Nicky’s clever ways to use up leftover Easter chocolate
Got a stash of edible Easter gifts you don't want to waste, or simply want to try something new? Either way, try these indulgent Easter dessert recipes, all featuring leftover chocolate. What’s more, they can be made any time of year, with most types of chocolate. Winning!
“I know what you’re thinking: leftover chocolate? Yes, it happens. Maybe it’s a stash of edible Easter gifts you don’t want to waste, or you just want to try something new. Either way, these are my favourite indulgent Easter dessert recipes, all featuring leftover Easter chocolate – but, honestly, they can be made any time of year, with most types of chocolate.”
– Nicky
01
Leftover Easter-egg ice-cream
I love this one because it reminds me of those ice-cream shops that mash all the yummy ingredients together. Plus, there’s very little prep and clean-up involved. I’ve used vanilla ice-cream here, but you can use any flavour, really. Or any type of leftover Easter chocolate. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate will all work a treat.
02
Leftover Easter-egg chocolate cupcakes
These cute cupcakes are a good recipe to get the kids involved without too much mess or measuring. They have a little surprise Easter egg or two in each cupcake, which is perfect when you’re wondering what on earth to do with leftover Easter chocolate. I’ve used a packet cake mix – which works perfectly for cupcakes as well – but feel free to make your own or mix up the flavours; vanilla cake mix would work just as well!
03
Leftover Easter chocolate spoons
Here’s another great recipe the kids will love making. These leftover Easter egg chocolate spoons have so few ingredients and mean you can get creative with toppings. Mini marshmallows are a great option, but chopped nuts, hundreds and thousands, or even a drizzle of white chocolate would work a treat. You can enjoy stirring them into warm milk right away, or give them as sweet homemade gifts.
04
Easter bunny milkshake
A heavenly chocolate milkshake served inside a cute leftover chocolate easter bunny? Yes, please. Everyone will go crazy for this fun twist on a classic Easter treat. Even the big kids in my house can’t say no to it! Make sure to use cold milk so there’s no risk of the milkshake “cup” melting.
05
Creme egg toastie
As if freshly baked hot cross buns weren’t already good enough on their own, go ahead and try filling them with loads of gooey Creme eggs, then toasting to perfection. You won’t regret it. Well, I certainly didn’t!
06
Easter-egg hot chocolate
Hot chocolate just reached new heights with this epic Easter-egg approach. It’s even served inside a chocolate egg and topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and extra chocolate shavings for good measure. Be sure to use a good-sized mug for this recipe, because the chocolate egg will melt.
07
Salted chocolate Easter-egg sauce
Salted caramel is a firm favourite among Fresh Ideas readers (and the team!) but have you tried salted chocolate? Adding a sprinkle of salt to chocolate instantly enhances the flavour, lending balance and contrast. You can drizzle this chocolate sauce on ice-cream, or stir it into warm milk for a decadent treat.
08
No-bake Easter-egg cheesecake
A cheesecake is always impressive, and a chocolate cheesecake is extra special. This no-bake cheesecake uses leftover chocolate from your Easter stash to add a dark richness to a classic cheesecake. Yum!
09
Leftover Easter-egg brownie
Everyone in my family loves brownies, especially these indulgent leftover Easter egg brownies. They’re lovely with a cuppa and make a gorgeous dessert served warm with ice-cream. Use up leftover Easter eggs by baking them into the batter in place of regular chocolate chips. Mix it up by adding Creme eggs or even turning your brownies into eggs themselves!
10
Easter egg rocky road
Rocky road is a great Easter gift because you can simply wrap up your rocky road and give it to someone special. Or just eat it yourself, whatever sounds best. This gooey, crunchy, chocolatey and colourful recipe is everything you could want from a rocky road. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover Easter eggs.
11
Easter eggs with hot cross bun dippers
Get into the Easter festive spirit with leftover Easter eggs served alongside freshly toasted hot cross bun dippers. This irresistible treat fuses the creamy richness of chocolate eggs with the spiced, fruity flavours of hot cross buns - adding a little magic to your celebrations. Perfect for family gatherings or as a special Easter morning surprise, this combination brings a new twist to traditional holiday flavours, making it a memorable treat for everyone.
12
Sourdough Easter pudding
Transform your leftover sourdough into a scrumptious pudding that’s comforting and indulgent. This recipe breathes new life into stale bread with rich, custardy goodness, fragrant spices and juicy bursts of dried fruit. It’s an ingenious way to reduce waste while enjoying Easter's cosy, heartwarming flavours. Serve this pudding as the perfect end to your feast, topped with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
13
Bunny hot-cross-bun trifles
Easter just got sweeter with these adorable bunny trifles! Layer spiced hot cross bun pieces with leftover Easter eggs, lush cream and fresh, zesty fruit. Each spoonful brings magic to your plate, from the fluffy bun to the creamy filling, making it a perfect treat. Easy to assemble and irresistibly yummy, they're sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
14
White choc chip Easter egg cookies
Get cracking with these cookies, boasting soft, chewy centres studded with creamy white chocolate chips and leftover mini Easter eggs. This recipe is a fun and festive way to bake with the family, creating memories and tasty treats, perfect for sharing. Whether left out for the Easter bunny or enjoyed with a glass of milk, these cookies are a sweet addition to your holiday festivities, combining classic bickie goodness with the joy of Easter egg hunting.