Every year on July 7, people around the world come together to honor one of the most iconic, luxurious, and universally loved flavors of all time, chocolate. Whether you're a die-hard dark chocolate purist or you reach for creamy milk chocolate, this day is dedicated to celebrating everything rich, smooth, and cocoa-filled.
World Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to indulge a little—or a lot. From nostalgic chocolate-dipped strawberries to trendy cake pops and creative s’mores spins, we’re pulling together the best ways to enjoy chocolate using some of our favorite tools from Select Brands. Whether you're spending the day baking with the kids, hosting a chocolate-tasting party, or just treating yourself to a late-night dessert, we’ve got the inspiration (and recipes) to make it delicious.
A Sweet History of Chocolate
Chocolate’s story begins over 3,000 years ago in ancient Mesoamerica. The Olmec civilization is considered the first to cultivate cacao, which was later celebrated and ritualized by the Mayans and Aztecs. Unlike the sweet confections we enjoy today, early chocolate was consumed as a bitter beverage, often flavored with chili, honey, or spices.
The Aztecs believed cacao was a gift from the gods and even used cacao beans as currency. Their emperor, Montezuma, was said to consume large quantities of cacao daily for energy and vitality.
When cacao was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, it was sweetened with cane sugar and transformed into a luxury item reserved for aristocrats. As chocolate became more accessible and industrialized in the 19th and 20th centuries, it evolved into bars, candies, and eventually the vast variety of chocolate desserts we know today.
Today, chocolate is more than just a treat—it’s an ingredient, a gift, a comfort food, and even a cultural icon.
Benefits of Chocolate
Sure, chocolate tastes amazing, but it turns out it’s also packed with some pretty impressive health benefits. That’s especially true for dark chocolate with high cocoa content. Here are a few reasons you can feel good about indulging:
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Heart Health: Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which support heart health by improving circulation and reducing blood pressure.
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Antioxidants: Cacao contains polyphenols and antioxidants that fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
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Mood Booster: Eating chocolate can trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good brain chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress.
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Brain Function: Studies have linked cocoa flavonoids to improved memory, focus, and cognitive performance.
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Skin Benefits: Some research suggests that the antioxidants in dark chocolate may help protect skin from UV damage and improve skin texture.
Moderation is key, but on World Chocolate Day, there’s no better reason to enjoy a little extra.
Must-Try Chocolate Recipes
We’ve curated a lineup of four chocolate recipes you can make at home using Select Brands appliances. Each one is simple, creative, and loaded with chocolate flavor:
1. Double Chocolate Cake Pops
Made with: Babycakes Cake Pop Maker
These bite-sized treats are great for parties, gifting, or satisfying a late-night sweet tooth.
How to Make:
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Mix a chocolate cake batter and stir in a packet of dry chocolate pudding mix for an ultra-moist texture.
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Fill the Cake Pop Maker reservoirs and bake for 3–4 minutes.
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Let cool, then dip each pop into melted chocolate (use dark, milk, or white chocolate).
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Roll or sprinkle with chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or crushed cookies.
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For an extra fancy touch, drizzle with a contrasting chocolate and set on parchment to harden.
2. Molten Chocolate Waffle Sundaes
Made with: Toastmaster Flip-Over Waffle Maker
Turn your favorite waffle maker into a dessert station with this brownie-meets-waffle masterpiece.
How to Make:
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Use a brownie or chocolate cake mix as your batter.
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Pour into your waffle maker and cook until crisp on the outside and slightly soft inside.
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Top with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, a drizzle of fudge, and a sprinkle of crushed chocolate cookies or toffee bits.
This one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for kids and adults alike.
3. White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Made with: Kitchen Selectives 1½-Quart Slow Cooker
Dipped strawberries are a classic, and using the slow cooker makes them effortless.
How to Make:
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Add white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate to the slow cooker. Set to low and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
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Dip fresh, washed strawberries into the melted chocolate, covering about two-thirds of the fruit.
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Let excess drip off, then place on wax paper.
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Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, dried raspberries, or edible glitter.
This slow cooker method keeps your chocolate warm for easy dipping, and cleanup is a breeze.
4. Grilled S’mores Sandwiches
Made with: Toastmaster Sandwich Maker
Take your s’mores to the next level with this indoor grilled version—no fire pit required.
How to Make:
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Spread chocolate hazelnut spread or layer a chocolate bar on graham crackers.
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Add a few marshmallows and top with another cracker.
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Wrap in foil and grill on your indoor press for 3–4 minutes.
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Unwrap, let cool briefly, and bite into a warm, gooey treat with crispy edges and melted centers.
Add a slice of banana or a smear of peanut butter for an extra twist.
Host a World Chocolate Day Dessert Bar
If you're planning to celebrate with family, friends, or neighbors, why not set up a chocolate-themed dessert bar? It’s a fun and interactive way for guests of all ages to create their own treats using melted chocolate, fresh ingredients, and creative toppings.
Here’s how to build a DIY dessert station using Select Brands favorites:
Step 1: Choose Your Bases
Use the Babycakes Cake Pop Maker, Toastmaster Waffle Maker, or Select Brands Indoor Grill to prepare a variety of chocolatey bases ahead of time:
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Chocolate cake pops
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Waffle sticks or quarters
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Grilled mini s’mores
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Brownie squares or cookie bars
Place these on trays with small signs so guests can mix and match.
Step 2: Melt and Hold Chocolate the Easy Way
Use the Kitchen Selectives 1½-Quart Slow Cooker to gently melt different types of chocolate and keep them warm throughout the event. Offer a variety like:
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White chocolate
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Milk chocolate
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Dark chocolate
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Peanut butter or hazelnut-chocolate spread
Label each and provide dipping tools, tongs, and spoons for easy access.
Step 3: Offer a Topping Bar
Set out bowls of sweet and salty toppings so guests can customize their desserts. Popular options include:
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Crushed cookies and pretzels
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Sprinkles and candy pieces
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Toasted coconut flakes
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Mini marshmallows
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Sea salt or cinnamon sugar
Encourage everyone to build their dream chocolate creation, whether it’s dipped, drizzled, stacked, or scooped.
Step 4: Add a Beverage Corner
Round out your celebration with a hot chocolate bar or iced chocolate drink station. Serve with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or flavored syrups.
A World Chocolate Day dessert bar makes the day feel extra festive while giving your guests creative freedom. With the help of Select Brands appliances, setup is stress-free, cleanup is minimal, and the chocolate possibilities are endless.
Chocolate Pop Specials from Select Brands
Celebrate in style with kitchen tools designed to make dessert fast, fun, and foolproof.
Babycakes Cake Pop Maker
Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, this appliance is ideal for chocolate lovers who enjoy mini desserts.
Kitchen Selectives 1½-Quart Slow Cooker
Perfect for melting chocolate and keeping it warm for dipping strawberries, cookies, and more.
Toastmaster Waffle Makers
From crispy chocolate waffles to melty s’mores, these multi-tasking appliances bring your chocolate ideas to life.
Toastmaster Sandwich Maker
Quick and easy way to toast, seal, and grill your favorite sandwiches in minutes for a perfectly golden, melty bite every time.
FAQs
What kind of chocolate works best in the slow cooker?
Use high-quality chocolate chips or baking chocolate with cocoa butter. Avoid “coating chocolate” with added wax for better taste and texture.
Can I use boxed cake mix in the Cake Pop Maker?
Yes, boxed mixes work well. Add dry pudding mix to the batter for added richness and structure.
Are these tools safe for kids to use?
Most tools like the Cake Pop Maker and slow cooker are kid-friendly with adult supervision. Always supervise when using grills or hot appliances.
Where can I buy these products?
Find all featured products at selectbrands.com and through select retail partners.
Chocolate Lovers, This Day is for You
World Chocolate Day is your excuse to dip, drizzle, swirl, and savor all things sweet. Whether you're grilling gooey s’mores indoors, serving strawberries from the slow cooker, or setting up a full dessert bar, Select Brands makes it easy to turn chocolate dreams into delicious reality.
Ready to celebrate? Visit selectbrands.com to shop cake pop makers, slow cookers, and more chocolate-ready tools—and start planning your most indulgent World Chocolate Day yet.
