58 Chocolate Recipes for a Decadent Dessert (2024)

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Updated: Mar. 09, 2024

Calling all chocoholics! From cakes and brownies to pie and cookies, these top-rated chocolate desserts are sure to satisfy.

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Sandy’s Chocolate Cake

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you’ll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

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Ultimate Double Chocolate Brownies

As someone who grew up in the country, I love getting out into nature whenever I can. I also love home-style recipes, including these yummy brownies. —Carol Prewett, Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Warm Chocolate Melting Cups

These little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light­—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas

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Double Chocolate Cookies

When I make these yummy treats with my young grandson, Ben, I use an extra-big mixing bowl to prevent the flour and other ingredients from flying all over. He seems to enjoy making the cookies almost as much as eating them!—Chantal Cornwall, Prince Rupert, British Columbia

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This no-bake cheesecake with distinctive layers of chocolate, peanut butter mousse and a silky ganache on top will take some time to assemble, but it's worth the effort to create a homemade dessert with grand-champion appeal—and definitely worth the wait. —JaNon Furrer, Prescott, Arizona

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German Chocolate Cake

This German chocolate cake is my husband’s favorite! Each bite has crunch from the pecans, and sweetness from coconut and chocolate. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio

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Perfect Peppermint Patties

I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it to see the delight it brings people. Calling for just a few ingredients, this chocolate recipe is quite simple to prepare. —Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine

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Flourless Chocolate Cake

One bite of fudgy flourless chocolate cake and you'll see why it's pure pleasure for confirmed chocoholics! A small slice of this rich, dense dessert goes a long way.

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Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Mexican hot chocolate has some unique ingredients including cinnamon and cayenne pepper. I created these delicious cupcakes with a similar flavor profile and my secret ingredient: mayonnaise. I like to use mayonnaise in my chocolate cupcakes because I think that keeps them extra moist. To make them quick and easy, I started with a boxed cake mix and used prepared frosting and filling. —Michele Kusma, Columbus, OH

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Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons

This perfect macaroon has dark chocolate, chewy coconut and macadamia nuts, and is dipped in chocolate—sinful and delicious! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Chocolate Truffle Pie

I discovered a fast recipe for a delectable chocolate mousse some years ago and thought it might make a good filling for a pie. The chocolate lovers in our family endorse this scrumptious dessert, saying that it "melts in your mouth"! —Keri Scofield Lawson, Fullerton, California

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Chocolate Caramel Bars

Taking dessert or another treat to a church or school potluck is never a problem for me. I jump at the chance to offer these rich, chocolaty bars. —Steve Mirro, Cape Coral, Florida

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Millionaire Candy

Of the 35 kinds of candy I make each Christmas, millionaire candy is by far the favorite of family and friends. These treats taste like a million bucks!—Theda Andres, Appleton, Wisconsin

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Coffee Cheesecake

Coffee lovers will line up for this rich coffee cheesecake. It's creamy and just mildly sweet, which allows the coffee flavor to shine through. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Microwave Fudge

You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina

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Mocha Cake

Without a doubt, this is the best cake I've ever made. I share this decadent mocha cake with everyone I can! —Katherine DeLoach, Visalia, California

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Icebox Cake

You don’t have to bake to serve a chocolate dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York

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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

When I baked this moist, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookie recipe for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

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Chocolate Frosting with Chocolate Chips

Whisking up a batch of smooth-as-silk, fudgy chocolate frosting with chocolate chips is a snap using this short recipe and your favorite flavor of baking chips. —Jeannette Mac, Rushville, New York

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Air-Fryer Brownies

These small-batch fudgy air-fryer brownies come together so quickly, and no oven is required. Top with nuts or powdered sugar for a quick homemade treat. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Bourbon Balls

Remember the days at Grandma and Grandpa's house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls—the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Lava Chocolate Cakes

True decadence at its best, these chocolate lava cakes feature a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out onto the dessert plate. Whether you enjoy it garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!

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Double Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake

Every slice of this creamy cheesecake is a standout. The classic pairing of chocolate and coffee is sure to please partygoers. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

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Chocolate Velvet Dessert

This creamy concoction is the result of several attempts to duplicate a chocolate dessert I enjoyed on vacation. It looks so beautiful on a buffet table that many folks are tempted to forgo the main course in favor of this gorgeous treat. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

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Malted Milk Bark

An old-time candy gets a fresh makeover. This is one of our favorite malted milk ball dessert recipes. The malted milk powder adds such a unique flavor to this bark so don't be tempted to skip it. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

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Chocolate Rum Balls

Roll these truffle-like rum balls in crushed Oreos to get just the right amount of crunch. They can be made three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I also tuck some in the freezer!

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Chocolate Scotcheroos

This chocolate recipe was given to me by one of my students at school. It has become one of my family’s favorites and is so easy to make.—Lois Mays, Covington, Pennsylvania

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Chocolate Fudge Brownies

My children always looked forward to these fudge brownies as an after-school snack. They're so fudgy they don't need icing. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois

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Ultimate Fudgy Brownies

Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin

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Bavarian Mint Fudge

My sister-in-law sent this mint chocolate fudge to us one Christmas, and it's been a traditional holiday treat in our home ever since. With just six ingredients, it couldn't be any easier to make. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina

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Brownie Kiss Cupcakes

It’s fun to prepare individual brownie cupcakes with a chocolaty surprise inside. My goddaughter asked me to make them for her birthday to share at school. She requested 32. I later found out she needed only 27 for her class...wonder where the other five went! —Pamela Lute, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

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Coffee Shop Fudge

This fudge recipe is one that my son, Jackson, and I worked on together. After several efforts, we decided this version was a winner. It is smooth, creamy and has an irresistible crunch from pecans. The coffee and cinnamon blend nicely to provide subtle flavor. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee

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Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake

Although I have some wonderful from-scratch chocolate recipes, this one uses a boxed mix with plenty of doctoring. It has become a popular groom’s cake that gets more attention than the wedding cake. —Nora Fitzgerald, Sevierville, Tennessee

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Devil's Food Snack Cake

My husband and his friends request this devil's food snack cake for camping trips because it’s easy to transport. That makes it great for taking to potlucks and other events, too, as there's no frosting involved. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas

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Toffee Poke Cake

This toffee poke cake recipe is a favorite among my family and friends. I love making it because it is so simple. —Jeanette Hoffman, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

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Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart

I love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this chocolate pumpkin tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

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Yummy Chocolate Cake

My husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

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Chocolate Caramel Candy

This dazzling treat tastes like a homemade Snickers bar and has flavor beyond compare. When I entered it in a recipe contest at our harvest festival, it won five ribbons, including grand prize and the judges' special award. —Jane Meek, Pahrump, Nevada

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Chocolate Eclairs

With creamy filling and fudgy frosting, this chocolate recipe is extra special. —Jessica Campbell, Viola, Wisconsin

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Dirt Dessert

My mom used to serve this yummy dessert, and I just loved it. It's so fun to eat and a snap to make. Add some gummy worms on top for the kids if you'd like. —Kristi Linton, Bay City, Michigan

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Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake

This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri

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Chocolate-Covered Cherries

Not only are these chocolate-covered cherries my family's favorite festive dessert, but they make a delicious holiday present too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it's stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. —Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondue

Whenever the family wanted to do a little celebrating over the years, I would make this fondue. It’s fun gathering around the table to get a taste of it. —Beverly Olthaus, Cincinnati, Ohio

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French Silk Pie

I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until I was happy with it. Now it’s one of my husband's favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama

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Semisweet Chocolate Mousse

A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of chocolate recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California

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Jumbo Brownie Cookies

Take these deeply fudgy cookies to a party, and you're sure to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them over-the-top good. —Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

Although these cookies require a little extra effort, they’re worth it. I make them for every family gathering—and they never last long! —Marie Kinyon, Mason, Michigan

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Special Mocha Cupcakes

Topped with a fluffy frosting and chocolate sprinkles, these extra-rich, extra-delicious cupcakes smell wonderful while baking and taste even better! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Chocolate Chess Pie

This is one of my mother’s go-to chocolate recipes. It’s a yummy spin on classic chess pie. — Ann Dickens, Nixa, Missouri

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Giant Buckeye Cookie

I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Pudding Frosting

Rich brownies are topped with a peanut butter pudding frosting to make this a recipe the whole family will love. These are perfect for a potluck, bake sale or yummy after-dinner treat. —Amy Crook, Syracuse, Utah

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Mint Chocolate Cheesecake

I created this mint chocolate cheesecake for our high school's annual fundraiser. We were told that it brought a hefty price and was one of the first desserts to go! If desired, you can stir the cookie pieces into the batter instead of adding them in a layer. Keep the pieces fairly small; if they're too large they have a tendency to rise to the top. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

What could be better than a brownie crust layered with chocolate cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache? These cheesecake bars will satisfy even the biggest chocolate lovers out there. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin

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Chocolate Mallow Cookies

Cocoa, marshmallows and ready-made frosting transform the basic dough into a can’t-beat chocolate recipe. Sometimes, I’ll top each with a pecan half. —Gloria McBride, Payson, Utah

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To make a dairy-free dessert, I created chocolate peanutty bars. My kids and their friends gobble them up. I've written about it on my blog, joyfulscribblings.com. —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas

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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

My group of friends had a weekly "movie night" during winters on Martha's Vineyard, and we'd take turns making a chocolate treat to share. These terrific chocolate thumbprint cookies were an instant success. Once they debuted, I had to make them many more times. —Laura Bryant German, W. Warren, Massachusetts

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Chocolate Bonbons

My grandmother gave me this tasty chocolate bonbons recipe when I was a girl. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of her huge kitchen and all the delicious treats she made. —Joan Lewis, Reno, Nevada

Originally Published: June 05, 2019