How to use up leftover chocolate

Is that big pile of Easter eggs in the corner making you feel nervous? Instead of eating them all as they are, why not use them up in one of these chocolatey ideas…

No-bake chocolate cakes

Simply melt a couple of Easter eggs and mix the liquid chocolate with cereals such as Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes. Then stick them in the fridge for a bit to set, so they look like the picture above. It’s a great, easy recipe to get young children ‘baking’ in the kitchen for the first time.

If you fancy something a bit less basic, then try out this no-bake chocolate cake.

Though it might be less immediate than the first idea here, it's not exactly difficult. Melt chocolate, add some crushed digestive biscuits and pistachio nuts, followed by some almonds and figs, then add a dollop of cream to serve. Straightforward and utterly delicious.

Personal chocolates

Chocolate moulds are a good way to create something new out of leftover chocolate – sites such as makebake.co.uk have everything from coffee cup to ladybird to clock face moulds.

Add some gift wrap and hey presto... it’s a perfect birthday present.

Milkshake

Add small, roughly chopped chocolate to two scoops of your favourite ice cream, along with a splash of milk and ice, then blend into a milkshake.

We suggest finishing with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a ‘wow’ shake.

Chocolate chip cookies

It seems a shame to smash up some of the better looking Easter eggs into chunks. But you'll get over it quickly when you bite into one of these delicious walnut and chocolate chip cookies.

Best served with a cup of tea and friends. Unless you want them all to yourself...

Chocolate ganache

Warm double cream on the hob and, when small bubbles start to appear, stir in your chocolate chunks. Continue to stir until both the cream and chocolate are fully mixed, then transfer to a bowl and serve with a range of tasty treats for dipping. Strawberries and marshmallows are always a hit! 

Follow this recipe for great results.

Chocolate strawberries

Melt dark or milk chocolate Easter eggs and dip large fresh strawberries into the mix. Place the chocolate strawberries onto a plate and leave to set in the fridge for around 30 minutes. Once set, melt white chocolate and re-dip the strawberries and place again in the fridge for a great double chocolate effect. 

Chocolate lollipops

Lollipop moulds are always useful to have in the cupboard. Simply melt the chocolate, pour it into the mould, and leave to set in the fridge for around 30 minutes. Once set, remove the lollipops and dip them into melted chocolate, followed by sprinkles or edible glitter for a great effect. Try this affordable chocolate heart shaped lollipop mould for £3.98.

Chocolate fondue

This really only works if you have dark chocolate eggs leftover, or any other sort of dark choc. Not the most common of all eggs, but still worth a mention, I feel, because fondue is incredible. If you don't have dark choc leftovers, go out of your way to make it another day!

Banana split

Melt your Easter eggs and pour over sliced bananas, whipped cream and ice cream for a scrumptious dessert. Don’t forget to add sprinkles and a cherry on top!

Baking

If in doubt, do a search for chocolate recipes. How about a batch of French chocolate sables? Or chocolate cheesecake brownies? There are dozens of recipes to choose from…

All chocolate suggestions provided by makebake.co.uk.

From lamb to hot cross buns, how to use up your other Easter leftovers