Classic Summer Chocolate Treats from Historic NYC Chocolatiers

A beautifully detailed molded chocolate sailboat skims across the waves.

Summer may be known for ice cream and frozen desserts, but for true chocolate lovers, warm-weather indulgence has always had a place in New York City. For more than a century, historic chocolatiers have been crafting timeless chocolate treats that continue to delight generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Among them is Li-Lac Chocolates, Manhattan's oldest chocolate house, founded in 1923 by George Demetrious, a French-trained chocolatier who brought Old World chocolate-making traditions to Greenwich Village. Today, many of those same recipes and techniques are still used to create classic summer favorites.

Why Chocolate Is Still a Summer Favorite

While many people associate chocolate with the holidays, summer offers unique opportunities to enjoy gourmet chocolate in lighter, more refreshing ways. Whether paired with fresh fruit, enjoyed after a picnic in the park, or shared during a rooftop gathering, handcrafted chocolate remains one of the season's most versatile treats.

Historic New York chocolatiers have long understood that great chocolate isn't seasonal—it's timeless.

Butter Crunch: A New York Summer Tradition

One of the most beloved classic chocolate confections is Butter Crunch. This buttery toffee is coated in rich chocolate and finished with finely chopped nuts for the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

At Li-Lac Chocolates, Butter Crunch has been a customer favorite for generations and remains one of the company's signature recipes. Crafted in small batches using traditional methods, it's the ideal summer treat to bring to barbecues, beach weekends, and family gatherings.

 

An old-fashioned metal and wooden scoop holds a generous portion of butter crunch squares.

Almond Bark: Simple, Elegant, and Perfect for Summer

Sometimes the best chocolate treats are the simplest. Almond Bark combines premium chocolate with roasted almonds to create a satisfying snack that travels well and doesn't require elaborate presentation.

Originally developed by founder George Demetrious, Almond Bark has remained a staple of Li-Lac's collection for over a century and continues to be one of the company's most requested classics.

A stack of milk, white and dark almond bark

Chocolate-Covered Fruits for Warm Weather Entertaining

Fresh fruit and chocolate are a natural summer pairing. Chocolate-covered orange peel, cherries, strawberries, and other fruit-inspired confections offer a lighter way to enjoy gourmet chocolate during warmer months.

These treats combine bright fruit flavors with rich chocolate, making them popular choices for outdoor entertaining and seasonal gift-giving.

Slices of candied, glace orange, enrobed in 72% dark dairy-free chocolate are stacked together.

Gourmet Chocolate Gifts for Summer Celebrations

Summer is filled with occasions worth celebrating—from weddings and graduations to corporate events and family reunions.

Historic chocolatiers have long played a role in these celebrations by offering handcrafted chocolate gifts that feel both personal and luxurious. Custom chocolates, specialty molds, and beautifully packaged assortments make memorable gifts that stand apart from traditional seasonal offerings.

A molded chocolate mermaid sits on a ships anchor.

The Enduring Appeal of Handmade Chocolate

In a world increasingly driven by automation, there's something special about chocolates still made using traditional techniques. Li-Lac Chocolates continues to craft many of its products by hand using original recipes and small-batch production methods developed nearly a century ago.

That commitment to craftsmanship is one reason why New Yorkers have returned to historic chocolatiers year after year, season after season.

two tiny chocolate molded Ice Cream Cones have white chocolate 'vanilla' scoops in them.

Experience a Taste of New York History This Summer

For over 100 years, Li-Lac Chocolates has been part of New York City's culinary landscape, creating handcrafted chocolates that honor the traditions established in 1923. Today, customers can still enjoy many of the same classic recipes that first made the company a neighborhood favorite in Greenwich Village.

Whether you're enjoying Butter Crunch on a summer afternoon, sharing Almond Bark with friends, or sending a gourmet chocolate gift to someone special, classic chocolate treats remain one of the sweetest ways to celebrate the season.

Pieces of candied, glace lemon peel, enrobed in dark chocolate sit together.

About Li-Lac Chocolates

Founded in 1923, Li-Lac Chocolates is Manhattan's oldest chocolate house and one of America's premier artisan chocolatiers. Using founder George Demetrious' original recipes and traditional chocolate-making techniques, Li-Lac creates over 120 varieties of handcrafted chocolates and gourmet gifts in New York City.

Back to blog