Chocolate is on the brain, and not just because Valentine's Day is this month. That's because, well, chocolate is always on our minds. And also because we're debuting a new series of chocolate recipes this month (including a special version of… Recipe of the year), plus a list of flavored cocoa available in our STOREeach of which brings its own unique characteristics to the baking feast.
From special occasions to everyday treats, we've got a chocolate cake for every occasion you might need one – and more.
Photography by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne
When baking for a hot date night: Chocolate Date Cake
Dates may secretly be the best ingredient you can pair with chocolate, especially in cake form. Notes of caramel are paired with the bitter flavor of cocoa, while the sweet texture of soaked and chopped dates gives this cake an irresistibly sweet and moist texture. Made with chopped chocolate and cocoathis is the sweet treat missing from your next Valentine's Day.
Photography by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne
When you want Italian rainbow cookies, but also chocolate: Ombre Chocolate Candy Bars
These striped bars have the soft texture and almond flavor of Italian rainbow cookies and the cocoa flavor of a classic chocolate cake. Sandwich the tricolor layers with the jam of your choice and drizzle with chocolate glaze to assemble.
Photography by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne
When you know breakfast will be better with chocolate: Triple Chocolate Coffee Cake
our Recipe of the year it's a coffee cake that takes on different shapes and flavors, and this version is for those of us who can't get enough chocolate in our lives (or breakfasts). Its name comes from the three forms of chocolate used in the cake itself: chocolate milk (!), cocoa powderAND mini chocolate chips.
Food photography and styling by Liz Neily
When you want to use your sourdough, throw in: Chocolate Sour Dough Cake
If you're drowning in flame, there are few better ways to use it than in a chocolate cake. In this recipe it's mixed with pantry staples including oil, sugar, flour, eggs and milk to yield a moist sheet cake that goes well with confectioners' sugar icing and a chocolate drizzle.
Food photography and styling by Liz Neily
When you (or loved ones) are eating these but still need dessert: Keto Friendly Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake stops for nothing and no one, not even a keto diet. If you or someone you're cooking for is looking for a low-carb, low-sugar cake, this keto-friendly chocolate cake is it. It is made with Wheat Flour Keto AND Baking sugar alternativeboth of which replicate their traditional counterparts for a soft single-layer cake.
Photography by Kristin Teig; food styling by Liz Neily
When you want something very rich: Flourless chocolate cake
The absence of flour in this gluten-free cake makes it dense, rich and decadent, like a truffle masquerading as cake. Chocolate chips and butter are melted together, then combined with sugar, eggs, cocoa and flavorings for a simple batter. You could add the chocolate ganache glaze, but really, this cake is nice enough that it's not even necessary. A dollop of sugar-free cream or creme fraiche adds a fresh pop of color to complement.
Photography by Mark Weinberg; food styling by Lydia Fournier
When you need a classic fail-proof birthday cake: Chocolate cake
Whether it's a ninth or ninetieth birthday, chocolate cake is always the perfect party dessert. This version is a nostalgic classic that relies on a few tricks to ensure success every time: the oil ensures it never comes out dry, the brewed coffee adds flavor, and the simple cream makes decorating a breeze. You can use either natural or Dutch process cocoa here; Dutch process cake will be darker in color and slightly less sweet.
Photography by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Lydia Fournier
When you want an impressive cake that will make your jaws drop: Chocolate Caramel Cake
For a next-level chocolate layer cake, try this recipe. Sure, it's a lot of effort, but it's worth it: The visual contrast of the smooth white cream, the deep layer of chocolate cake, and the thick caramel filling makes a slice so beautiful, you almost don't want to eat it. Almost.
Photography by Danielle Sykes; Food Styling by Liz Neily
When you prefer to make a special occasion cake that skips the stacking: Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake
Of course, not all of us are the most confident cake decorators. If layered cakes make you panic, try the deliciously dense Bundt cake instead, which relies on decorating Bundt form and a thick layer of glossy ganache for an attractive presentation – no piping bags needed.
Photography by Kristin Teig; food styling by Liz Neily
When you need chocolate cake right this second: The Original King Arthur Cake
There are few things more urgent than hitting a sudden chocolate craving. Enjoy it in just over half an hour with this simple and straightforward recipe, which can even be mixed right in the pan it's baked in (hence the name). Although basic, the resulting cake is endlessly moist and deeply chocolatey – just what you're looking for in a light cake.
Shilpa Iyer
When you're on the go: Mocha Whoopie Pies
Not all cakes are actually cakes. (Ponder that, Socrates.) If you're looking for an option for weekday lunches or outdoor picnics, casing pies are the way to go. Plus, there's something wonderfully nostalgic about these childhood bakes, whether you're making them for (or with!) kids or just indulging your inner child.
Food photography and styling by Liz Neily
When you can use a trip to Europe, in cake form: Sachertorte
When I was in Vienna with friends years ago, I had only one obligatory excursion: we had to go to the Sacher Hotel to try their Sacher Torte. This classic cake dates back to 1832 and is famous in the hotel itself and throughout Vienna, where you can find countless iterations of this delicate chocolate sandwich cake with apricot jam and covered in chocolate glaze.
Dutch process, natural, black… ever wonder what the difference is between all those different types of cacao, anyway? For more on how to choose cocoa powder and the effect it has on your baking, see our previous post: Types of cacao, explained.
Cover picture (Chocolate Sour Dough Cake) and food styling by Liz Neily.
