adhered with additional melted chocolate.

I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun playing with chocolate.  I think this would be a great recipe to make with the kiddos, especially since the chocolate doesn’t get too hot.  It’s almost magical when the balloon pops and you are left with a perfect chocolate bowl.  I think  I may use my leftover bowls for ice cream, or perhaps a fruit and cream parfait.

Until next time!

Follow:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
61 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Unknown
Unknown
14 years ago

Ohhh…. these look WONDERFUL! I love how creative and experimental your projects are… and your photography is getting SO good. Seriously! I love it!

April
April
14 years ago

Oh, I can't wait to make these little cups!! they look great!

Lot-O-Choc
Lot-O-Choc
14 years ago

Wow this is such a good imaginative idea! Love it so much!! Yumm!

The Blonde Duck
The Blonde Duck
14 years ago

They're so cute!

Ingrid_3Bs
Ingrid_3Bs
14 years ago

I can TOTALLY see my babygirl having a blast making these! Thanks!
~ingrid

Mara Campbell
Mara Campbell
14 years ago

I LOVE this!! What a super clever idea! I want to try this RIGHT NOW! I wish I had some of those balloons, I'm going to the store as soon as it stops raining. 🙂 And thanks for the chai whipped cream recipe, that sounds delicious too!

Erika from The Pastry Chef At Home
Erika from The Pastry Chef At Home
14 years ago

This post brings me back! I remember making little chocolate bowls with balloons like this when I was a teenager. I love that you animated the photo!

ps: cute header photo!

Memória
Memória
14 years ago

I love the animated photo!!! These chocolate cups and creme look fantastic!

Gala
Gala
14 years ago

Thanks for the great pictures and the idea!

Jennifer
Jennifer
14 years ago

So creative!!!! Im trying this!!

Jessica
Jessica
14 years ago

Ooh these look like so much fun! I've always wondered how people make cups with chocolate.

cookies and cups
cookies and cups
14 years ago

How cute! My kids will go crazy for these!

Sue
Sue
14 years ago

I look forward to your posts because you always seem to have something interesting up your sleeve! No pressure:) Your chocolate bowls look beautiful and I love the little "movie" 🙂 Beautiful from beginning to end!

A home far away
A home far away
14 years ago

Wow that looks yummie!

Have a great day!
Hugs Gunilla in Singapore

Kathleen
Kathleen
14 years ago

Oh my gosh I love your blog! These chocolate vessels are wonderful and I love how you show how to make them step by step.

Dina
Dina
14 years ago

those are darling. love the video!

DC
DC
14 years ago

I love this idea, and would love to try it. however, I have a latex allergy and would have a hard time inflating, working with, and then eating out of food in contact with the balloons. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives (preferably household items)? Thanks in advance!

Syndi
Syndi
14 years ago

You are now my new favorite person in the world!

I am looking at older posts to see what i've missed!!!!

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
14 years ago

Thanks guys! Such beautiful, creative people commenting in my little blog. (Aww, shucks!) To DC- oh boy. The dreaded latex allergy. I've been pondering this for a bit, and although it's not quite as satisfying as popping a balloon, painting the inside of a silicone muffin pan with chocolate makes a beautiful chocolate vessel. It un-molds easily without sticking, and the outside is prettier than the inside. That's really more ideal since you won't see the inside of the vessel once you fill it! I did look into vinyl balloons, but they are usually large in size, and not cost… Read more »

Abiose
Abiose
14 years ago

this is really wow! great work and i love it. trying to think of an alternative cos i know those with latex allergy are bound to avoid this. i love the idea.would let u know as soon as i get one.

Rachel@oneprettything.com
Rachel@oneprettything.com
14 years ago

Those are so much fun, I love it! I might have to do these for an early Valentine's dessert. Thanks so much, I'll be linking.

Sandy
Sandy
14 years ago

This is amazing! I love the little picture tutorial of you cutting the balloon, it definitely adds a nice touch to this post. I am sooo going to make these some day… hmmm what to fill it with, the possibilities are ENDLESS!!

ann thomas ::
ann thomas ::
14 years ago

This sounds like a blast, and wayyyy too much fun! Shared your idea on my blog, and hope to try it out soon!
Cheers,
Ann

Gorby family blog
Gorby family blog
14 years ago

Thanks for posting this! I made the chocolate bowls and filled them with a peanut butter mousse because I didn't have chai mix. They were a hit!

Katrina
Katrina
14 years ago

so cool! I'll definitely be making some of these!

Heather, too
Heather, too
14 years ago

I made these the other day for dessert with friends, and could not have been happier with the results! I filled them with whipped cream and berries, and piped the leftover chocolate into swirls and flowers for garnish. They looked so impressive (drawing oohs and aahs from the crowd), but your instructions made the process easy breezy

Nachiketa
Nachiketa
13 years ago

WOW!!!! this is totally fabulous…

Goes on my Bake-List on the highest priority… am really smitten with this idea….

You blog is very nice….

Cheers,
The Variable, Crazy Over Desserts – Nachiketa
Catch me on facebook @ Crazy Over Desserts

sasha
sasha
13 years ago

They look like alot of fun, the kids and I are going to have to make some!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

I noticed Bakerella did something like these 4 months after your post

Viagra Online
Viagra Online
13 years ago

how nice is to see all these images, and how all these ballons look covered with chocolates, I am very lucky to find this amazing recipe, I am really sure that I will prepare it at home.

Purnima@a creative project
Purnima@a creative project
13 years ago

wow.. This is so amazing!! I totally loving it!! Love the way you have explained it ..so detailed!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

You rock.

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

This is absolutely innovative! I learn so much from you!

Mahabaleshwar hotels
Mahabaleshwar hotels
13 years ago

It helps me a lot as I am having a website related to men’s health site. This site has helped me a lot to get important information.

detox drug
detox drug
13 years ago

I love love love this recipe!! I have had chocolate chai cups before but its never been that great…this seems like a great recipe b/c of the brownie mix!! thanks so much for the tips! 🙂

Online Generic Viagra
Online Generic Viagra
12 years ago

I always like to plan ahead and prepare early, but this recipe requires little of that.
Nice Creativity………..
Keep Posting…..
🙂

Levitra
Levitra
12 years ago

Magnificent 🙂 Looks delicious and easy to make! I will try that for my birthday party next week. I am sure ppl will love it!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

very good information.i like it
Buy online Furniture

tabata timer
tabata timer
12 years ago

Looks delicious i have to make one of those myself 🙂

Midland credit mgmt
Midland credit mgmt
12 years ago

I love this site very much! I personally recommend this to all my friend i'm quit sure they will benefited from this post. midland credit mgmt

acheter xenical
acheter xenical
12 years ago

SO many times I read stupid post but this time I must say i'm impressed! Well done! Cheers!

tabata timer android
tabata timer android
12 years ago

Nice, that looks so delicious :> i have to try that!

the truth about six pack abs
the truth about six pack abs
12 years ago

Very educating story, saved your blog for interest to read more!

Lexy
Lexy
12 years ago

Hi,
Fatabulous Blog….just found you and am having a blast going all the way back.
Question – how did you get the cup in the second photo to be so smooth on the "lip" of the cup compared to the jagged edge on the first photo? Can't wait to try this. Thanks for your creative dessert ideas.

Lexy
Lexy
12 years ago

Woops…forgot to "subscribe by email"

Heidi Hawyes
Heidi Hawyes
12 years ago

This is such an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing

Shraddha
Shraddha
12 years ago

to make chai latte whipped cream did you use liquid heavy whipping cream? or the semi solid whipped toping?

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

I am definitely making these soon!! I read a few of the comments and I may or may not have a solution to the latex allergy…What about a light bulb? I'm not sure how safe it would be but same shape as the balloon, hope this helps.

Unknown
Unknown
11 years ago

I love this idea, but I failed somehow in the execution. I missed the step to transfer the chocolate into another bowl and one of the balloons hit the side of the bowl and popped with chocolate all over it. My kitchen will never be the same! Note to self: Always read the directions COMPLETELY before starting!

I am cleaning up and trying again though. This time, I will be more careful 🙂

Duby
Duby
11 years ago

I wonder – could i make these ahead of time and store them in teh freezer ?