After a nice meal—or even a hard day—a little sweetness always seems to satisfy. We’ve got hundreds of amazing desserts that hit the spot, but when you just need a little pick-me-up, you can’t go wrong with a square or two of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is a distinctly adult treat; it’s dark, complex and has that touch of bitterness that some of us love so much. Plus, there are many dark chocolate health benefits to boot—more than its cousins white and milk chocolate. However, it’s hard to find a good brand for stashing in your desk drawer or keeping in the pantry. That’s why our Test Kitchen gathered up a whopping 17 brands to put them head to head.
How We Found the Best Dark Chocolate Brand
At Taste of Home, we’ve conducted plenty of taste tests, and our panel agrees that selecting the best dark chocolate was perhaps the most difficult of them all (yep, even more challenging than sampling over a dozen hot sauces!). That’s because dark chocolate is incredibly rich and complex. Our panel wanted to be sure to pick up all the delicate notes in each chocolate bar.
After testing 17 brands and debating the merits of each, we think we found the best easy-to-find dark chocolate options out there—perfect for everyday indulgences.
via target.com
Dark chocolate should be intense, decadent and not overly sweet. Chocolove delivered on all these counts with their Strong Dark Chocolate (that contains 70% cocoa!). Testers loved this chocolate bar because the flavor was wonderfully deep with some coffee-like notes and a shockingly creamy texture that left everyone wanting to savor just one more square. This bar was bitter in the way that dark chocolate fans would certainly adore. We can see a few pieces of this chocolate being a real treat at the end of a long day.
$3 for a 3.2-ounce bar; available at retailers nationwide.
Other Great Dark Chocolate Brands
via amazon.com
Godiva Dark Chocolate
Testers also really enjoyed Godiva’s dark chocolate. This bar was incredibly smooth—which is sometimes hard to find in intensely dark chocolate. It melted on testers tongues and gave them a profoundly chocolate flavor with hints of coconut and just a touch of sweetness. Because of that extra hint of sugar, it didn’t snag our top spot, but Godiva would still be a great treat to keep on hand or to use to fill out your favorite gift basket.
Price varies; available at retailers nationwide.
via target.com
Dark chocolate is an acquired taste. The bitterness can turn some people off. For folks on the fence about dark chocolate, we recommend Dove. This brand was melt-in-your-mouth smooth and was sweeter than many other brands. This sweetness helped to temper the more bitter notes of dark chocolate. While serious dark chocolate lovers may prefer our other favorite picks, Dove is a people-pleasing chocolate to keep in your candy dish.
$4 for a 9-ounce package; available at retailers nationwide.
How to Enjoy Dark Chocolate
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a piece of dark chocolate on its own. It’s the best way to savor all those complex flavors. However, dark chocolate always has a place in our Taste of Home Test Kitchen and recipes. Dark chocolate is what makes this chocolate babka such a decadent brunch treat and this ganache-covered cake so indulgent. Used as a filling, a ganache, topping or mix-in, dark chocolate does so well in so many dark chocolate desserts.
Dark Chocolate 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
Go to Recipe
Salted Dark Chocolate TartWhen I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie, I enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet and salty tart. —Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas. If you enjoyed this recipe, then learn how to make
chocolate tart.
Dark Chocolate Raspberry FudgeSomething about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that's worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Oh also, calling all chocoholics! From cakes and brownies to pies and cookies, these top-rated
chocolate recipes are sure to satisfy.
Gob CakeThis gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. —Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Triple Chocolate Ricotta Ice CreamYou're going to fall in love with this thick, luxuriously rich ice cream made with ricotta cheese. It has a creamy texture that can't be beat. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin TrufflesThe combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California
Nut Fruit BarkHere's a sophisticated version of fruit bark. Dark chocolate turns into a rich mocha flavor with the espresso powder. If you're a fan of sweet-salty tidbits, make sure to use the sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeThe combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
Chocolate Mint Truffle TartEating a slice of this decadent dessert is like biting into a smooth truffle candy. You can vary the flavor by using raspberry-flavored chocolate baking chips.—Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Oreos and Candy Cane Chocolate BarkThere are incredible surprises in this festive bark, including dark chocolate, candy canes and cream-filled cookies. We keep a big supply ready for gift-giving. —Robin Turner, Lake Elsinore, California
Chocolate-Covered Pomegranate SeedsI dunk pomegranate seeds in chocolate to get these easy little treats friends and family love. —Jim Javorsky, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Landmark Hot ChocolateWith or without a nip of rum, my hot chocolate recipe has been a Wisconsin winter warmer for years. When the toboggan hills are calling, I skip the whipped cream and take a thermos to go. It’s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! —Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate FigsHere’s a special appetizer that won’t last long! Fruit, caramel and rich dark chocolate add a sweet touch to this grown-up dipped fruit. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Chocolate Comfort CakeThis moist and delicious chocolate cake is usually the first dessert to go. People even eat the crumbs. It’s always my top choice for holiday dinners. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Maine Potato CandyYears ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes every day and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and even candy. This chocolate potato candy recipe captures the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Dark Chocolate PuddingLife is too short to pass on dessert. This old-fashioned treat is so creamy and comforting! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Flourless Dark Chocolate CakeHere’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant and over-the-top chocolaty. For finishing touches, add powdered sugar, cocoa or liqueur-flavored whipped cream. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Vegan Chocolate MousseMy son is allergic to dairy and eggs, so I created this silky vegan chocolate mousse recipe that he could enjoy. It's also gluten-free and grain-free. If you're having company over, it can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. —Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
Rich Hot ChocolateEach winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail MixA close friend once gave me a jar of trail mix that was absolutely delicious. My re-creation comes pretty close to the original and is truly one of my favorite snacks! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
Chocolate Pomegranate CandiesThis recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
Easy Mexican BrowniesI was hosting a fun Mexican-themed cocktail party and needed a quick dessert. Dressing up an ordinary boxed brownie mix made life easy and delicious! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato PieOne of my first entries in the National Pie Championship was this impressive pie with coffee flavor and cool chocolate curls on top. —Amy Mills, Sebring, Florida
Champagne TrufflesWho can resist
champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Chocolate Salted Caramel BarsI love to experiment with different recipes and combine classic and new flavors. I've been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally have found the perfect pairing! I love salted caramel, and of course I love dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It's melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over top. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota
Dark Chocolate Espresso Tapioca PuddingI've been experimenting with espresso powder in different dishes. I really enjoy this chocolate tapioca pudding, and I hope you do, too! —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Heavenly Drinking ChocolateThe name says it all—sipping this beverage is like experiencing an out-of-this-world blend of dark and milk chocolate. The only thing that could make it better? A dollop of whipped cream on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon White & Dark Chocolate Chip CookiesI wanted to put a spin on the traditional chocolate chip cookie, and who doesn't love cinnamon? Depending on what you use to drop your cookies, the serving quantity may change. —Cassie Colosimo, Reading, Pennsylvania
Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic BarsThis hazelnut bar recipe puts a Nutella spin on the classic magic bar! Drizzle melted Nutella spread on top for extra flair. —
James Schend,
Dairy Freed
Dark Chocolate Pecan CakeMade in a single loaf pan, this doubly good chocolate cake has a nutty praline layer and two layers of fluffy whipped cream. This is the only cake my husband really likes. —Laura Draper, Garfield, Washington
Dark Chocolate Croissant Bread PuddingCroissants make an incredible base for this rich, chocolaty bread pudding. I prefer dark chocolate, but semisweet or white chocolate work, too. Garnish with your favorite nuts. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Double Chocolate Espresso Pound CakeTwo of my biggest loves in life—chocolate and coffee—come together in this velvety pound cake. Grate some extra chocolate on top and thank me later. —Rachel Bernhard Seis,
Taste of Home Senior Editor
Gingerbread TrufflesI never received compliments on my baking until I brought my gingerbread truffles to a party. Every Christmas, family, friends and even co-workers ask me to make these. —Angela Randjelovic, Independence, Ohio
Dark Chocolate Chip Zucchini BreadA colleague brought this in one day for someone’s birthday. I grow zucchini in my garden so I had a lot of opportunities to experiment with the recipe. My mother-in-law loves it, and not just because it's pretty good for you! —Sally Newton, Smethport, Pennsylvania
How We Chose the Winners
Our Taste of Home Test Kitchen and editors team up to taste all kinds of popular foods and run essential kitchen gear through the paces. We rank them, discuss and test again, if needed, to arrive at the products we recommend for you and your kitchen. Find out how we choose the best products and see everything we’ve tested.
See All Our Healthy Winners
