They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But they’re wrong. Easter is. The season that starts as soon as the Christmas decorations are torn down – according to retailers anyway – Easter has us in the chocolate-themed spirit for months in anticipation of the big day, thanks to the ever-growing array of treats we can stuff into our gobs. It’s like the nail in the coffin after binge-eating at Christmas, before we inevitably celebrate not only the resurrection of Jesus but the resurrection of our diets, too. Without further ado, here are some of the best places to stock up on Easter goodies this year in Manchester.
1. Bab
Classically a strong and proud kebab joint, Bab is spoiling us this year with their first ever dessert! Easter will see the birth of the Easter Eggstravaganza, which, quite the opposite of Jesus, will die a death come the end of the Easter weekend. The creation will consist of deep fried crème egg, crushed mini eggs, chocolate ice-cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce all served on one of theur homemade flatbreads. Book in now for the chance to try the fleeting Easter treat! Bab NQ, 14 Little Lever St, Manchester, M1 1HR.
2. Grandpa Greene’s
Collaborating with Slattery on their epic annual Easter hot chocolate, guests can indulge in a delicious Easter egg, melted into a mug with a rich hot chocolate – before being topped with cream and Mini Eggs. In true Slattery’s style, it’s one that requires a serious sweet tooth to finish, but is well worth it for the rich, creamy flavours. Grandpa Greene’s, Ward Ln, Diggle, Oldham, OL3 5JT.
3. Caramello
Fancy a bit of decadence this Easter? Caramello is serving up the most beautiful dessert dishes this Easter, consisting of half a chocolate eggshell and filled with creamy chocolate and Lindt mini eggs. The popular special sells out super fast, so head over early if you want to try it for yourself. Caramello, 10 Whitechapel St, Didsbury, M20 6UB.
4. Black Milk
Manchester favourite Black Milk is of course offering a tasty Easter menu this year, and it doesn’t disappoint. We’re talking gooey Creme Egg Scotch Eggs consisting of a Biscoff cake mix and a lashing of white chocolate, alongside a chocolatey ice cream sundae filled inside half a chocolate egg and topped with Oreo crumbs and chocolate sauce. Black Milk, 88 Oldham St, M4 1LF.
5. The Chocolate Cafe
Ramsbottom bolt hole The Chocolate Cafe really lives up to its name throughout the calendar, but especially when it comes to Easter. Whether you’re more of a chocolate bar topped with crushed mini eggs kind of person, you prefer chocolate cups filled with Easter treats or you’re a purist and love an Easter egg, there’s something ridiculously calorific for everyone – and, of course, Easter calories don’t count! The Chocolate Cafe, 2 Bolton St, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 9HX.
6. Gooey
Of course, we couldn’t miss out Gooey on this list, being probably Manchester’s most well-known dessert makers. Although the team haven’t yet announced a specific Easter treat, it’s always well worth a trip for anything packed with chocolate, and we’re hoping there’ll be a repeat of last year’s Creme Egg doughnuts, or similar, which we’re eagerly waiting on! Gooey Bakery + Café, 103 High St, Manchester, M4 1HQ.
7. Finch Bakery
Family oriented Finch Bakery always brings out yummy Easter treats, and this year is no exception. With help from little Alba, Finch offers mostly traybakes with a variety of fillings including Creme Eggs and Mini Eggs, as well as showstopping cakes and yummy variety boxes. You can order online and have your sweet treats delivered, or pop into either of their stores to see for yourself. Finch Bakery, 36 Queen St, Great Harwood, Blackburn, BB6 7QQ | The Mall Blackburn, 25 Church St, Blackburn, BB1 5AF.
8. Siop Shop
A little bit different, but sweet all the same, Siop Shop has the upper hand when it comes to gorgeous hot cross buns. It’s an Easter staple that’s traditionally a Good Friday treat to symbolise Jesus’ crucifixion, and Siop Shop has taken it up a notch with their hot cross bun doughnuts, putting an even sweeter twist on the classic. They have also said: “Further easter themed doughnuts have also been resurrected. Eg Vegan Bunny and Easter Nest”, so look out for others! Siop Shop, 53 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1LS.
9. Sam Joseph
Chocolatier Sam Joseph is of course the place to go for the best quality chocolate, and this year its Easter selection is top notch. Their handmade half eggs are filled with ganache, topped with more chocolate and chocolate bunnies, and come in milk, dark and blonde chocolate. They’re adorable to look at, never mind to eat! Sam Joseph Chocolates, Market House, Greenwood St, Altrincham, WA14 1SA.
10. Buzzy Bee
The Buzzy Bee Bakery has upped their game for Easter, gifting us with their inventive mini egg buns (that look just like cinnamon swirls!), Creme Egg stuffed brookies, carrot cake cookies and half Easter eggs filled with cookie dough, chocolate and more chocolate, as well as a carrot cake stuffed version this year – YUM. Buzzy Bee, 3 Hawthorn Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1AA.
11. Slattery
Chocolate royalty here in Manchester, Slattery has, of course, created some absolute masterpieces for Easter this year. We’re talking sculptured flamingo eggs, Jaffa Cake flavoured eggs, and posh eggs stuffed with truffles, as well as themed eggs including Hacienda, 80s and 90s, and marine life. While the best of the selection is only available for collection due to their carefully crafted nature, Slattery does have a selection of equally divine eggs and sculptures available to purchase online too. For those who want to dine in, guests can indulge in their new ‘Eggstra Special Desserts’ – which are thick easter eggs filled with sponge, ganache and toppings such as Jammy Dodgers, Chocolate Orange, Kinder Bueno and more. Slattery, 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, M45 6GE.
12. Cocoa Cabana
Cocoa Cabana sure knows how to take chocolate, and make it into a piece of art. From neon pink beauties and ombre painted creations, to geometric shapes and printed showstoppers that are almost too good to eat – Cocoa Cabana has some beautiful sweet treats to enjoy this Easter, which make for an eggstra special treat if you’ve already been bingeing on the supermarket versions this month. Collect from Cocoa Cabana, 7 Murray St, Ancoats, M4 6HS.
13. Hey Little Cupcake!
Hey Little Cupcake! has become a kind of dessert institution here in Manchester, and for good reason, too. Their cupcakes will forever remain a classic dessert for us thanks to their consistently fluffy cakes – which feature an ever-changing, hugely diverse array of toppings. This Easter, HLC has gone above and beyond for us, with blondie dippy egg and soldiers, half Easter Eggs stuffed with chocolate cake, and, of course, Easter-inspired cupcakes with seriously cute icing toppers. Hey Little Cupcake!, 2 Hardman St, Manchester, M3 3HF.
14. Loaf
Last, but certainly not least, is pink paradise Loaf. Loaf’s star product this Easter is a chocolatey, malty, creamy mini loaf cake inspired by one our nations favourite chocolates – Malteasers. The ‘Malt Easter’ loaf is a cake with a difference, celebrating all things chocolate and Easter, and is perfect for treating yourself or someone you love! Loaf, 83 Oxford St, Manchester, M1 6EG | Affinity Riverview, 29 New Bailey St, Manchester, Salford, M3 5GN.