A bonbon is a small chocolate-coated confection filled with fruits, nuts, or luscious ganache. A good bonbon should have a thin, flawless shell free of blemishes or chalky white “bloom.” It must be visually enticing, hinting at the flavor journey within. Most importantly, it should deliver balanced, thoughtfully textured, and flavorful fillings with no air pockets or leaks. It’s a tall order to ask for a single bite of candy, but our favorite maker, Cacao & Cardamom, steps up with style, intrigue, and worldly sophistication.
Each brilliant chocolate is meticulously lacquered with vivid cocoa butter, its design reflecting the filling inside. Beneath the surface, layers of jewel-toned, jammy, creamy, bold, and balanced fillings deliver a fully composed dessert in one to two bites. Inspired by Houston-based founder Annie Rupani’s South-Asian heritage and extensive global travels, Cacao & Cardamom turns to chiles, spices, leaves, flowers, and berries to tell a story. She evokes a sense of adventure and celebrates cultural traditions.
Flavors like Five Spice Praline, with fennel, Szechuan peppercorns, and star anise over crisp hazelnut praline, and Cardamom Rose with warm, herbal green cardamom and a touch of rose water, offer uncharted culinary experiences. New releases like Knafeh Kisses, a cheeky nod to the trending “Dubai Bar,” keep the devoted cacao fiends coming back for more. Even nostalgic classics like S’mores and Turtle Caramel get their moment, proving there’s something for every kind of bonbon lover.
Cross-country chocoholics, rest assured. Every order from Cacao & Cardamom is carefully packed and shipped with care to ensure their labors of love arrive as pristine as they left.
Worth a try:
