Chocolate Cake Recipes

Birthday? Anniversary? Going-away party? This super-easy, one-bowl layer cake is the perfect dessert for any gathering of chocolate buffs.

German chocolate cake is defined by its iconic coconut-pecan frosting; for this recipe, we've bucked tradition and tucked it inside of this Bundt cake instead. Here's the trick: Transfer the batter to the pan, then spoon on the gooey goodness—we used a small ice cream scoop for easy release and evenly distributed dollops. It settles into the middle while baking, so when you cut through that glossy ganache, a scrumptious surprise awaits.

This beauty is baked with a splash of Chambord and layered with a sweet raspberry filling, both of which offer bright counterpoints to the thick layer of chocolate-cream cheese frosting and whole berries scattered on top. You won't be able to have just one slice.

Chocolate lovers will adore this dessert. The edges and top develop a delicately crisp crust while the center remains moist and fudgy.

Baking an easy dessert like this chocolate cake can be almost as thrilling for a birthday girl or boy as blowing out the candles. 

If you don't own a candy thermometer, this cake offers a good excuse to buy one. It sounds a little nitpicky, but the caramel should reach exactly 238 degrees. (Any less and the cake layers won't hold together properly; any more and the caramel will turn hard.) Precision will also pay off with the chocolate frosting—it achieves its ideal spreading texture after standing for 30 minutes.

An American-born beauty, the cheesecake gets upgraded with a triple dose of chocolate. It's in the crust, in the filling, and over the top. To help prevent cracks, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for an hour. To cut the cleanest slices, use a knife dipped in warm water.

This sweet and simple sheet cake marries two great flavors that just plain belong together: rich and tender chocolate cake, and creamy peanut-butter frosting. For maximum fluff, go for a classic smooth variety of peanut butter, and plug in your mixer—manpower alone won't be enough. Scatter chopped peanuts along the edges for any crunchy fans in the house.

This crowd-pleaser is moist, dense, and ultra-chocolaty. Lift it out of the pan with its parchment-paper liner, so the shiny chocolate glaze is free to drizzle down the sides.

With three shades of chocolate, these cakes are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the sweet tooth.

Made with dark chocolate and almond flour, this special occasion-worthy cake is surprisingly light and airy thanks to the addition of egg whites and just happens to be gluten-free. Serve with whipped creme fraiche and a tumble of fresh raspberries.

You won't taste the pureed beets, but they make this cake extra moist and play up its deep chocolate flavor.