Who has never fallen for a slice of bread topped with chocolate spread? Chocolate spread has delighted young and old alike for generations. Whether enjoyed on toast at breakfast or spread over pancakes for an afternoon treat, it adds a touch of sweetness and indulgence to every moment of the day. In this article, we’ll reveal the fascinating origins of chocolate spread and share two delicious recipes to enjoy it in a whole new way!
Where Does Chocolate Spread Come From?
The origins of chocolate spread can be traced back to Piedmont, Italy, a region renowned for its hazelnuts. In 1946, a pastry chef from the town of Alba created a solid block made from a blend of hazelnuts, sugar and a touch of cocoa. In the aftermath of the Second World War, cocoa was scarce and expensive, so it was used sparingly. He named his delicious creation Giandujot, in tribute to the Gianduja chocolate that inspired the recipe. The Giandujot was designed to be sliced and enjoyed on a piece of bread.
Then came the heatwave of 1949. That exceptionally hot summer, the Giandujot blocks melted, as workshops were not yet air-conditioned. The pastry chef’s son came up with the brilliant idea of storing the softened Giandujot in jars. And that’s how chocolate spread was born: thanks to an unexpected event with delicious consequences! Its success was immediate… and continues to this day.
Chocolate Spread for Breakfast…
A jar of chocolate spread is a breakfast table classic in Belgium and France. Young and old alike enjoy spreading a generous layer of chocolate spread over their morning toast. Some prefer it on warm toast, others on fresh bread… and many enjoy alternating between the two!
…Or Anytime You Fancy a Sweet Break
Afternoon snack time is the ultimate indulgent moment of the day, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious slice of bread with chocolate spread. Pair it with a glass of water (and perhaps a glass of milk), plus a piece of fresh fruit, and you have a satisfying and well-balanced snack.
A Delicious Idea for an Energy-Boosting Snack
Top a slice of bread spread with dark chocolate spread with a few slices of banana and enjoy a tasty boost of magnesium. Delicious!
A Great Chocolate Spread Without Palm Oil
For many years, chocolate spread was almost exclusively produced by major chocolate manufacturers. Today, there is an incredible variety of chocolate spreads available, from refined recipes to more original creations, including more sustainable options. This reflects consumers’ growing desire for spreads that are healthier, more ethical and kinder to the environment. So why not explore the different flavours and enjoy something new every time?
Chocolatiers love working with chocolate spread because it offers endless creative possibilities and is easy to store. At Leonidas, for example, you’ll find a delicious range of Belgian chocolate spreads made with 100% cocoa butter. These palm oil-free spreads are available in three irresistible flavours:
- The Manon White Chocolate Spread: smooth and generous, inspired by the iconic Manon praline, with subtle coffee notes that perfectly complement the sweetness of white chocolate.
- The Dark Chocolate Spread: rich and intense, perfect for lovers of chocolate with a high cocoa content.
- The Hazelnut Spread: wonderfully generous, containing no less than 30% hazelnuts for a beautifully smooth and rounded flavour.
These Belgian chocolate spreads let you rediscover the pleasure of chocolate on toast, pancakes and even in your favourite desserts. They also make a wonderful gift idea at an affordable price.
Original Recipes with Chocolate Spread
Think you’ve already discovered everything chocolate spread has to offer? Here are two delicious ideas to surprise your taste buds!
A Zero-Waste Chocolate Spread Recipe
When you reach the bottom of your jar of chocolate spread and think it’s empty, don’t throw it away. Instead, try this:
- Heat one cup of milk without bringing it to the boil.
- Pour the hot milk into the jar of chocolate spread.
- Stir until you obtain a smooth, even mixture.
- Pour this wonderfully comforting drink into your favourite mug.
- Enjoy!
An Extra Tip
Still have some Manon White Chocolate Spread left at the bottom of the jar? Replace the hot milk with coffee and treat yourself to a unique homemade coffee speciality with an irresistibly indulgent twist!
Chocolate Spread Swiss Roll Recipe
This light sponge cake, made with simple ingredients, is perfect for an afternoon treat or a birthday party. Children absolutely love it!
Ingredients for 6 People
- 100 g caster sugar
- 80 g plain flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 jar of chocolate spread
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two large mixing bowls
- A bowl large enough to hold the jar of chocolate spread
- A wooden spoon
- A wide spatula
- A whisk (manual or electric)
- Baking parchment
- An oven with a baking tray
- A clean tea towel
Method
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4).
Don’t forget to remove the baking tray from the oven first if that’s where you store it!
Step 2
Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
Step 4
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring well until fully combined.
Step 5
Whisk the egg whites in the second bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter, taking care to preserve as much air as possible. Use the wooden spoon to fold the mixture slowly and briefly until the batter is light and airy.
Step 6
Line the baking tray with baking parchment and spread the batter evenly using the spatula.
Step 7
Bake for 10 minutes at 180°C (Gas Mark 4).
Step 8
Lightly dampen the tea towel. Remove the sponge from the oven and place it, together with the baking parchment, onto the damp tea towel (with the baking parchment against the towel).
Step 9
Warm the jar of chocolate spread by placing it in a bowl of hot water to make it slightly more fluid. Be careful not to use boiling water, as it could affect the quality of the chocolate.
Step 10
Once the chocolate spread has reached the right consistency, spread it evenly over the sponge using the spatula.
The more generous the layer, the more deliciously chocolatey your Swiss roll will be!
Step 11
Carefully roll up the sponge widthways (to create a long, not overly thick Swiss roll), while gently peeling away the baking parchment as you go.
Step 12
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
The Swiss roll can be stored for up to two days in a cool, dry place (do not refrigerate).
Extra tip! Decorate your Swiss roll to suit the occasion by dusting it with icing sugar or cocoa powder, or by adding a delicious chocolate glaze.
