Crash, crackle, bang. The sound of something breaking usually isn’t good, especially for parents who dread a sudden shattering noise. For Jill Baethge, that sound is exactly what she wants to hear.
Owner of Kaboom Chocolaka in Plano, Baethge is a creator of colorful candy piñatas. A new take on smash cakes, the piñatas are destined for destruction. Each one brings laughter and shrieks of glee from children and adults alike.
“I try to promote the experience of it. You get to break it and receive a treat,” Baethge says.
A mother of young children, Baethge knows the thrill of birthday parties and the excitement brought by unexpected surprises. In fact, her first candy piñata was fabricated for her son.
“I thought a piñata would be great for my son’s birthday. There was such joy in his eyes. I wanted to recreate that moment,” Baethge says.
The edible, hollow goodies are creations of Baethge’s imagination. Inspiration comes from social media, popular culture, seasonal themes and customers. A large cabinet holds a hundred different molds of multiple sizes. She even now has a toilet paper creation for coronavirus times and quarantine parties.
“I started out with whatever 3-D molds I could find. Some came from Etsy and Amazon. Then I realized I’ll never find a mold for everything. I found a silicone snake I could shape into almost anything,” she says.
The form and motif for each candy is unique to the customer. While some themes may be repeated, colors, flavors and embellishments vary. Other creations are one of a kind.
“I’m doing more freeform and custom work. The larger, the better — something that can be a centerpiece and eye-catching,” Baethge says.
Like a work of art, the candy piñatas are created by hand one at a time. The intensive process begins with preparation of a chocolate or candy melt. The confectionery coating is then poured into a single mold or multiple molds, depending on the design of the piñata. No fondants are used. Each costs about $45-$75, depending on size and intricacy. She also offers mini versions, like baby bottles for $12.50 and mini “poop piñatas" for $8. Cost includes a wooden mallet for the smashing.
“It’s a step-by-step, timed project,” Baethge says.
As the candy melt cools into shape, it is monitored and turned periodically to ensure the shape is correct. If more than one mold is used, they are joined, and the piñata is filled with items of the customer’s choice.
“I recommend they choose individually wrapped candies and candies that will fly. If it’s a toy, I have them buy it,” Baethge says.
Designs depict a range of themes. Children choose animals, movie figures or sport equipment. Adults choose a figure based on a special event.
“Customers send photos. Once a woman sent an image of an Oklahoma police badge. Her son was graduating from the police academy. Another time I got a request for a disco ball,” Baethge says.
Various designs are created for bachelor and retirement parties, baby showers, receptions and seasonal holidays. Often business owners request a special mold for a corporate event or client thank-you gift.
“Realtors buy chocolate houses to give at closing. I put the new house number above the door,” Baethge says.
In addition to out of the ordinary shapes, unusual fillings are sometimes requested. A holiday ugly sweater piñata was filled with small plastic bottles of wine provided by the customer. Adult-themed piñatas also are available options.
“I rarely say ‘No’ to someone,” Baethge says.
Candy piñatas can be ordered at kaboomchocolaka.com, or call 972-742-2664.
