That treasure of the candy-making world, the chocolate Easter bunny, is a true Wikipedia page-bearing celeb. While his background is a bit fuzzy, he was likely first made by German chocolatiers (those folks are known for their adorable tin molds). And as for his popularity in the States, a trendsetting late-1800s drugstore owner in Pennsylvania is said to have given the rabbit a pop culture boost by displaying a dapper, 5-inch choco version as an Easter advertisement. This year, we are sadly without the great contribution of Northern Chocolate Co, which has closed following the death of owner Jim Fetzer earlier this year. RIP, Jim! Here are some other ideas to help you in your search for bunnies, as well as cream eggs and other Easter confections.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
1. Freese’s Candy Shoppe
7312 W. GREENFIELD AVE. | 414-453-5353 and inside MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET, 400 N. WATER ST.
Owners Wendy and Mike Matel, whose West Allis shop dates to 1928, take a personal approach to their milk and dark chocolate bunnies, naming them after their kids, Macky, Sammy and Little Lou. To those creations add seated bunnies in different sizes,. They also make whipped cream-filled eggs and hand-molded chocolate baskets filled with assorted treats. “You can eat the basket!” says Wendy, who calls dipping candy a lost art.
2. Ultimate Confections
820 N. 68TH ST. | 414-778-0636
This Tosa shop is ready for you, meeting pent-up candy demand with bunny styles (Peter Rabbit, Thumper, Floppy Ear) in milk, dark and white chocolate, along with filled eggs, chocolate-dipped Peeps, Bunny Grahams, Easter Oreos and more.
3. Indulgence Chocolatiers
211 S. SECOND ST. | 414-223-0123, THE CORNERS OF BROOKFIELD, 320 HIGH STREET, BROOKFIELD | 262-202-8731, 4525 N. OAKLAND AVE., SHOREWOOD | 414-332-2749
The three locations have a nice assortment of seasonal creations – milk and dark chocolate bunnies, grey sea salt caramel truffle bunnies, marshmallow caramel eggs, and peanut butter crunch caramel eggs.
4. Burke Candy
3840 N. FRATNEY ST. | 414-964-7327, 513 E. SILVER SPRING DR. | 414-312-8718
It’s like Easter in here. Seriously – so festive. Yes, they have solid chocolate bunnies. Yes, they have cream-filled eggs (mini ones, too). And yes, they have more: egg peanut butter crunch bombs, candy-filled chocolate Easter eggs, and chick chocolate-covered marshmallows in different flavors.
