We won’t sugarcoat it. This old-fashioned fudge recipe will test your willpower. First, it has no modern tricks to hide behind—no sweetened condensed milk or marshmallow fluff to make easy work of it. Second, you’ll have to beat it with a wooden spoon for about 6 minutes; not long in the grand scheme, but eons … Read more
This cocoa cake asks little and gives so much. But you don’t have to take our word for it: This is “hands down my favorite cake to bake,” writes one reviewer, who goes on to say it’s “always reliable and always delicious.” Another reports to have made the recipe no less than five times, and … Read more
With delectable chewy centers and crispy edges, these chocolate cookies can best be described in two words: totally satisfying. Serve them warm beneath a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a gooey, dinner party–worthy treat not unlike brownies à la mode. Pack them into an airtight container for your next picnic or bake sale. Pair … Read more
This vegan Coca-Cola cake is a delightful twist on a retro dessert, which dates back to the 1950s. Like me, this recipe was born in the South. The combination of rich cocoa with the subtle sweetness of Coca-Cola creates a moist, tender crumb and a pleasantly bittersweet flavor. Using hot Coca-Cola mimics the boiling-water method … Read more
These saucy shrimp borrow from the earthy, spicy flavors of a Mexican mole to create a one-pan recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes. To mimic the complex flavor of a slow-cooked sauce, tomato paste gets caramelized with cocoa powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne, creating a smoky, savory base. Throwing the shrimp … Read more
A portmanteau of chocolate cake and flan, chocoflan is often referred to by bakers as “pastel imposible.” It’s easy to see why: The Mexican dessert is composed of layers that mysteriously switch places as it cooks, but simple science can explain the seemingly impossible feat. The dish starts with a roasty homemade caramel set in … Read more
Cocoa powder and Old Bay seasoning combine to create a spice mix that turns nearly black when cooked yet tastes complex and anything but burnt. If using Creole seasoning instead of Old Bay, look for a blend like Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s that contains salt. But if yours doesn’t, add ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or … Read more
Cocoa powder and sweet potatoes might sound like an unexpected combination, but this recipe proves they’re actually a match made in heaven. Instead of doubling down on sweetness, the cocoa powder acts as a foil, taming the candied character of the root vegetable. Immediately adding the sesame seeds and cocoa powder to sizzling hot brown … Read more
These no-bake cookies aren’t your average stovetop chocolate oat drops. For one thing, they don’t have any peanut butter (they call for almond butter instead). Next, they get crunchy toasted almonds for amped-up flavor and texture. Third, they get chewy dried cherries for a burst of acidity that complements the fruit notes in the chocolate … Read more
Angel food cake with chocolate frosting is a dreamy dessert that requires a delicate touch. If you’re starting with store-bought cake, make sure it’s fresh and springs back when you (gently) touch it. Our go-to angel food cake recipe gets its ethereal texture from cream of tartar and finely milled cake flour, which forms less … Read more