Spring started last weekend, but Easter is another often traditional sign of spring. From chicks in eggs to hopping bunnies to flowers in bloom, there are plenty of signs of rebirth associated with the holiday that also make for some truly beautiful dessert inspiration. And while Easter brunch options abound, there will, of course, be room for a little something extra at the end of the day. So once the plates have cleared, make sure you’re prepared with a sweet treat from Vanille Patisserie.
But what to choose?
Vanille’s handmade chocolate bunnies are filled with jelly beans, and available in milk, dark, and white chocolate. Their molds come straight from the patisserie’s homeland of Paris, brought right to Chicago for locals to enjoy. There is a small size available, but the large is definitely the way to go.
In addition, there’s the “Roger” Stud Muffin, made out of carrot cake. It has a cream cheese filling and a carrot cake macaron on top, which is the patisserie’s seasonal flavor. And don’t forget their array of specialty Easter cakes available for special order.
However, for those still looking for more guidance, Sophie Evanoff, owner and president of Vanille, gave her tips for making the most of their Easter desserts, as well as offering a peak behind the baking curtain to learn about their sugary magic …
DiningOut: What makes Easter so fun for dessert creation?
Sophie Evanoff: Easter is a lot of fun because, like most holidays, it brings out the kid in all of us. I mean, we can get away with putting bunny ears on desserts! Also, Easter is all about new beginnings and a sign of spring, and it’s fun to bring that into our desserts with flowers and other images of new life.
What’s your favorite Easter dessert?
My favorite Easter dessert is a mousse entremets called “The Babette.” It is the sophisticated version of a malted milk ball. It consists of malted milk mousse, chocolate banana cremeux, malt ball crisp, chocolate flourless cake, and chocolate shell. We top if off with splatters of spring colors on the chocolate shell to look like an egg.
How do you come up with such creative ideas for your treats?
We work as team on the creative aspects. We take some of our favorite spring and Easter flavors and elevate them to the Vanille level!
We love that you import your bunny molds directly from France! How important is this Frnech connection to Vanille?
It’s very important to us. We are a proud Chicago company, but like to insert our European roots any chance we get.
What are some other desserts people will love for Easter?
Carrot cake, lemon tarts, carrot cake macarons, coconut macarons, and coconut cakes.
All desserts can be purchased separately (or in a bunch) at all three of Vanille’s Chicago locations:
- Lincoln Park {2108 North Clark Street}
- Lakeview {3243 North Broadway}
- Chicago French Market {131 North Clinton Street}
However, specialty Easter cakes must be ordered ahead of time by calling 773.868.4574.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
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