How to Make Chocolate Skulls for Day of the Dead
Create delicious and festive chocolate sugar skulls inspired by Dia de Muertos in just four easy steps!
One of the coolest things about Día de Muertos is the sugar skulls. While they do have a deeper meaning, reflecting the ancient Mesoamerican view that death is just another part of life, they’re also a lot of fun. Sugar skulls are a big deal in Día de Muertos celebrations and ofrendas, and they’re usually decorated out with bright, festive decorations like flowers and hearts, which makes them pretty adorable.
This year, we decided to set up our altar a bit early, so we got creative and made our own sugar skulls using a mold we found in a local store. Instead of sugar, we went with chocolate, and they turned out awesome!
Check out how easy it is to whip up these tasty treats below.
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INGREDIENTS:
3D Sugar skulls mold (Similar to the one we got on our local store)
White chocolate bars
Edible decorations like chocolate chips and edible confetti sprinkles
Toothpicks
Ingredients to make your own chocolate sugar skulls for Dia de Muertos
How to Make Chocolate Sugar Skulls for Dia de Muertos:
1. Melt the White Chocolate
Start by reading the instructions on your sugar skull mold to determine the amount of chocolate needed to fill the shapes completely. This will ensure that you have enough chocolate to create well-defined and sturdy skulls.
Next, melt the white chocolate using a double boiler. To do this, place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the chocolate frequently to help it melt evenly. It’s important to monitor the temperature closely; white chocolate can easily burn or seize if overheated. Aim to melt the chocolate until it reaches a smooth, liquid consistency.
Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and allow the chocolate to cool slightly before proceeding.
2. Pour the White Chocolate into the Molds
Carefully pour the melted white chocolate into the skull molds. Take your time to pour slowly and steadily to avoid any bubbles or spills.
After filling the molds, gently tap them on the counter to help the chocolate settle and eliminate any trapped air bubbles. This step helps to achieve smooth and well-defined shapes.
3. Refrigerate the Chocolate Skulls
Place the filled molds in the refrigerator. Allow the chocolate to chill for a few hours, or until the skulls are firm to the touch and have a solid appearance. The refrigeration process helps the chocolate set properly and makes it easier to remove from the molds.
Once the skulls are fully set, carefully remove them from the molds. They should come out easily if they have been properly chilled and the molds are of good quality.
4. Decorate Your Chocolate Sugar Skulls
Now comes the most creative and enjoyable part—decorating your chocolate sugar skulls!
Prepare Colorful Chocolate:
Begin by melting the leftover white chocolate. Using the same double boiler method from Step 1, melt a small amount of white chocolate. Stir frequently to ensure it melts evenly and reaches a smooth, liquid consistency.
Once melted, divide the chocolate into several small containers or bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container to create different colors. Stir well until the colors are fully blended. Feel free to experiment with as many colors as you like to make your decorations vibrant and varied.
Decorate with Colorful Chocolate:
To start decorating, you can use a toothpick to gently draw designs such as dots, flowers, or other patterns directly onto the surface of the chocolate skulls.
Create intricate designs by layering different colors or adding details like swirls, stars, and hearts. The beauty of this step is that you can let your creativity run wild, so have fun with it!
Add Additional Decorations:
For an extra touch, consider adding small edible decorations such as gummies, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.
To attach these decorations to the chocolate skulls, use a small amount of melted white chocolate as "glue." Simply dip the decoration into the melted chocolate and then place it onto the surface of the sugar skull. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure it sticks.
Let the Decorations Set:
Once decorated, allow the chocolate skulls to sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a short while to let the decorations set and harden. This will ensure that all your creative touches remain intact.
And there you have it—making chocolate sugar skulls is not only fun but also a tasty way to celebrate Día de Muertos!
Whether you’re adding them to your altar or just enjoying them with family, these sweet treats are sure to bring a smile. Give it a try and see how easy it is to add a personal touch to your celebrations. Happy crafting and enjoy the festivities!