When I was about ten, I discovered tennis — and I loved it. It took me a while to get comfortable with the game, but once I did I played it a lot. I even attended a couple of tennis camps. I wasn’t a country club kid by any stretch; tennis was simply a sport that clicked with me in a way others didn’t.
I played on and off through my childhood and into college for fun, but at some point I just stopped. I can’t remember exactly why — it just happened. Every now and then someone mentions tennis and I think about starting again, but nothing has pushed me back into it… until now. Today’s project might be the nudge I need because it combines tennis with candy: chocolate shaped like tiny tennis rackets.
I realize this DIY might sound a little over-the-top, but I don’t mind. I love the idea, and there’s been a noticeable tennis-inspired trend in fashion lately, so it feels timely.
Materials:
– Tennis racket chocolate mold
– Almond bark or white chocolate chips (I used a melting coating like Candiquik)
– Popsicle stick or spoon for stirring
– Gel food coloring
– Optional: tennis ball gumballs for decoration
Note: About 16 oz of almond bark will make roughly 6–8 tennis rackets in the mold I used. I also loved the pastel pink tennis ball gumballs — they’re a playful addition if you want to package these as favors or treats.
Instructions:
1. Break the almond bark or chocolate into pieces. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until fully melted. If using a melting coating like Candiquik, it should take about 60–90 seconds total.
2. Add gel food coloring to reach the color you want. I chose a soft lilac, adding the gel a little at a time and stirring until the color was even.
3. Pour the melted chocolate into the racket molds. Tap the mold gently on the counter to level the chocolate and remove air bubbles.
4. Let the chocolate harden completely. I recommend waiting a couple of hours to be safe. Once set, carefully pop the rackets out of the mold to avoid breaking them.
These chocolate tennis rackets are perfect for themed parties, sporty gatherings, or even Halloween — they’re candy, after all. You can package them as favors, arrange them on a dessert table, or hand them out at a tennis match watch party.
Concept, photography, and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
Would you try one? If nothing else, the tennis ball gumballs are worth a taste — they’re delicious and add a whimsical finishing touch.