57 Recipes to Make with Baking Chocolate

This 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

This pie recipe is one I clipped years ago that became a big hit with my husband and three daughters. I've been baking since I was 9 years old. Back then, my friends and I would get together on Saturdays to bake chocolate chip cookies...but we liked the dough so much we ate lots of it raw! Of all the cooking I do today, I think I still enjoy baking best. —Diane Larson, Roland, Iowa

Time to give rum cake a little competition! If this boozy take on monkey bread is too strong for your taste, cut back on the bourbon or use milk as a non-alcoholic substitute. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

This recipe came from an old family friend and is always high on everyone's cookie request list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri

This fudge is virtually foolproof and so creamy you won't believe it. I've searched for years for the richest fudge, and this one does it for me. You can add just about anything you like to customize it.—Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

One of the nice things about this easy pudding is you don't have to stand and stir it. It's a must for us at Christmas—at Thanksgiving and Easter, too! I also make it into a pie with graham cracker crust that our grandchildren love. —Amber Sampson, Somonauk, Illinois

To say this cake is elegant would be an understatement. It’s worthy of special occasions, but so easy to whip together you can enjoy it any day of the week. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York

This cookie recipe makes a big batch, which comes in handy during the holidays. The green center adds a festive touch. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan

Family and friends always "ooh" and "aah" when I bring out this tempting cheesecake after holiday dinners! Filled with peanut butter and cream cheese and drizzled with chocolate in a fudge crust, it's a showstopper. —H.L. Sosnowski, Grand Island, New York

Brownies are a common dessert in our household - they're just about the only form of chocolate my husband will eat! I love this version that makes a big batch and has a rich cream-cheese layer in the center.

After a friend who had recently traveled to Baltimore sent me a package of Berger cookies, I was hooked. They disappeared so quickly, I decided to try to re-create them at home. After many tests and tweaks, my husband and I gained 6 pounds between the two of us, but it was worth it—I landed on a reproduction of the famous cookie I'm so proud of. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

These custards puff up slightly while baking, creating beautiful, golden crowns. Kahlua brings a mild coffee flavor to the heavenly chocolate sauce.—Cheryl Tucker, Houston, Texas

For a refreshing end to a rich meal, try this freezer finale. Its intriguing interior and pretty color scheme are bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

A tower of creme de menthe-flavored puffs makes a spectacular centerpiece for your dessert table. Guests will have this sumptuous pyramid deconstructed in no time at all! —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Who doesn't love a steamy mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day? Now you can give friends, neighbors, co-workers or anyone who deserves a treat the pleasure of this indulgent drink with these giftable hot chocolate pods. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This show-stopping cake roll was one of the first “complicated” recipes I ever attempted to prepare. I discovered it was easier to make than I’d thought--and worth every bit of effort! — Joan Carrico, Grand Junction, Colorado

When I was growing up, my mom made these delicious candies every Christmas. They were my favorite then and still are today. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Since chocolate mint is my favorite flavor combination, these dainty frosted treats are hard to resist. But I manage to save some for guests, because they make my cookie trays look so elegant. —Anne Revers, Omaha, Nebraska

Here’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

How's this for a dish—all the joy of a banana split without the mess. Everything in my recipe fits into one pan of delectable brownie bars. —Connee Sheckler, Chestertown, Maryland

If you're thinking about pulling out all the stops for a dessert that says "wow," look no further. This cherry-crowned beauty—stacked layers of chocolate cake and cream filling—will have everyone talking. —Doris Grotz, York, Nebraska

I have to give my husband credit for this idea—since we love chocolate and orange together, he suggested I come up with this recipe. Now they're not only his favorite, but also the whole family's. I'm always asked to bake these brownies for family gatherings. —Elinor Townsend, North Grafton, Massachusetts

It's hard to resist this chocolaty cheesecake with its fudgy crust, crunchy pecans and gooey layer of caramel. I combined several recipes to create this version that satisfies both the chocolate lovers and the cheesecake lovers in my family. —Brenda Ruse, Truro, Nova Scotia

Before we five kids headed off to school each day, Mom took our requests for that day's dinner. I usually asked her to make these cookies for dessert, and she would rarely disappoint. I still enjoy them today. —Patricia Ramczyk, Appleton, Wisconsin

I make this cake on birthdays and other special occasions because it looks and tastes so amazing. The combination of mild hazelnut and coffee flavors is impossible to resist. —Christina Pope, Speedway, Indiana

My husband and I have two sons and I sent these brownies to them regularly when they were in college. They told me that they used to hide a few from their roommates just to make sure there would be some left! —Patsy Burgin, Lebanon, Indiana

I sandwich vanilla custard between tender, cake-like cookies. With their shiny chocolate glaze, these bite-size cookies remind me of Boston cream pie. —Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky

Our family absolutely loves zucchini, especially when we grow it ourselves. We’ve found many ways to use it, including this spiced cake that’s super moist and chocolaty good. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan

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 won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

These cake-like brownies have a rich crunchy oat crust and a smooth homemade chocolate frosting. A packaged brownie mix makes the recipe easy to prepare. You can make it even easier by using canned frosting. —Diana Otterson, Canandaigua, New York

During college, my student job was in the bakery. These Red Velvet Cookies take me back to that special place and time. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota

This confection's a proven winner—it earned LuAnn Heikkila a blue ribbon and was named Division Champion at the county fair in her hometown of Floodwood, Minnesota! "It's our favorite," she adds. "I'm the third generation in the family to make it."—LuAnn Heikkila, Floodwood, Minnesota

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, Palenstine, Illinois

I love inventing my own recipes and entering contests—I won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for this one!

My family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! —Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan

I send these to family and friends in other areas of the country. The citrusy, two-tone treats bring a taste of the Sunshine State. — Geordyth Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

Yes, you can watch your diet and enjoy treats, too! These healthy brownies are the perfect cure for a serious chocolate craving. —Rita Ross, Delta, Ohio

For the family cookbook, my cousin submitted a cookie I've tinkered with, and it’s a showstopper. These dreamy cookies with chocolate and mint pretty much melt in your mouth. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia

These tender chocolate loaves with hints of pumpkin and spice have been a favorite of mine for years. Slice them up for snack time or dessert. —Kathy Gardner, Rockville, Maryland

If you love brownies and fudge, why not combine the two? Mix up a pan of these exquisite brownies for any holiday or special gatherings...or just when you want to treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate dessert. —Judy Olson, Whitecourt, Alberta

If you want to offer family and friends a dessert that really stands out from the rest, this is the cake to make. Beautiful high layers of rich sponge cake are drizzled with a succulent chocolate glaze. —Erma Fox, Memphis, Missouri

My grandma loved these so much, she would hide them from my grandpa! I think of her every time I make a batch. Like Mexican spice? Try stirring in a little chili powder. —Michele Lovio, Thousand Oaks, California

For an adventurous cake, try this recipe. People might need a little coaxing to try it but once they do, they will love it.—The Fremont Company

When it’s baking time, my family lobbies for these Mexican crinkle cookies. You can replace 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate with 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder plus 1 Tbsp. shortening, butter or oil.—Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri

Anyone with a sweet tooth will make a beeline for my dessert tray when these rich squares show up. They're attractive on the platter and delectable with fudge and coconut. —Beverly Zdurne, East Lansing, Michigan

This German chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It's so silky and smooth, you won't be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas

If you crave brownies but not the longer baking time, try these quick chocolaty cookies shared by Mary Turner from Blountville, Tennessee. "I usually make them for the holidays, but they're good any time of year," she says.

I’ve enjoyed this dessert several times at a friend’s house, and it never ceases to be delightful. The tender, impressive cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves coffee or chocolate!—Susan Bettinger, Battle Creek, Michigan

Baked in small ramekins, my little spiced puddings are sized just right for individual servings. They're fun to eat and look pretty with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. —Donna Childs, New York, New York

Everything about this dessert, from the pretty presentation to its silky smooth texture, says "special." Rich chocolate is accented by the flavor of sweet, ripe berries perfectly. —Susan Asanovic, Wilton, Connecticut

My chocolaty triangles layered with raspberry jam are a must during the holiday season. The cakelike bars look festive, and one batch goes a long way.—Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

My chai-flavored tart boasts chocolate and caramel layers tucked inside a salty pretzel crust. Truffles on top make it extra indulgent. —Chantal Bourbon, Montreal, Quebec

I grew up in Italy eating these every Christmas. I have such fond memories that I make them every year and give them to friends.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

You can make almost any dessert more awesome with chocolate. In this cream pie, fresh banana and chocolate make a truly irresistible combo. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

These creamy, truffle-like goodies are on my cookie tray every Christmas. If you like, prepare them up to three days ahead of time--just store them in the refrigerator.

This is one of my husband's favorite winter drinks. I love the minty, chocolaty recipe because it's like Christmas in a cup. Be sure to use fresh mint leaves and don't skimp on the chocolate or whipped cream either! —Alyssa Ponticello, Brooklyn, New York