Business Details
50 Years
experience
Gourmet Chocolates & Confections Since 1898
Dilettante Chocolates has been crafting gourmet chocolates since 1976, rooted in a family tradition that began in 1898. Our legacy is built on heirloom recipes passed down through three generations of confectioners, documented in the Master Notebooks of Julius Franzen and Earl Davenport. We combine time-honored techniques with modern innovation to create premium chocolates, truffles, and confections that reflect our deep expertise in cacao sourcing and flavor development.Our commitment to quality is evident in every product, from our signature Ephemere truffle to our artisan coffee blends. We prioritize sustainable practices and community partnerships, ensuring our craft benefits both people and the planet. With three Mocha Cafs in the Seattle area and nationwide recognition, we continue to share our passion for chocolate with a global audience.
Services
Gourmet Chocolates
TruffleCremes
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Ephemere Truffles
Rheingold Toffee
Butter Biscotti
Artisan Coffee
Chocolate-Covered Fruits
Custom Mochas
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 125 years of experience in chocolate craftsmanship
- Our signature Ephemere flavor uses heirloom recipes from 1898
- Committed to sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly practices
- Award-winning truffles recognized at the National Fancy Food Show
- Active community partnerships supporting local initiatives
What people say
So delicious
Addictively delicious
Smooth, tasty, scrumptious
Best mint chocolates
Unforgettable taste
Services
Gourmet Chocolates
Handcrafted chocolates using heirloom recipes from three generations of confectioners. Our products feature premium cacao sourced globally for rich, complex flavors. Each chocolate reflects our commitment to traditional techniques while incorporating modern innovations in flavor development.
TruffleCremes
Luxurious truffles combining velvety ganache with signature flavor profiles like Ephemere and Peppermint. Developed through decades of family expertise, these truffles showcase our ability to blend artistry with confectionery science for a consistently award-winning product.
Artisan Coffee
Custom-blended coffees designed to complement our chocolate offerings. The Hapsburg Viennese Medium Dark Roast exemplifies our attention to detail, with flavor notes carefully balanced to enhance both coffee and chocolate tasting experiences in our Mocha Cafs.
Mocha Cafs
Three Seattle-area locations offering customized mochas using melted chocolate blends. Our cafs feature the Chocolate Scale system, allowing customers to create personalized drinks while experiencing the craftsmanship behind our confections firsthand.
Sustainable Practices
Commitment to sustainability through responsible cacao sourcing, revival of heirloom plants, and eco-conscious production methods. Our practices honor traditional techniques while addressing modern environmental challenges, ensuring quality products that benefit both consumers and the planet.
People
Dana Davenport
Founder
Founded Dilettante Chocolates in 1976, continuing a family confectionery tradition dating to 1898. Developed the signature Ephemere flavor using heirloom recipes and pioneered the Mocha Caf concept to combine chocolate and coffee expertise.
Kathy Taylor
Owner
Acquired Dilettante Chocolates in 2013, expanding Mocha Cafs and maintaining quality standards. Led innovation in new flavors while preserving the company's heritage through strategic partnerships and operational leadership.
Julie Reed
Head Chocolatier
Joined Dilettante in 2020 with Ecole Chocolat certification. Oversees chocolate production, maintaining quality standards while developing new flavor profiles. Trained in traditional techniques through the Master Notebooks to continue the company's legacy.
Questions
What makes Dilettante's chocolates unique?
Our chocolates use heirloom recipes from three generations of confectioners, premium globally sourced cacao, and traditional techniques documented in family Master Notebooks dating to 1898.
What is the Ephemere flavor?
Ephemere is our signature flavor combining caramelized butter, sugar, and cream for a velvety texture. Developed in 1976, it's used in truffles and sauces that highlight our rich chocolate craftsmanship.
Do you offer bulk chocolate options?
Yes, we provide bulk chocolate-covered fruits and truffles in 5 lb and 28 oz packages, with options like blueberries, cherries, and our popular TruffleCremes.
Are your products sustainable?
We prioritize sustainable practices through responsible cacao sourcing, eco-friendly production methods, and revival of heirloom plants to ensure quality while addressing environmental concerns.
Where can I buy Dilettante chocolates?
Our products are available online, at three Seattle-area Mocha Cafés, and through select retailers. We also offer business gift programs and wholesale partnerships.
What shipping policies apply during warm weather?
We use temperature-controlled packaging during warm months to ensure chocolate quality. Additional shipping fees may apply for expedited delivery to prevent melting.
