9 Best Chocolate-Making Classes in the U.S.

Though we never need a reason to celebrate chocolate, Valentine's Day seems like an especially good time to devote ourselves to this wonderful sweet. The little brown bar has come quite a long way since it first hit the sweet scene. Now chocolate lovers can get their hands dirty by mixing cocoa with fruits, spices, and even alcohol! So before you check into Chocoholics Anonymous, check out our round up of these unique chocolate-making classes.

New York 

Tache Artisan Chocolate

Located on the Lower East side of Manhattan, Tache Artisan Chocolate is famous for its many chocolate classes. The hour and a half course is taught by chocolatier and owner, Aditi Malhotra, a graduate of the famed Glion Institute in Switzerland. You’ll learn the ins and outs of chocolate, including cultivating, tempering, tasting, and of course, decorating your own masterpieces. You can even head over to the chocolate shop and admire Tache’s bonbons, truffles, ganache, and other chocolate treats for inspiration before your class. Prices for a class range from $65-$85 per person depending on age and group size and you can take home all the chocolate you make!

International Culinary Center

Where else would gourmet chocolatiers hone their skills? The International Culinary Center of course! The 25-hour Chocolate Candy and Confections course comes at a fee of $1,030, including an application fee, tuition, uniform, tool kit, books, supplies, and a “family meal” prepared by culinary students on weekdays. The intensive course will teach chocolate lovers all the tricks under the watchful eye of skillfully trained chefs and instructors. From the history and science behind chocolate, to dipping and molding chocolate and at course end you’ll get to show off your own customized box of chocolates.

Next up, California, Illinois, Oregon, Florida, and Texas… [pagebreak]

California

Spun Sugar

The staff at Spun Sugar welcomes you to “enjoy the sweet life” as they cater to your sweet tooth. Spun Sugar offers more than just chocolate classes, with courses including cake and cupcake decorating, cookie baking, and creating gum paste flowers. You’ll not only leave with knowledge to take back to your own kitchen but a bag full of sweet treats as well! Pre-registration is required for all classes and can be done on the website. Prices vary depending on the size of the group and can be inquired during registration.

Rachel Dunn Chocolates

Learn from the best by taking a chocolate class with the chocolatier herself! Rachel Dunn is known for her giant caramel apple, deemed “The Unbelievable Apple,” which eliminates the stick and gets straight to the goodness. Dunn guides the hands-on 1 1/2 to 2 hour workshop and teaches you how to properly temper and dip chocolate, while sharing her passion for her craft.

Illinois

Chocolat Uzma Sharif

If the only thing you know about chocolate is how to remove the wrapper, then this class is for you. At Chocolat Uzma Sharif, you’ll learn the basics in chocolate 101 in only an hour and a half. Your instructor is none other than owner and a third generation pastry chef/chocolatier Uzma Sharif, who provides one-on-one time to help you create your own signature truffle. Choose milk, dark, or white chocolate as your base and create from there! After class, you’ll take home recipes and chocolates in eco-friendly wrapping. 

Barry-Callebaut Chocolate Academy

If you already know your history and how to properly temper and dip chocolate, you’ll want to grab a seat at the Barry-Callebaut Chocolate Academy. Among your classmates will be pastry chefs, confectioners, bakers, and caterers, all of whom will be practicing the art of chocolate. You may even do a little sculpting under the helpful eye of a skilled advisor. Take a class in chocolate technology with a trained chef, or an introductory class to chocolate showpieces. 

Next up Florida and Texas… [pagebreak]

Florida

Norman Love Confections

It’s never too hot for chocolate. At Norman Love Confections, you’ll be turning up the heat with lots of love…for chocolate that is. From truffle making and French macaroons to chocolate and win pairings, there’s something for everyone. Learn how to make molded candies as well as hand-formed treats. At the end of class you will be able to take home your creations.

Texas

Dallas Chocolate Classes

At Dallas Chocolates, there is a class for every kind of chocolate lover. Choose from one of five classes offered by chef and chocolatier Zachary Townsend. Classes range from the fundamentals of chocolate and Chocolate Aficionado classes, to the Chocolate Connoisseur and those who love dark chocolate and wine. Prices start at $60 per person and vary depending on the type and length of class.

Got chocolate? What’s your favorite cocoa confection?