14 of Our Most Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipes

From flourless to frosted, there's a cake recipe sure to delight any chocolate lover.

chocolate vanilla pudding cake sliced
Credit: Lennart Weibull

If you're craving chocolate, there's nothing like a homemade chocolate cake to hit the spot—and these 14 masterpieces absolutely fit the bill. But don't for a moment think they're all just riffs on an old-fashioned chocolate cake—you'll find everything from an easy one-bowl chocolate cake to delicate layer cakes that require a bit more finesse. No matter your level of baking expertise, there's a recipe sure to fulfill your chocolate dreams.

01 of 14

Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake

flourless chocolate cake
Credit: Jonathan Lovekin

This rich and delicious cake is surprisingly easy to make, and gets an extra punch from instant espresso powder, which is incorporated into the cake and to the glaze. It's conveniently gluten-free, too!

02 of 14

Salted Caramel Six-Layer Chocolate Cake

Salted-Caramel Six-Layer Chocolate Cake
Credit: Johnny Miller

You'll want to break out the candy thermometer for this cake, but keeping a careful watch on the temperature of the caramel will pay off. You'll achieve the perfectly gooey caramel texture—and the ideal spreading texture for the chocolate frosting.

03 of 14

Dairy-Free Chocolate-Raspberry Cake

dairy-free chocolate-raspberry cake on glass cake stand
Credit: Yuki Sugiura

This showstopping holiday dessert comes together from a one-bowl batter and three-ingredient frosting. And it happens to be dairy free, thanks to almond milk in the batter and coconut milk in the frosting.

04 of 14

Chocolate-Coconut Sheet Cake

chocolate-coconut-sheet-cake-md109612.jpg
Credit: Chris Court

Everyone needs an unintimidating, foolproof cake like this one. A generous amount of coconut topping, poured over the moist cake while it's still warm, provides richness and a deliciously gooey texture.

05 of 14

Molten Chocolate-Espresso Cakes

ed-b-molten-chocolate-cake-frosted-cutting-board-411-d111666.jpg
Credit: Yuki Sugiura

These little cakes are fast and easy (though they don't look it), and are delicious plain or topped with a bit of ganache and a sprinkling of pistachios or flaky sea salt.

06 of 14

Chocolate-Flecked Layer Cake with Milk Chocolate Frosting

chocolate cake on white cake stand
Credit: Christ Court

This, tall, tender beauty is sophisticated yet uncomplicated to make. The secret to keeping the lush milk chocolate frosting from being cloying? The addition of tangy sour cream.

07 of 14

Darkest Chocolate Crepe Cake

Darkest Chocolate Crepe Cake
Credit: Dana Gallagher

Give yourself the time to make this cake, and you'll be rewarded with an incredible dessert that's part crepe, part cake and over-the-top delicious.

08 of 14

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

chocolate cake with chocolate frosting on a white platter
Credit:

Dana Gallagher

Whether you're looking for something to serve at a birthday, anniversary or going-away party, this is the cake for you. It's super-easy to make, requires just one bowl, and is wonderfully chocolatey.

09 of 14

Flourless Chocolate-Date Cake with Salted-Caramel Sauce

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Credit: Marcus Nilsson

Dates and bourbon cook down to a gorgeous purée that adds subtle sweetness and depth to this excellent dessert.

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Vegan Chocolate Cake

mandy vegan chocolate cake
Credit: Bryan Gardner

Any chocolate lover, vegan or not, will adore this indulgent cake, which features a bottom layer covered with mocha icing, and a top blanketed with ganache.

11 of 14

Chocolate Zucchini Sheet Cake with Cream-Cheese Frosting

chocolate zucchini sheet cake with cream cheese frosting
Credit: Ryan Liebe

Got too many zucchini and just can't take another loaf of zucchini bread? This cake is just the ticket. It's a party-ready sheet cake topped off with tangy cream cheese frosting.

12 of 14

Chocolate-and-Vanilla Pudding Cake

chocolate-and-vanilla pudding cake
Credit: Lennart Weibull

For those who love chocolate and vanilla, this cake has it all. Milk chocolate pudding is nestled between two layers of chocolate cake, and then topped with white-chocolate buttercream frosting.

13 of 14

Chocolate Angel Food Cake With Double-Chocolate Frosting

Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Double-Chocolate Frosting
Credit: Mike Krautter

This one is for all the chocolate lovers. Martha's recipe uses four types of chocolate for the cake, frosting, and garnish: Cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and semisweet chocolate.

14 of 14

Chocolate Sprinkle Sheet Cake

chocolate sprinkle sheet cake recipe
Credit: Con Poulos

Though simple in appearance and prep, this light chocolate cake is anything but basic. Cocoa powder adds a deep chocolate flavor, while sour cream creates a tender crumb. A fluffy buttercream frosting topped with chocolate sprinkles makes everything more fun.

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