Desiree Chocolates & Desserts

Dani Lonkey
4 days ago
2 min read

About the Owner

Desiree Engman, the talent behind Desiree Chocolates & Desserts, was born and raised in South Africa in a true family of “foodies.” From a young age, she was surrounded by baking, learning alongside her mother and grandmother, both deeply rooted in the culinary world. Her mother, a renowned cookbook author often referred to as the “Martha Stewart of South Africa,” built a legacy that heavily influenced Desiree’s passion and creativity. Today, Desiree brings that same love for food into her own work, combining her artistic eye, shaped by her degree in graphic design from the University of Miami, with her expertise in desserts. Now based in Lake Zurich, Illinois, she continues to create while balancing life with her two daughters and her love for animals, travel, and the arts.

About the Business

With over 20 years of experience, Desiree Chocolates & Desserts has become known for its stunning, high-quality creations and unforgettable dessert displays. Desiree began her journey by purchasing and running a chocolate business early in her career before eventually relocating to Chicago to build her own brand. Today, she specializes in custom dessert tables, candy bars, and interactive dessert stations for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. Every item is made from scratch using premium ingredients, including pure Belgian chocolate, ensuring both quality and flavor in every bite.

Passion & Creative Approach

Desiree is passionate about presentation, firmly believing that people “eat with their eyes first.” Her work is centered around creating a true “wow” factor, blending taste with visually stunning designs. She offers an incredible variety of bite-sized desserts, each one thoughtfully crafted, beautifully displayed, and customized to match the theme and style of every event. From elegant setups to interactive dessert carts, Desiree focuses on every detail, ensuring each experience feels unique and elevated. Her hands-on approach, including full setup and breakdown, allows clients to enjoy a seamless and luxurious dessert experience.

Goals & What Sets Her Apart

What makes Desiree’s business truly stand out is her ability to create a wide range of handcrafted desserts while delivering fully customized, full-service experiences. From chocolate-dipped creations to intricate dessert tables, everything is designed with intention and artistry. As she continues to grow, Desiree is focusing on collaborations with venues and expanding her presence in cultural weddings, including South Asian celebrations. Her ultimate goal is to become one of the most recognized chocolatiers and pastry chefs in the Chicagoland area. With features on CBS and WGN, along with a loyal base of repeat clients, she is well on her way to achieving that vision.