Chocolate Bonbons Recipe: Easier Than You Think

A tray of rich, homemade chocolate bonbons with a dripping chocolate effect in the background.

Are you a fan of desserts and dreaming of making chocolate bonbons at home? Guess what—you can! And the recipe is easier than you think.

No need for expensive equipment and expert cooking skills. Just a few simple ingredients and the right tools like PJ Bold Polycarbonate Molds and your delicious, fancy-looking chocolate bonbons will be ready in some time. 

This guide will walk you through the chocolate bonbon recipe step by step. From the ingredients and tools to the easy instructions, you will learn it all. Even beginners can follow this recipe.

Plus, we will also share tips on flavors, designs, and how to store them.

Let's dive in!

Part 1. Chocolate Bonbons Recipe (Ingredients, Equipment, & Instructions)

Before we get to the detailed steps of making the bonbon dessert, you must have the following ingredients and equipment so that you can start the process.

Ingredients:

Ganache

Bon Bons

1 cup milk chocolate

225 grams of dark chocolate

½ cup heavy cream (hot)

¼ cup cocoa butter

1 tsp brandy

Oil-based food coloring (3 colors)

2 tsp maraschino cherry juice

Luster dust (3 colors)

Equipements:

  • Small saucepan
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Fork or dipping tools

Instructions for Chocolate Bonbons:

  • Step 1- Heat the cream and then pour it over the chocolate.
  • Step 2- Melt the chocolate and cocoa butter.
  • Step 3- Add food coloring and mix.
  • Step 4- Shape bonbons, add ganache.
  • Step 5- Seal bonbons and add luster dust.
  • Step 6- Chill for around 10 minutes and enjoy.

Before starting the recipe, it's essential to ensure all equipment, including FDA-approved molds, is thoroughly cleaned. Any leftover residue or moisture can affect the chocolate’s texture and prevent a smooth release. Cleaning Silicone Molds with warm, soapy water and drying them completely ensures your bonbons have a flawless, professional finish.

Now that you have a basic idea of what you got to do, let's move forward to the detailed step-by-step instructions.

Part 2. How to Make Chocolate Bonbons? Step-by-Step Guide

Below are the detailed step-by-step instructions for making chocolate bonbons using silicone molds:

Step 1: Prepare the Ganache Filling

Take a small saucepan and heat the heavy cream until it gets hot and consistent, but don't overheat it to boiling. Then, take a heatproof bowl, put chocolate in it, and pour this hot cream over the chocolate. Wait a minute, and then mix both ingredients with the spatula to smooth the mixture. Once the mixture is ready, add maraschino cherry juice and brandy and mix well. When the ganache is ready, keep it aside to cool it down.

Hot cream is poured over chopped chocolate in a bowl, and a mixing spatula to create a smooth ganache.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Now, if you have a double boiler, place the heatproof bowl onto it and melt and mix the milk chocolate and cocoa butter. You can also microwave both ingredients at 30-second intervals. Stir the batter until it becomes smooth and glossy.

Chocolate melting in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, stirred to a glossy texture.

Step 3: Add Colors to Chocolate (Optional)

Now, divide the melted chocolate into three bowls. Add a drop of oil-based food coloring to each bowl (one color per bowl). Mix until the colors are even and vibrant.

Three bowls of melted chocolate being mixed with different oil-based food colorings, creating vibrant blended colors.

Step 4: Shape the Bonbons

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon or mold to create bonbon shapes with the colored chocolate. Fill the center of each bonbon with the ganache. Cover the filling with more melted chocolate to seal the bonbons.If you want your bonbons to look perfect, you can try the PJ Bold polycarbonate chocolate molds. They will help you make professional-looking bonbons.

Bonbon molds filled with colored chocolate and ganache, with melted chocolate being poured to seal bonbons.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

In the final step, let the bonbons set until the chocolate hardens. Then, dust each bonbon with luster dust for a shiny, professional look.

A brush dusting golden luster dust on freshly shaped bonbons, giving them a professional, glossy finish

Step 6: Chill and Enjoy

So, in the end, put your bonbons in the fridge for around 10-15 minutes to firm them up. Then, serve and enjoy your homemade chocolate bonbons.

bonbons tray inside a fridge to chill, with another view showing glossy, perfectly set bonbons ready to be served

💡 Note:

If you want to store your chocolate bonbons, make sure that the chocolate coating is hard enough so that they won't melt or lose shape. You can store them in a zip bag to enjoy them anytime later. Plus, store them in the fridge if the room temperature is hot. Otherwise, the chocolate will be melted.


Silicone molds make shaping bonbons easier by providing a clean, uniform structure and ensuring easy release. Simply pour the melted chocolate into your mold, tilt it to coat the sides evenly, and let it set before adding the ganache filling. If you're new to working with molds, review how to use silicone molds for perfect results.

Part 3. Molds to Perfect Your Homemade Chocolate Bonbons

If you want shiny and perfectly shaped bonbons, the right mold makes all the difference. PJ Bold's Polycarbonate Chocolate Molds are a great choice. They are durable, easy to use, and make sure your chocolates release smoothly without breaking. These molds also give your bonbons a glossy finish that looks amazing.

Moreover, if you're into making lollipops, PJ Bold has fun Silicone Lollipop Molds. They come in cool designs and are super easy to work with, perfect for creating colorful, eye-catching treats at home.

Want to add your own touch? PJ Bold even offers Custom Polycarbonate Molds. You can create unique shapes and designs that make your chocolates truly one of a kind.

Using quality molds from PJ Bold makes homemade treats look and feel professional. It's a simple way to step up your confectionery game!

Let's move forward and see how flavor and designs can add a unique touch to your chocolate bonbons

Part 4. What Are the Flavor and Design Options for Chocolate Bonbons?

Making chocolate bonbons at home gives you the freedom to get creative. You can try different designs and flavors to discover new tastes. Making desserts at home is not just about how they taste; it's also about how fun the making process is.

Flavor Ideas:

  • Classic: Caramel, hazelnut, and peanut butter are always crowd-pleasers.
  • Fruity: Add a pop of flavor with raspberry, orange, or cherry fillings.
  • Fancy: A splash of brandy or your favorite liqueur makes them extra special.

Design and Shapes:

The designs and shapes of your bonbon desserts can totally change their look. PJ Bold offers a variety of polycarbonate mold shapes to make your chocolate bonbons unique. Some of the popular shapes include:

Make Them Extra Special:

  • Paint the molds with food-safe cocoa butter for colorful designs.
  • Add a light shimmer using edible luster dust.
  • Try layering milk, dark, or white chocolate for a fun mix of colors and flavors.

Now that we have explored the chocolate bonbon recipe, it's time to find out how to store them. To do so, you need to read the next section.

Part 5. How to store Chocolate Bonbons?

Keeping your chocolate bonbons fresh is simple. Follow these tips to store them properly:

  • Keep Them Cool: Store your bonbons in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Heat can make them melt or lose their smooth texture.
  • Use an Airtight Container: Put them in a container with a tight lid to keep out moisture and smells.
  • Refrigerate Them: If it's too hot outside, store them in the fridge. Wrap them well or use a sealed bag to avoid moisture ruining them.
  • Freeze for Later: If you want to keep them for longer, put them in the freezer. Use a good container, and let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying them.

Part 6. Bonus Tips for Perfect Chocolate Bonbons

Here are some of the tips that you can follow for the perfect chocolate bonbons:

  • Use the Best Quality Chocolate: Always pick high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. It makes all the difference!
  • Keep Everything Dry: Moisture can ruin your chocolate's texture. Ensure your tools and hands are completely dry.
  • Don't Skip Tempering: Proper tempering gives that glossy finish and the perfect snap. Trust me, it's worth it!
  • Don't Rush:  Work at a steady pace. Rushing can lead to mistakes like uneven coatings or messy designs.
  • Decorate Creatively: Use edible gold dust, colorful cocoa butter, or sprinkles to make your bonbons look stunning.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Try mixing flavors like coffee, caramel, or fruity ganache for a unique twist.

Conclusion:

So that was all for the chocolate bonbon recipe. Hope this guide has been helpful for you in making delicious chocolate treats. We have explored everything from ingredients to equipment and detailed instructions. Follow the tips to make perfect bonbons. 

Also, don't forget to try out the PJ Bold polycarbonate chocolate molds. They will be a value addition to the bonbon recipe. Now that you have all the information, it’s time to head to the kitchen and make your own chocolate treats!

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FAQs About Chocolate Bonbons

Can I Use Any type of Chocolate to Make Bonbons?

Yes, you can use any available chocolate. However, it's best to use high-quality chocolate. Those with at least 70% cocoa in them for a rich flavor. You can also mix the white and dark chocolates for different flavors.

Why is Tempering Chocolate Important in a Bonbon Recipe?

Tempering chocolate is optional. But it is suggested to temper it as it helps the chocolate to harden properly. Tempering will also give the bonbons a nice glossy finish. They won't become dull or streaky.

What Fillings Can I Use for Chocolate Bonbons?

You can try different types of fillings as per your liking. The popular options include caramel, nut butter, fruit jams, or ganache. The choice is yours!

How Long do Chocolate Bonbons Last?

They can last up to two weeks if stored properly in an airtight container. If you’ve used fresh ingredients in the filling, they might need to be eaten sooner.

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