Whether it’s a celebration, a tough day, or just a quiet moment to yourself, chocolate and happiness go hand in hand… And science agrees! Between the chemicals it triggers in the brain and the textures that melt on your tongue, chocolate delivers comfort with every bite.
At Westham Bakery, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly our Bar One Cakes disappear and how often our brownies get “shared” (read: devoured). So what’s behind this connection between human happiness and chocolate? Let’s break it down.
The Feel-Good Science of Chocolate
There’s real chemistry behind the joy you feel when biting into a rich chocolate sponge or gooey brownie. When we eat chocolate, our brains release a mix of powerful feel-good chemicals: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These are the building blocks of happiness, chocolate-style.
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Endorphins are natural mood boosters that reduce stress and increase pleasure.
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Serotonin is linked to happiness and calm. Low levels are tied to anxiety or depression.
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Dopamine is part of our brain’s reward system, giving us that “mmmh, yes” moment as we reach for a second slice.
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Oxytocin, known as the love hormone, is triggered by bonding, hugs… and yes, chocolate too.
Chocolate also contains tryptophan, which helps make serotonin, and phenylethylamine, which mimics the feeling of falling in love. Since the brain associates these chemicals with comfort and connection, it’s not surprising that we crave chocolate during emotional moments.
Why Texture Matters Just as Much as Taste
Taste is only part of the story. The melting sensation of chocolate is one of the main reasons it feels so luxurious (and comforting). Thanks to cocoa butter, chocolate melts just below body temperature, delivering that smooth, silky mouthfeel your brain loves.
Now layer that with soft sponge and fresh cream, and you’ve got the sensory dream team. Our Bar One Cake does exactly that: chocolate sponge, whipped cream, sticky Bar One filling, and a glossy chocolate shell. Sweet, sticky, and smooth, it’s everything your brain loves when it’s looking for comfort.
And if you prefer something with a little more chew and goo? Our brownies deliver the crackly top and molten centre that chocolate happiness is made of.
Cravings, Memories, and Nostalgia
There’s a deeper layer of happiness chocolate brings: emotional comfort rooted in memory. Ever smelt chocolate and felt instantly better? That’s no coincidence. The aroma of chocolate triggers the brain’s pleasure centres even before the first bite.
Birthday cakes, school snacks, holiday treats — chocolate is so often tied to happy memories and comforting rituals. That nostalgic pull is powerful, and your brain revisits the feeling of being cared for, celebrated, or simply indulged every time you unwrap your favourite chocolate bar or slice into a Westham cake.
Fresh Cream + Chocolate = Peak Happiness
There’s something about the combination of chocolate and fresh cream that just makes sense. One brings the richness; the other softens it for a perfect balance of indulgence and lightness. Together, they deliver that soft, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth magic we all crave.
We use fresh cream icing in our cakes, whipped daily, piped by hand, and layered between a soft sponge that’s baked fresh in-store. The cream cuts through the sweetness just enough to keep every bite balanced and dreamy.
It’s not about fancy ingredients; it’s about how it makes you feel. And when you get the textures, flavours, and comfort just right, that’s peak chocolate happiness.
> Read more about our Fresh Cream Cakes <
Taste the (Feel-Good) Difference
The happiness chocolate brings us might be science, but it’s also magic. At Westham, we don’t just bake treats; we bake feel-good moments. Whether it’s a brownie box for your fridge, a Bar One Cake for your celebration table, or a chocolate samoosa (or three) just because, there’s a reason our chocolate goodies don’t stick around for long.
Pop in for a slice, pre-order your favourites on WhatsApp or online, or share a box with someone who could use a little chocolate happiness today, just because.
