Why You Need to Try Chocolate Making in San Francisco This Year

We’ve all been there: at a loose end on a weekend, without any plans and with a real craving for some tasty treats. Don’t worry, as we’ve got the perfect way to leave that all behind —  some San Francisco chocolate making classes! Whether you need unique birthday party ideas, want to find unusual team-building activities or are just looking for fun things to do in SF this weekend, read on to discover how a chocolate making class might be the answer to all your needs.

Chocolate making is more economical (and better for the environment) than chocolate buying!

Chocolate truffles make an amazing gift for the sweet lover in your life. Whether they’re a thank you gift for a teacher, part of a birthday present for mom or as a just-because surprise for someone special, they’re a convenient yet luxurious option for any occasion. As great as it is to be able to pick up a box of smooth and decadent chocolate truffles from your local grocery store or chocolate shop, the cost can be eye-watering.

Fortunately, we’re here to help! We’ve partnered with some of the best chocolatiers in the Bay Area to offer a cornucopia of chocolate making classes in SF and beyond. Whether you’re craving truffles, homemade chocolate bark or a temptingly tempered chocolate bar, you’ll learn the ins and outs of chocolate making, giving you the skills and confidence to make your own chocolate at home for a fraction of the price.

Another advantage of the homemade approach? Less plastic waste! We love ourselves a convenience store candy bar every now and then, but let’s face it — all those wrappers are bad news for the environment. By making your own tasty treats at home you’ll be helping Mother Earth by cutting down on plastic waste. Plus, adding eco-friendly paper packaging to these gorgeous gifts only adds to their sweet appeal. It’s a win-win!

Making your own chocolate is easy and fun.

While some chocolate making techniques are advanced and best left to the professionals, you can achieve gorgeously glossy and delicious results right in the comfort of even the smallest kitchen. In fact, once you’ve tried making homemade chocolate truffles at a class in San Francisco, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! Using readily available household ingredients, you can create indulgent, smooth artisanal truffles that are sure to make the lucky recipient’s day (or just bring a touch of luxury to snack time!).

The other thing that might surprise you is just how much fun you’ll have. No matter your age, as your handmade chocolates start to come together, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop. With so many different variations to choose, from grown-up bitter chocolates to super-sweet dessert truffles, you’ll be spoiled for choice! While there’s no better way to recall a more innocent time than with some comforting chocolate, you’ll be making new memories by making it yourself. It’s a brilliant way to unwind, switch off and spend some time with the people closest to you.

Homemade chocolate is a brilliant way to show someone you care.

It’s no secret that giving the gift of chocolate is a time-honored way to show someone you’re thinking of them — whether it’s a Valentine’s Day gift or just showing mom some appreciation, chocolate is a pretty safe bet when it comes to gifting. Now imagine her face when you produce a box of homemade chocolates — it’s the perfect way to elevate this classic gift to the next level.

If you know someone with a particularly sweet tooth, handmade chocolate will make the perfect present for any occasion, showing that you’ve really taken the time to think about them. Plus, if they have special dietary requirements, you can craft your confections to suit their needs — learning to make vegan truffles will be sure to put you in the good books!

It’s a fantastic indoor activity to share with kids.

Of course, no one loves chocolate more than kids do — given the chance, they’d probably eat their weight in it! If the school holidays are looming, or you’re at a loose end on a weekend, why not let your little ones join in with the fun at a kids’ chocolate making workshop? It’s a great excuse for them to get messy, get creative and pick up some interesting skills while they’re at it.

Many of our cooking schools in San Francisco offer courses specifically tailored toward kids and teens, whether in person at their venues across the city or delivered to your door with a live streaming class and cooking kit combo. Whichever suits you best, kids will learn the basics of making homemade chocolate lollipops, truffles or any number of other sweet treats, guided by their enthusiastic local artisan. They’ll have the time of their lives getting to experiment with different techniques, making their own chocolate and having some messy, creative fun!

If you’re looking for other fun things to do with kids in San Francisco, check out our Stories section for more inspiration.