Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs

Name: Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher); 100g heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 50g peanut butter; 50g raspberry jam; 50g sweetened coconut; 50g chocolate ganache

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs, especially for special occasions. They're not only visually stunning but also incredibly delectable. The rich dark chocolate combined with a creamy filling creates a delightful treat that feels both elegant and indulgent. I love how easy they are to prepare and how they can be customized with various fillings like peanut butter or raspberry. These heart-shaped delights are perfect for surprising that special someone and are sure to impress with their gourmet look and taste.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:58:28.579Z

Each time I make these Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs, I remember the joy of the first time I created them. It was during a small gathering, and everyone was thrilled when they discovered the hidden filling inside. The joy on their faces inspired me to keep perfecting the recipe. Using high-quality dark chocolate really makes a difference, as it enhances the overall flavor and texture.

One tip I’ve found valuable is to temper the chocolate properly. This ensures that the heart bombs have a beautiful shine and achieve the ideal snap when bitten into. I always use a double boiler to keep the temperature consistent and prevent scorching. The result is simply irresistible!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent dark chocolate with a smooth, rich filling
Perfect for gifting or adding a touch of romance
Customizable with various fillings to suit your palate

      

Mastering Chocolate Tempering

Tempering chocolate is a crucial step in achieving that glossy finish and satisfying snap when you bite into your Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs. To temper effectively, melt the chocolate slowly over a double boiler, allowing it to reach around 45°C (113°F). After this initial melt, remove it from the heat and gradually stir in cool, unmelted chocolate until it cools to about 31°C (88°F). This process stabilizes the cocoa butter crystals, resulting in beautifully tempered chocolate that's perfect for molding.

If you notice your chocolate isn't glossy or has a dull finish after cooling, it may not have been tempered correctly. In this case, don’t panic! Simply re-melt the chocolate and go through the tempering process again. Remember, maintaining the proper temperatures is key; keep a reliable kitchen thermometer handy to avoid any mishaps.

Customizing Your Filled Bombs

The filling for your heart bombs can elevate them from delightful to extraordinary. While the specified fillings, like peanut butter and raspberry jam, pair wonderfully with the rich dark chocolate, you can also experiment with other options. Try a layer of homemade chocolate ganache for a luxurious touch or swap in Nutella for a nutty sweetness. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using a fluffy whipped cream mixed with a hint of vanilla for an airy contrast.

Remember to keep the filling amounts consistent. Each filling should be about 50g, ensuring that you have enough room to cover them with another layer of chocolate. If you opt for additional ingredients, keep it balanced to avoid overwhelming the rich chocolate flavor.

Storage and Presentation Tips

Once your Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs are ready, think about how to best store them until you serve. Ideally, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, especially if you've included perishable fillings. They can last for up to a week, but trust me, they’re likely to disappear much sooner! For longer-term storage, consider freezing them. Just be sure to separate each bomb with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they can last up to a month in the freezer.

When it comes to gifting or serving, presentation can really enhance the experience. Consider placing the heart bombs in decorative boxes with some shredded paper filler for a charming touch. You can even drizzle more melted chocolate over the top just before serving for an added visual appeal. These little details not only make them look gourmet but also add an extra layer of elegance that will impress anyone receiving this sweet treat.

Ingredients

For the Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
100g heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Filling (choose one or combine)

50g peanut butter
50g raspberry jam
50g sweetened coconut
50g chocolate ganache

Instructions

Prepare the Molds

Use silicone heart-shaped molds to easily release the chocolate once set. Ensure they're clean and dry before you start.

Melt the Chocolate

In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate until smooth. Tempature should reach around 45°C (113°F) for perfect tempering.

Coat the Molds

Using a spoon, carefully coat the insides of each heart mold with melted chocolate. Ensure the walls are thick enough to hold the filling without breaking.

Chill the Molds

Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the chocolate is set.

Add Filling

Once set, spoon your chosen filling into each chocolate heart, leaving space for another layer of chocolate.

Seal with Chocolate

Top off with another layer of melted chocolate, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Chill again for about 15 minutes.

Unmold and Enjoy

Carefully pop the heart bombs out of the molds. They are now ready to gift or enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try adding spices like cinnamon to the filling or using flavored chocolate. Also, ensure that the chocolate is tempered properly for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in your Dark Chocolate Heart Bombs plays a vital role. The dark chocolate not only provides a deep flavor but also forms the structure of your heart bombs. The high cocoa content (70% or higher) ensures a rich taste and glossy finish, while the heavy cream contributes to the creamy filling, offering a luxurious mouthfeel. The vanilla extract and pinch of salt enhance the chocolate’s flavor, creating a well-rounded experience with every bite.

Don’t underestimate the importance of using good quality chocolate. Chocolate with lower cocoa content may result in a waxy texture and dull color, failing to deliver that gourmet feel. If you need to replace the heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk can provide a similar creamy consistency, perfect for a dairy-free alternative.

Troubleshooting Your Heart Bombs

If your chocolate isn't setting properly, it could be due to moisture contamination or an incorrect tempering process. Always ensure your molds are completely dry before pouring in the melted chocolate. If you accidentally get water in your chocolate, it can seize and become grainy. If this happens, try adding a small amount of vegetable oil to the mixture to salvage it by making it smoother again.

Another common issue is the filling leaking out. Make sure the chocolate coating is thick enough before adding the filling, and seal it well with another layer of chocolate. If your bombs are still not holding together, try refrigerating them for longer, as this could help the layers bond more firmly.

Scaling the Recipe

When scaling this recipe, remember to maintain the same ratio of ingredients for both chocolate and fillings. If you’re making a larger batch, use multiple molds to save time. For instance, if you have additional silicone molds, you can prepare a double batch of chocolate to fill them simultaneously. Keep in mind that melting larger quantities of chocolate will take slightly longer, so adjust your timing accordingly, monitoring the temperature closely.

If you decide to make fewer heart bombs, ensure you're also reducing your filling quantities proportionately. This way, you won’t have leftovers, and you’ll still enjoy perfectly balanced flavors in each heart bomb. I often make a small batch for a cozy evening treat and double it for special occasions like anniversaries or Valentine’s Day!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate will have a sweeter flavor and a different melting point.

→ How do I store the heart bombs?

Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.

→ Can I freeze these heart bombs?

Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

→ What filling options do you recommend?

You can use peanut butter, fruit jams, or even flavored ganache. The choice is yours!