4 Flavourful Velvetiser desserts for summer

You may know The Velvetiser for its warming hot chocolates in the colder seasons, but did you know that you can also utilise The Velvetiser for refreshing summer desserts?

Finally! Warmer weather is beginning to wrap the UK in its summery embrace. The sun is staying out for longer, and it won’t be long until we start to feel it warm our bones from the inside out.

In the winter, it’s natural to reach for a warm beverage — maybe tea, coffee, or a soothing hot chocolate, but what about summer desserts? It’s even more tempting if you’re lucky enough to have your own Velvetiser, where you can create velvety smooth drinks at the touch of a button.

But what do you reach for in summer? If you have a Velvetiser or you’re thinking of owning one, you’ll be glad to know that there are many easy summer desserts you can make using this state-of-the-art piece of equipment.

The versatility of The Velvetiser

While we designed The Velvetiser with hot chocolate in mind, we also ensured that it could be used for different purposes. Think desserts, milkshakes, silky cocktails, and even sumptuous chocolate mousses. It’s designed to work with a variety of liquids, including dairy, plant-based milks, or water, and can transform these into velvetised drinks or dessert bases in just minutes.

Please note that you can’t add chocolate directly to your Velvetiser. You will need to use our chocolate flakes in combination with your choice of liquid for the Velvetiser to be fully effective.

4 Easy summer desserts to make with The Velvetiser

You can easily add a tasteful twist to any of your summer desserts using The Velvetiser. No matter if you’re looking for a vegan* option or you’re aiming to impress the masses at a dinner party, these desserts are sure to provide both variety and a touch of elegance to the occasion.

*We believe our dark and Nutmilk chocolate is suitable for vegans, however, as it is made in the same environment as our milk chocolate we cannot guarantee it is free from milk.

Chilled chocolate mousse

Ingredients: Hotel Chocolat’s 70% Dark Chocolate flakes, heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. We love the classic flavour of dark chocolate, but you could even opt for white or milk chocolate if you prefer a more mellow taste.

Why not push the boat out and opt for one of our more adventurous chocolate flavours? Explore our Chilli Chocolate, Ginger Chocolate, and Raspberry Chocolate — and our Liqueur Chocolate collection shouldn’t go amiss. Our Mezcal chocolate is smoky, punching, and brooding. The perfect addition to the top of your mousse at an adult’s dinner party with your nearest and dearest.

Method: Simply melt the chocolate in the Velvetiser with your chosen liquid until silky smooth. Next, whip the heavy cream with sugar and salt until soft peaks form. To finish, fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream gently. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours before serving.

This dessert can be garnished with our Chocolate Flakes for an extra layer of texture. If you’re looking for a vegan variation, use your favourite brand of plant-based cream and pick your favourite flavours from our vegan* chocolate range. Perfect for a sophisticated dinner or as a refreshing summer treat, serve in elegant glasses topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.

Berry chocolate trifle

Ingredients: Sponge cake (homemade or shop-bought), Our Milk Chocolate, mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), and whipped cream.

Summer calls for refreshing, zingy fruit. So why not go all out? Our fruity chocolate range includes a variety of products that are designed with summer indulgences in mind.

Our Kirsch Cherries are soaked in kirsch and then enrobed in layers of both milk and dark chocolate, offering a soft and juicy bite. If you fancy adding something non-alcoholic instead, our Passion Fruit Chocolate Selector includes lashings of punchy passion fruit purée, folded into a creamy ganache and then enrobed in luscious white chocolate.

Method: Prepare your flavoured chocolate sauce by melting chocolate flakes and your chosen liquid using the Velvetiser, then combine with cream and sugar in a separate bowl. Then cut your sponge cake into layers. Layer the cake into a glass, covering it in your fresh chocolate sauce, fresh berries, and a generous amount of whipped cream. Repeat until the glass is full, then finally add your garnish of choice.

Temperature and timings: Melt the chocolate in the Velvetiser at its standard temperature setting. Make sure that you assemble your trifle immediately and serve chilled.

There’s no denying that this is a visually stunning dessert. The vegan version can feature our Unbelievably Vegan* Nutmilk Hot Chocolate and a dairy-free sponge. Ideal for summer picnics or garden parties, make sure you serve in clear trifle bowls to showcase the layers — whether this be one big trifle glass or individual ones.

Homemade chocolate ice cream

Please note that you do need an ice cream maker for this summer dessert idea.

Ingredients: Your favourite Hotel Chocolat chocolate, egg yolks, sugar, milk, and heavy cream.

There are two kinds of people in this world — people who favour the classic taste of creamy white chocolate, soothing milk chocolate, and the satisfying bitterness of dark chocolate, and those who yearn for something a little bit more. All of the above are excellent for turning into chocolate ice cream, but did you know that different flavours can be enhanced in ice cream form?

Try our Chilli Chocolate for an exciting blend where heat and cold combine for an ultimate refreshing experience. If you like your ice cream with a bit of a bite, then we’d recommend exploring our Nut Chocolate range.

Method: Melt your chocolate and liquid into the Velvetiser. Next, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together, then mix it with milk and heavy cream. Combine the mixture with your freshly melted chocolate.

Chill your mixture in the fridge for about 2 hours before churning it in the ice cream maker for about 20-30 minutes to ensure its refreshing, creamy texture.

For a finishing touch, drizzle your chocolate ice cream with sauce, or you could even try your hand at making your own caramel sauce. Add the finishing touch by crushing and sprinkling over our Chocolate Orange Tangs — made with zesty pure orange juice.

For a vegan variation, you can incorporate our vegan* chocolate and a coconut milk base. Serve in decorative bowls or embrace the childlike joy of ice cream by using cones at summer gatherings or as a cool down after a barbecue with friends or family.

Frozen chocolate banana pops

Ingredients: Bananas, a complementing selection of our chocolate, and your favourite toppings such as nuts or sprinkles.

We recommend that you create your own banoffee-flavoured banana bites — simply cover the bananas in our Salted Caramel Chocolate, and get ready for a moreish flavour experience.

Method: Melt your chocolate in the Velvetiser. Next, dip your bananas in chocolate, then roll in your variety of toppings. Finally, freeze for at least an hour until the chocolate sets. You could even cut the banana into bite-size pieces for your little chocolate lovers. Why not set up a create-your-own station so all of your family and friends can get involved, trying a variety of flavour combinations?

This is an easy and healthy summer treat for all the family to enjoy. Don’t forget that you can use your favourite vegan chocolate and toppings for a dairy-free treat. These are undeniably a hit at children’s parties or for fun summer desserts at family barbecues, served on sticks for easy enjoyment.

Embrace summer with the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser

This summer, don’t leave your Velvetiser at the back of the cupboard. It deserves better than that. Use your Velvetiser to make tastebud-tingling, refreshing desserts this summer.

We currently have a Velvetiser Starter Kit available for our VIP.ME members, where you can save up to £42, bagging your own Velvetiser for just £67.95. Sign in or sign up, and use the code EASTEREGG24 at the checkout.

Don’t forget — we have a whole collection of Velvetiser Recipes for you to explore and enjoy. Make the most out of this amazing piece of equipment with the help of Hotel Chocolat.