Have a Smashing Valentine’s Day with Smash Hearts

Photo credits: Simply Chocolate, Graham’s Chocolates, Morkes Chocolates

There’s little reason to cry over a broken heart when it’s made of yummy chocolate!

 

Despite the irony, smash hearts aren’t reserved exclusively for soon-to-be exes. In fact, they make for fun, interactive gifts that make friends and family members really feel the love! Read on for inspiration before for adding these trendy smash hearts to your product line, including simple solutions for transforming your existing chocolate moulds and ideas for filling your smash hearts.

Photo credit: Morkes Chocolate

Smash Hearts with a Chocolate Hammer

Already have a mould for chocolate heart-shaped boxes? Simply add a wooden mallet to transform them into “Smash Hearts” this Valentine’s Day. Better yet, we love how RCI member Morkes Chocolates includes a solid chocolate hammer (more commonly used for Father’s Day) in their set of two smash hearts.

 

Photo credit: Wilton

No Large Smash Heart Mould? No problem!

If you don’t have a large heart-shaped chocolate mould, Wilton suggests making a hollow chocolate shell with a hear-shaped cake pan. Use colored coating chocolates to achieve the fun tie-dye look pictured. Arrange Valentine treats in the shape of a heart in the base of a large bakery box before placing the chocolate shell on top. Click here for step-by-step directions from Wilton.

Photo credit: ProFlowers

Don't Go Breaking My (Tiny) Heart

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to chocolate smash hearts. Don’t think for a minute that smashable chocolate hearts have to be big. Make use of even your smallest heart-shaped moulds to make smashable treats available at different price points. ProFlowers sells sets of 4 breakable chocolate hearts filled with M&M’s^® Minis and mini chocolate chips.

 

Photo credit: Hungry Happenings

Something to Talk About Conversation Hearts

If your customers love these classic candies, they will go “CRAZY 4 U” with these breakable conversation hearts filled to the brim with (you guessed it) loads of candy conversation hearts!

 

Photo credit: Graham’s Chocolates

What to fill smash hearts with?

While the items needed will vary based on the size of your smash heart, here’s some ideas to spark your creativity. Chocolate-covered strawberries are always a popular option for Valentine’s Day, but should be reserved for larger smash hearts so the delicate berries aren’t smashed in the process. Other confections that work well inside just about any size smash heart include foil-wrapped chocolate hearts, conversation hearts and other Valentine-themed gummies and hard candies, chocolate-covered sandwich cookies and Jordan almonds. The addition of colored sanding sugar or sprinkles create an exciting burst of color when the chocolate heart is smashed.

 

Have smashing success helping your customers celebrate Valentine’s Day by adding your own spin on smash hearts!

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Smash Treats for a Frighteningly Fun Halloween

Want to spice up your seasonal lineup with something exciting? Look no further than the smash pumpkin and other smashing treats!

These delightful creations are simple hollow pumpkin or jack-o-lantern moulds that are filled to the brim with goodies of your choice. But the best part? The recipients get to smash these hollow-moulded pieces open to reveal the sweet treasures hidden inside! 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Nothing But Chocolate, Sarris Candies, Sarris Candies, Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, Annedore’s Fine Chocolates and Graham’s Chocolates

While pumpkins may be the most obvious fit, other options may include a hollow skull, brain or even eyeballs (made from your hot cocoa bomb mould). See the images above for inspiration from RCI members. Need ideas on what to fill your smash treats with? Sarris Candies fills their Halloween BashCakes^® (pictured above) with chocolate-covered mini pretzels, while Bruce’s Candy Kitchen fills white chocolate Smash Skulls (also pictured above) with assorted Halloween gummy candy, such as gummy worms, bats, brains and eyeballs. Other ideas may include foiled chocolates, panned items, candy corn, jelly beans and for dramatic effect, festive sprinkles or colored sanding sugar.

Not only are smash treats a unique and interactive way for customers to enjoy their favorite sweets, they also make for a fantastic addition to any party or holiday gift. Package them up in cellophane with beautiful bows, and perhaps even include a small wooden mallet tied with a coordinating ribbon for extra fun.

But don't let the surprise inside go unnoticed! Be sure to clearly communicate what's inside the smash treats with a creative display. Imagine your pre-smashed pumpkin/skull/eyeball with candy overflowing from the cracks and onto the table. A small to mid-sized chalkboard with a brief product description can also help get the message across and create a fun display leading up to Halloween.

With smash treats, you'll have a fall product that's sure to be a smash hit!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.