Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, or you’re hit with a sudden chocolate craving, or you’re planning an intimate Valentine’s day meal, or looking for a quick chocolate treat for unexpected guests, these easy chocolate desserts will save the day!
From enduring classics such as chocolate chip cookies to liquid chocolate gold like classic French hot chocolate and pure unadulterated chocolate decadence like chocolate ganache tart, these are the best chocolate desserts that you can whip up with ease.
This curated list of quick and easy chocolate desserts will help you make the most satisfying chocolate treat, no matter the occasion or reason.
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Cakes and cupcakes
Whether it’s an over-the-top celebration or a simple sweet treat for the chocolate lovers in your life, you just can’t go wrong with a chocolate cake or cupcake.
1. Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
Molten lava cake (Chocolate fondant)
These are one of the easiest chocolate desserts ever! Ready in well under 30 minutes, with only a 15 minute prep time. An impressive chocolate treat to serve, no matter the occasion. Perfect for novice bakers.
Chocolate molten lava cake recipe
2. Chocolate Torte
Flourless chocolate torte
This flourless chocolate torte (flourless chocolate cake) is another easy and quick, intensely chocolatey dessert to make.Only 20 minutes prep time. It's the perfect easy chocolate dessert for a crowd. Gluten free, and can be made ahead and frozen too.An easy and impressive Valentine's day recipe too.
Chocolate torte recipe
3. Chocolate bundt cake
Chocolate bundt cake with chocolate glaze
The chocolate ganache glaze is super chocolatey, moist, easy to make, and a total showstopper! This is one of my most requested chocolate cakes, and you can make it all in one bowl too. Easy peasy, not too messy.And you can make it ahead of time, and freeze leftovers too.
Chocolate bundt cake recipe
4. Classic chocolate cake
Chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting
My easy, foolproof classic chocolate layer cake recipe, not too fudgy, perfectly moist, light and fluffy with a close, soft and sturdy crumb. This is easily my most requested chocolate cake recipe, and it’s slathered in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate buttercream frosting to boot!
Classic chocolate cake recipe
5. Chocolate Cupcakes
One bowl chocolate cupcakes
Just 15 minutes prep time and 20 minutes bake time for this super easy one bowl chocolate cupcake recipe!Deep, delicious chocolate flavor, with a super moist, soft crumb. Just like my vanilla cupcakes recipe, this too is a well tested, foolproof, crowd favorite recipe!
Chocolate cupcakes recipe
6. Chocolate Sheet Cake
One bowl chocolate sheet cake
The simplest, fudgiest one bowl chocolate cake with creamy chocolate buttercream frosting! 30 minutes prep time and 30 minutes bake time for an extra fudgy one bowl chocolate sheet cake that will rock your world!
Chocolate sheet cake recipe
7. Chocolate self saucing pudding cake
Hot fudge chocolate pudding cake
A one-of-a-kind, super easy, extra fudgy, gooey chocolate cake with its own supply of fudgy chocolate sauce at the bottom! How fun is that?Made with basic pantry-staple basic ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep time. A versatile recipe, perfect for dinner parties and entertaining on short notice. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and dessert is covered!
Self saucing chocolate cake recipe
Custards and puddings
Dessert custards and puddings are super versatile. Easy to whip up, easy to make for a crowd, or easy to make individual portions, they are tailor-made for entertaining – either yourself or friends and family! 😊
8. Chocolate Cremeux
Creamy chocolate cremeux
A silky smooth, rich, easy chocolate dessert that tastes absolutely divine. What's not to love? Chocolate cremeux is a dessert made with creme anglaise (pouring custard) as the base. Then chocolate and butter (and sometimes gelatin) are added for flavor, thickening and stability. As far as easy chocolate desserts with few ingredients go, it's hard to beat a luscious treat like this.
Chocolate cremeux recipe
9. Chocolate Pudding
Creamy chocolate pudding
This chocolate pudding is made from scratch, very creamy, and super chocolatey! 10 minutes prep time and 10 minutes cook time. Perfectly sweet, not too indulgent, with a deep chocolate flavor. Just like classic vanilla pudding, this chocolate version is always a crowd favorite too!
Chocolate pudding recipe
10. Chocolate ice cream
Homemade chocolate ice cream
Store-bought chocolate ice cream always lacks that deep, rich chocolate flavor and creamy, fudgy texture. This homemade chocolate ice cream fixes all of that!The custard is made with egg yolks for a creamy ice cream base, and I use cocoa powder AND melted chocolate for a double dose of thick, rich chocolate flavor!
Chocolate ice cream recipe
11. Sri Lankan Chocolate Biscuit Pudding
Sri Lankan chocolate biscuit pudding (No bake cookie cake)
This no bake cookie cake is a classic Sri Lankan dessert recipe!Alternating layers of milk-soaked Maria cookies and soft, creamy chocolate buttercream for a deceptively delicious chocolate treat that runs the risk of habit-forming!
Sri Lankan chocolate biscuit pudding recipe
12. Chocolate Mousse
Perfect chocolate mousse
This quick and easy chocolate dessert is creamy, airy, melt-in-your-mouth smooth and delicious! This dark chocolate mousse recipe does not use raw eggs, so it's safe for consumption for any and every one!
Chocolate mousse recipe
13. Chocolate pastry cream
Chocolate crème pâtissière
Just like my vanilla pastry cream, this too is a deeply rich, creamy custard. It’s the base for chocolate pudding, and serves as a delicious filling for choux pastry, cream puffs, chocolate eclairs, profiteroles, chocolate cream puffs, and other French pastry recipes.This recipe is gluten free and dairy free friendly too.
Chocolate pastry cream recipe
14. Chocolate whipped cream
Chocolate chantilly cream
Perfectly sweetened, super chocolatey, smooth, light chocolate chantilly cream that's naturally stabilized due to one simple trick I use. Perfect as a luscious whipped cream frosting, topping, or filling.
Chocolate whipped cream recipe
15. Chocolate pudding pie
No bake chocolate pudding pie
This irresistibly creamy, smooth, foolproof no bake pudding pie is made with a chocolate pudding filling, cookie crust, and it also has a surprise popping element! The pudding actually pops and crackles in your mouth as you eat it, because I add popping candy (also known as pop rocks) to the crust! 😊
No bake chocolate pudding pie recipe
Cookies and bars
Cookies and bar recipes are a perennial dessert staple, and that’s no surprise. Quick and easy to whip up a batch, they are always a kid-favorite, adult-favorite, and crowd-favorite! I mean, who can say no to fudgy brownies?
16. Classic chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies
Everyone has their own version of their favorite chocolate chip cookie. The best thing about this detailed recipe is that I show you how to easily tweak each ingredient to get the BEST flavor and texture profile that YOU love! Plus, I make these soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies with brown butter to infuse even more incredible flavor!
Chocolate chip cookies recipe
17. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
The best double chocolate chip cookies
What's better than classic chocolate chip cookies? Double chocolate chip cookies, of course!Soft, chewy, and as easy as the classic version, you'll be treated to a chocolate bonanza with every bite. Easy to customize to your liking, you can even make triple chocolate chip cookies!
Double chocolate chip cookies recipe
18. Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Buttery chocolate shortbread cookies
These are easy chocolate desserts made with cocoa powder. Deliciously buttery and crumbly, deeply chocolate flavored chocolate shortbread cookies!Just like my classic shortbread cookie recipe, this too is a well-tested foolproof recipe, that guarantees perfectly crumbly, not overly sweet shortbread cookies.30 minutes prep time and 30 minutes bake time for another chocolate classic!
Chocolate shortbread cookies recipe
19. Chocolate Brownies
Fudgy chocolate brownies
The BEST fudgy chocolate brownies ever! Seriously.This brownie recipe uses cocoa powder (instead of melted chocolate) to make double fudge (i.e. EXTRA fudgy) cocoa brownies.Just 15 minutes of prep time for a piece of fudgy chocolate nirvana!
Chocolate brownies recipe
20. Brookies
Brookie bars
Why choose between fudgy chocolate brownies or chocolate chip cookies or blondies when you can have all three in one decadent, fudgy, chocolate treat? These brookie bars are so simple to make, and I elevate the flavor even more with brown butter. Perfect for crowds, and they freeze well too.
Brookies recipe
Candy
I always have so much fun making candy recipes and bite-sized treats because they can pack quite a punch in terms of flavor!
Loved by kids and adults alike, these are great for the holidays and for gift-giving, but honestly we make these any time of the year.
21. Chocolate marshmallows
Perfect chocolate marshmallows
My homemade vanilla marshmallows are a much-loved, popular recipe. Just like the vanilla version, these are melt-in-your-mouth soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet! I use a cocoa powder paste to make these, which results in a rich, intense chocolate flavor, without ever drying out the chocolate marshmallows.
Chocolate marshmallows recipe
22. Mars Bar Slice
Mars bar slice (Mars rice krispie treats)
Mars bar slice is the rice krispie treat version that I grew up with. Rice krispies mixed with melted Mars bars, and topped with a layer of chocolate!Just 15 minutes prep time and 20 minutes cook time for these crunchy, no bake, easy chocolate desserts!
Mars bar slice recipe
23. Chocolate Truffles
Homemade chocolate truffles
These are the perfect bite-sized quick chocolate dessert to make that are universally enjoyed by everyone at parties and potlucks! These easy, creamy, smooth truffles are great for gift-giving during the holidays too.Variations – Chocolate champagne truffles, Peppermint chocolate truffles
Chocolate truffles recipe
24. Dark Chocolate Rum Balls
Dark chocolate rum balls (Rum truffles)
These rum balls (rum truffles) are not for the faint of heart. Intensely chocolatey, boozy and fudgy, these cookie balls are the perfect indulgent Christmas recipe.They are easy, no bake, vegan-friendly, and dairy free-friendly. Variations – Bourbon gingerbread truffles, Chocolate beer truffles
Chocolate rum balls recipe
25. Chocolate and Peanut Butter Balls
Buckeyes (Chocolate and peanut butter balls)
If you're looking to whip up some quick chocolate desserts, you can't go wrong with this classic flavor combo! This easy chocolate peanut butter dessert is a kid-favorite snack!They are very easy to make, with just 20 minutes prep time. Buckeye candy is great for gift-giving during the holidays too.
Buckeyes recipe
26. Chocolate Chia Bliss Balls
Chocolate chia bliss balls
These healthy chocolate chia bliss balls are possibly the quickest chocolate dessert to put together, ready in under 10 minutes!They are vegan and paleo, and you only need 4 ingredients to make these no bake easy chocolate desserts.
Chia bliss balls recipe
Pastry and tarts
These are always impressive to make and a great way to wow your guests (and yourself!). Any time I have friends over or we are hosting a potluck for the holidays, a pastry or a tart is a certainty.
And there’s always extra love when I make it a decadent chocolate treat!
27. Chocolate choux pastry
Chocolate choux pastry
Chocolate choux pastry is just as easy to make as my classic choux pastry with this detailed step by step guide. Made with cocoa powder, this chocolate choux pastry recipe makes the BEST chocolate cream puffs ever, paired with a delicious chantilly cream filling!
Chocolate choux pastry recipe
28. Chocolate cream puffs
Double chocolate cream puffs
Deeply cocoa-flavored, light, crisp chocolate choux pastry filled with a super chocolatey, smooth, light chocolate whipped cream filling!A chocolate lover's dream dessert, these cream puffs never fail to deliver. Every time I take these to a potluck or dinner party or special event, they are the first item to disappear!
Chocolate cream puffs recipe
29. Chocolate Tart
Chocolate ganache tart
This simple chocolate ganache tart is a fancy, decadent chocolate dessert.A rich, creamy chocolate ganache filling, paired with a crisp, bittersweet chocolate pâte sucrée crust. A simple yet elegant dessert.Good quality dark chocolate chips will guarantee a deep flavor that will satisfy all of your chocolate cravings! Drizzle the surface with some salted caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
Chocolate tart recipe
Other no bake goodies
From hot chocolate drinks to fudge sauce and caramels, you don’t need an oven to create some chocolate decadence with these no bake desserts.
30. Chocolate crepes
Chocolate crepes
If you enjoy classic French crepes, you’ll LOVE their chocolate counterpart! Soft, delicious, and very chocolatey, these chocolate crepes aren’t just for breakfast and brunch, they make an excellent light dessert too. Serve with some fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce or powdered sugar on top, and these would be perfect as dessert for breakfast on Valentine’s day! I show you how to make these vegan and gluten free as well.
Chocolate crepes recipe
31. Chocolate caramels
Easy chocolate caramels
There’s no tempering chocolate or dipping in chocolate involved here. These are easy, soft, chewy, bittersweet chocolate caramels, where the chocolate is simply mixed in with the caramel base. But you will require a candy thermometer. These are very make ahead friendly, and great for gift-giving too.
Chocolate caramels recipe
32. French Hot Chocolate
French hot chocolate (Parisian hot chocolate)
This French hot chocolate is unlike any hot chocolate you've had before! You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this deeply chocolatey and flavorful, thick, luscious drinking chocolate. Ready in 30 minutes, with just 10 minutes of prep time. Variations – Vegan and dairy free hot chocolate, Rocky road hot chocolate, Rum and peppermint white hot chocolate, Homemade hot chocolate mix
French hot chocolate recipe
33. Peanut butter hot chocolate
Peanut butter hot chocolate
Another classic peanut butter chocolate combo! Thick, luscious, not too sweet, quick and easy, you just can’t go wrong with a hot chocolate like this Adaptable recipe, easy to make in larger batches, and vegan-friendly as well.
Peanut butter hot chocolate recipe
34. Hot Fudge Sauce
Chocolate hot fudge sauce
Super easy hot fudge sauce that's ready in 10 minutes! Thick, rich, fudgy, intensely chocolatey, this rich fudge sauce is perfect on ice cream sundaes, or to make the BEST chocolate shakes ever!
Hot fudge sauce recipe
35. Chocolate Magic Shell
Chocolate magic shell sauce
A luscious chocolate sauce that immediately hardens into a shell when poured on something cold like a delicious ice cream? You only need 2 ingredients to make a classic chocolate magic shell. Easy to make, easy to customize, always a kid-favorite!Variations – White chocolate magic shell
Chocolate magic shell recipe
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